[6] Sennott make known he was honored to defend the Black agitators, and he boldly condemned slavery.
[11][12] They attended a private meeting hosted by Deacon Palmer, in which they were questioned about loyalty and responded they would not hang the American flag outside.
[12] A speech by Sennott was published in the 1860s, titled The Beauties of Puritanic Abolitionism; Withering Denunciations of Power-Proud Aristocrats, which discussed the Boston trial.
[12] There was no proof that the Gordons had done any act, or given any aid, or tried to obstruct enlistment, or otherwise to assist in the war; and this case was dropped.
In March 1860, right before the execution of two other Brown raiders, Albert Hazlett and Aaron Dwight Stevens, Sennott addressed the Virginia Legislature and pleaded for mercy.
[1][18][19] Anecdotes were published about Sennott, making light of his drinking, behavior in court, and sauciness.