Read the following article excerpt about the John Brown trial of 1859 and answer the question.
We rejoice that old BROWN has been hung. He was not only a murderer of innocent persons, but he attempted one of the greatest crimes against society—the stirring up of a servile and civil war. He has paid the penalty for his crimes, and we hope his fate may be a warning to all who might have felt inclined to imitate his aggressive conduct.
—Cincinnati Enquirer
Which word shows a particularly strong connotation?