As far as I know, it’s not accurate. Brown brought the pikes because he knew that slaves wouldn’t immediately know how to use a percussion cap rifle (much more complex operation than a modern firearm) and would need a more intuitive weapon until they could be trained. Even against early 20th century guns, spears could still be effective in urban or rough terrain, which was the only terrain Brown ever planned to fight on.
> John Brown [...] had pikes brought in for the freed slaves because he didn’t trust them with guns
That doesn't strike me as sound military strategy, particularly in a society where rifled (and hence long range) firearms are common.
Absolutely nothing Brown did in Harpers Ferry should be considered "sound military strategy"
Indeed. Have you read *Flashman and the Angel of the Lord*? It's my main source for the events at Harper's Ferry (as well as being a fun read).
I have not, but it sounds like I'll have to!
Yes, do!
As far as I know, it’s not accurate. Brown brought the pikes because he knew that slaves wouldn’t immediately know how to use a percussion cap rifle (much more complex operation than a modern firearm) and would need a more intuitive weapon until they could be trained. Even against early 20th century guns, spears could still be effective in urban or rough terrain, which was the only terrain Brown ever planned to fight on.