In the early twilight of October 186_(sic), the barking of dogs disturbed Jesse Lee Bennett, gentleman farmer of Ashland, Baltimore County, Maryland! He saw one of his fifty(?) or more slaves opening a gate and aiding a man in ministerial coat to alight from a travel stained buggy.

The stranger introduced himself as Dr. Brown - a Methodist minister and he asked if he might spend the night. He was warmly welcomed by the master and his wife Naomi (Naomi Beasman) and her three small children Francis Worthington, Sarah Rebecca and Vacheal Beasman.

The divine was shown to a guest room, a large apartment with five windows [East room] commanding a fine view of rolling acres and the winding Potapsco river. A mountainous high four post bed with feather mattress covered with a star of the east quilt - a Chippendale chest with tiny shaving mirror flanked by blue glass bottles - a low apple wood bureau, the top decorated by red crocheted mats - the first work of little Sarah. A massive wardrobe, two Adams straight chairs upholstered in needle point, a clawfoot candle table and wash stand with luster bowl and pitcher; frilled white Swiss curtains tied with blue piquet edged ribbon and a Brussels carpet completed the furnishings. A luxurious abode thought Dr. Brown as he waited for the servant to bring warm water to remove the stains of his journey. He was accustomed to every attension and had visited many wealthy plantations in the last year.

The Bennett farm comprised only 300 acres but 100 was in virgin timber and the north branch of the Potapsco river winding through its meadow land produced lush crops of wheat and corn. The property had been bought in 1843 by Jesse Bennett of Bennett Park, as the old place was called in memory of early Bennetts in England. He gave this new acreage to his son upon his marriage to Naomi Beasman daughter of _____whose property, a grant under King George III of England, called Mt. Pleasant & Folly Quarter, adjoined the Bennetts.

Ashland, named for the birthplace of Henry Clay was comprised of various tracts with such interesting names as "Peter’s addition to his second adventure", "white oak bottom", "Hopewell (3 more?). A square field stone house of six rooms in the meadow near a spring, had been on the land at the time of purchase. The walls were sixteen inches thick and only tiny windows admitted the air and sunlight. Here Francis Worthington Bennett was born. The big house high on the hill was in the process of construction. The slaves made the brick, cut and hewed the timber & pegs and Jesse designed his own home. Twelve inch walls and wide sills and windows. A rectangular building - chimneys at either end with a covered portico entrance leading to a center hall - an ell making the large dining (room) opening out to a flagged stone porch with gallery above - another covered porch leading to the kitchen & cabin. Surrounding the house planted at regular intervals were fragrant honey locust trees & four weeping willows marked the four corners. The locust was chosen because it is a clean tree yet casts abundant shade in hot weather and in early spring sends forth pungent blossoms. A box wood walk led to the main entrance facing south, and commanding an extensive view. The sloping ground was planted with myrtle and blue bottles and crocus pushed through a carpet of white violets in early spring - Naomi’s favorite flower, the moss rose was planted every where.

Supper was announced. Dr. Brown descended. A well worn bible was clasped in his hand. The family assembled - the house servants standing in the hall & door way. A portion of the scripture read in such moving tones that small Beasman began to whimper and took refuge in his mammy’s arms. Prayers said, then a blessing at table. The country ham cured by a special Bennett receipt(sic) and smoked with hickory wood & boiled in wine - white corn bread - butter milk biscuits - fried chicken & fritters preserves jellies pickles pie and an especially fine flavored wild grape wine was humbly offered the preacher. He it was remarked praised and did justice to the fare.

The silver branch candelabra were lighted and conversation flowed easily. The topics of the day were discussed but the all absorbing one of politics was closed when Dr. Brown said that he did not give his time to such things. He praised Ashland, the happy family, the self supporting farm, the healthy slaves, the clean cabins and the general peace on earth good will towards man that it seemed to illustrate. Finally the grandfather clock chimed a late hour and their guest said good night and God bless you. With this kind benediction the master & his wife and children slept in peace not knowing, alas! That the wheels of a merciless, grinding fate had been set in motion.

Dr. Brown left at dawn. How quiet he must have been when he made his stealthy departure. For days an undefinable restlessness was noted. Carlessness(sic) was observed. The wood boxes were not filled - A horse was allowed to founder - Slaves had to be called twice - more food was requested - a negro was discovered listening at the main house door and finally a long over due letter arrived. A warning. The traveling preacher was the notorious John Brown. His trip had been carefully & cunningly planned. In the wee hours of the night he had gone from cabin to cabin urging & exciting the slaves to rebel against the master - with threats of damnation & fear he had left them shaken and trembling to continue his nefarious work.

1^st draft - not enough details of house.