John Brown, Soldier of Fortune: A Critique

John Brown

Soldier of Fortune

A Critique

[Illustration: John Brown]




JOHN BROWN

SOLDIER OF FORTUNE

_A Critique_

BY

HILL PEEBLES WILSON

[Illustration]

      _Mr. Vallandigham_: Mr. Brown, who sent you here?

      _John Brown_: No man sent me here; it was my own prompting
      and that of my Maker, or that of the Devil, whichever you
      please to ascribe it to. I acknowledge no master in human
      form.

                              _Post, 313_

THE CORNHILL COMPANY
BOSTON

Copyright, 1913

HILL PEEBLES WILSON


Copyright, 1918

THE CORNHILL COMPANY

TO THE MEMORY OF
MRS. SARA T. D. ROBINSON
OF KANSAS




PREFACE


The writer of this book is not an iconoclast, neither has he prejudged
John Brown. In 1859 the character was impressed upon his attention in a
personal way. An older brother, Joseph E. Wilson, was a member of the
company of marines that made the assault on the engine-house at Harper's
Ferry, on the morning of October 18th; and from him he heard the story
of the fight, and about Brown.

In 1889 the Topeka (Kansas) _Daily Capital_ took a poll of the members
of the Kansas Legislature on the question: "Who was the most
distinguished Kansan?" or something to that effect. At that time the
writer held the opinion that the public services rendered by John Brown
in Kansas Territory, were of paramount importance in the settlement of
the Free-State contention; and since the course which the nation was at
that time pursuing had been arrested by the result of that contention,
and diverted into the path which led to the marvelous achievements of
the succeeding years; he, therefore, over his signature cast his vote in
favor of John Brown; saying, among other things, in his little
panegyric, that Brown is the only Kansan whose fame was immortal.

In 1898 he reformed his opinions concerning Brown's character and
conduct, and the importance of his public services in Kansas. The change
came about through an effort on his part to write a sketch of his life
for a work entitled "Eminent Men of Kansas." In good faith, and with
much of the confidence and enthusiasm characteristic of Brown's
eulogists, he began an investigation of the available historical data
relating to the subject; when he found to his surprise, and disgust,
that the history of Brown's career contained nothing to justify the
public estimate of him.

Reporting to his associate that he would not write the sketch, he said
that he "could find but little in the record of his life which gave him
creditable distinction, and that he did not wish to write the
discreditable things about him which it contained."

Later he gathered up the threads of Brown's life and has woven them,
conscientiously, into the web of history. The story reveals little which
is creditable to Brown or worthy of emulation and much that is
abhorrent. But he indulges the hope that he has made it clear that his
conceptions of the character have not been inspired by "prejudice,"
"blind" or otherwise, for he has examined the records in the case; an
examination which has led him through all the existing testimony
concerning Brown; except, that he has not explored the writings which
have been put forth by those who have sought, viciously, to attack
Brown's character. The opinions therefore which he has set forth are
convictions resulting from serious investigation and thought.

In conclusion, the author takes great pleasure in acknowledging the deep
sense of his obligation to the late Mrs. Sara T. D. Robinson, wife of
Charles Robinson of Kansas, whose generosity, and deep interest in the
history of our country, made the publication of this book possible.

Also, he desires to express his gratitude to Dr. William Watson Davis,
of the University of Kansas, for the cordial encouragement which he
received from him while preparing the work, and for his kindly
assistance in molding the text into its present form. Also, to Dr.
William Savage Johnson, and to Professor William Asbury Whitaker, Jr.,
both of the University of Kansas, he wishes to return his thanks for
many valuable suggestions.

Lawrence, Kansas, April 15, 1913.




CONTENTS


I THE SUBJECT MATTER                                 15

II THE MAN                                           26

III KANSAS--A CRISIS IN OUR NATIONAL HISTORY         55

IV HIS PUBLIC SERVICES                               72

V ROBBERY AND MURDER ON THE POTTAWATOMIE             95

VI BLACK JACK                                       135

VII OSAWATOMIE                                      154

VIII HYPOCRISY                                      181

IX A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE                             223

X THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT                        243

XI THE SHUBEL MORGAN PLUNDER COMPANY                259

XII MOBILIZING THE PROVISIONAL ARMY                 283

XIII THE FIASCO                                     296

XIV A PERVERSION OF HISTORY                         323

XV HIS GREAT ADVENTURE                              341

XVI A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS                          364

XVII "YET SHALL HE LIVE"                            395


APPENDICES

I CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LATE D.