causes of the civil war

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…an armed force of 21 men about 8 km (5 mi) from Harpers Ferry, and on Oct. 16, 1859, they seized the town and occupied the federal arsenal. The town was soon surrounded by local militia, and federal troops under Robert E. Lee arrived the next day. Ten of Brown's army died in the ensuing battle, and Brown himself was wounded. Arrested and charged with treason, Brown conducted himself with great courage and displayed considerable skill in arousing Northern sympathy.