Chapter I: 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. W. WILDER CONCERNING JOHN BROWN 411

II RECOLLECTIONS OF JOHN BROWN AT HARPER'S FERRY BY ALEXANDER BOTELER, A VIRGINIAN WHO WITNESSED THE FIGHT 414

III CONSTITUTION AND ORDINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES 417

IV JOHN BROWN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY 431

ILLUSTRATIONS

JOHN BROWN Frontispiece

Steel engraving made from a photograph compared with a
photogravure. The photograph was taken about 1859. Original
in the Kansas State Historical Society. The photogravure is
from Mr. Oswald Garrison Villard's book: John Brown--A
Biography Fifty Years After.

JOHN BROWN facing page 98

Steel engraving, made as above. The photograph was copied
from a daguerreotype taken in 1856. Original in the Kansas
State Historical Society.