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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of John Brown the Hero, by J. W. Winkley
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-
-
-Title: John Brown the Hero
-       Personal Reminiscences
-
-Author: J. W. Winkley
-
-Contributor: Frank B. Sanborn
-
-Release Date: October 8, 2017 [EBook #55707]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN BROWN THE HERO ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David E. Brown and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
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-
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-
-
-
-[Illustration: BUST OF JOHN BROWN.
-
-(_See Note._)]
-
-
-
-
-  JOHN BROWN
-  THE HERO
-
-  Personal Reminiscences
-
-  BY
-  J. W. WINKLEY, M.D.,
-
-  Editor of _Practical Ideals_ and Author of "First
-  Lessons in the New Thought."
-
-  _WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
-  FRANK B. SANBORN_
-
-  ILLUSTRATED
-
-  [Illustration]
-
-  BOSTON
-  JAMES H. WEST COMPANY
-
-
-
-
-  COPYRIGHT, 1905
-  By James H. West Company
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-PREFACE
-
-
-The sub-title, "Personal Reminiscences," is rightly appended to this
-volume. The old saying, "Much of which I saw, and part of which I
-was," the author can truthfully apply to himself in connection with
-the interesting and stirring occurrences here recorded. He relates the
-events because they were, in large measure, personal experiences. And
-the narrative is made up, for the most part, of historical matter which
-has not been presented heretofore by any writer. In other words, it is
-history at first hand.
-
-Another and more particular reason for the preparation of this little
-volume is because it is believed by the writer that these narrations
-will serve to throw some especially valuable side-lights upon the
-subject of them. John Brown was one of the most unique characters in
-all our American history, and an original factor in an important part
-of that history.
-
-The volume will surely be welcome to all admirers of Brown, and it
-should be of considerable interest to the general public.
-
-It hardly needs mentioning here that the standard work on John Brown,
-giving very fully his life and letters, is that of the Hon. Frank B.
-Sanborn, who kindly contributes the Introduction to the present volume.
-
-  BOSTON, January, 1905.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-Contents
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-                                      PAGE
-  INTRODUCTION                           9
-
-     I. A CALL FOR AID                  19
-
-    II. THE PRAIRIE WONDER              24
-
-   III. THE NIGHT MARCH                 29
-
-    IV. A SIEGE AND ITS HEROINE         35
-
-     V. THE MARCH RESUMED               43
-
-    VI. SEEKING THE ENEMY               50
-
-   VII. THE BATTLE                      55
-
-  VIII. A SCENE FOR A PAINTER           59
-
-    IX. BROWN'S NIGHT APPOINTMENT       62
-
-     X. AN INTREPID CHARGE              68
-
-    XI. BROWN TO OUR PRISONERS          76
-
-   XII. HARD LINES                      82
-
-  XIII. A GOVERNMENT MUSKET             88
-
-   XIV. AN UNFAILING GUIDE              94
-
-    XV. HAZARDOUS JOURNEYS             102
-
-   XVI. THE OSAWATOMIE BATTLE          111
-
-  XVII. CONCLUSION                     121
-
-
-
-
-_NOTE_
-
-
-The frontispiece to this volume is a representation of a bust of
-Captain Brown, conveying in so far a correct idea of the exterior man.
-
-This excellent bust, the best representation of him extant, was made
-from measurements taken by the sculptor in the Charlestown (Va.)
-prison, while Brown was awaiting trial there. The photograph was
-courteously furnished by the present owner of the bust, Mr. F. P.
-Stearns, of Medford, Massachusetts, whose father, Mr. Henry Stearns, a
-life-long friend of Brown, caused the bust to be made.
-
-In other places in the volume are pictures of the log cabin of the
-Adair family, one an exterior view of it, the other an interior, for
-which we are indebted to Mr. F. B. Sanborn.
-
-Under this modest roof Brown often sought and never failed to find
-welcome resting-place and hospitality. Mrs. Adair was his half-sister;
-her husband, a Methodist clergyman, ministered to the spiritual needs
-of a scattered flock in the territory.
-
-The writer, on the occasion of a visit a few years since to Kansas to
-view the old familiar spots, found the cabin, almost the last of its
-race, not much changed outside or within from what it was in the former
-days. It is owned and occupied, as is the farm on which it stands, by a
-son of the pioneer minister.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-INTRODUCTION
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-The interest attaching to this little book demands from me some notice
-of its author, and of my indebtedness to him while preparing, twenty
-years ago, a "Life and Letters of John Brown," which has since become
-the basis of several biographies of that hero. Dr. J. W. Winkley, long
-a citizen of Boston, was one of those who, in 1856, became a Free State
-colonist of Kansas Territory, then the skirmish-ground of the long
-conflict between free labor and Negro slavery. His residence there was
-brief (1856 and 1857), as was that of many who went out in the years
-1855-'58 to take part on one side or the other of the contest; but
-he had the good fortune, as a youth, in the perceptive and receptive
-period of life, to come under the influence of a hero; and this book
-portrays the incidents of that interesting acquaintance. Nearly
-thirty years later he communicated to me this story, and I succinctly
-mentioned it in my book. But it required a fuller statement; especially
-since it seems largely to have escaped the notice of the chroniclers
-of that disturbed and confused period of 1856. The partisan movements
-here described came in between two of Brown's famous fights,—that of
-Black Jack, in early June, when he captured the Virginian captain,
-Pate, and that in the end of August, when he repelled the formidable
-attack of the Missourians upon the small settlement of Osawatomie. The
-brothers Winkley and their comrades took up arms in the neighborhood
-of Osawatomie, after the engagements of the first two weeks in August,
-which culminated in the capture of several camps or "forts" of the
-Southern invaders of eastern Kansas, August 14 and 16. Fort Saunders,
-not far from Lawrence was taken by a Free State force under General
-Lane, August 14. On the 16th, another Pro-slavery "fort," garrisoned
-by a Colonel Titus, was captured, near Lecompton. The reason for
-these attacks was thus given by John Brown, Jr., then a prisoner at
-Lecompton, guarded by Captain Sackett with a force of United States
-dragoons (August 16, 1856):
-
-    "During the past month the Ruffians have been actively at work, and
-    have made not less than five intrenched camps, where they have,
-    in different parts of the Territory, established themselves in
-    armed bands, well provided with arms, provisions, and ammunition.
-    From these camps they sally out, steal horses, and rob Free State
-    settlers (in several cases murdering them), and then slip back into
-    their camp with their plunder. Last week, a body of our men made
-    a descent upon Franklin (four miles south of Lawrence) and, after
-    a skirmishing fight of about three hours, took their barracks and
-    recovered some sixty guns and a cannon, of which our men had been
-    robbed some months since, on the road from Westport. Yesterday
-    our men invested another of their fortified camps, at Washington
-    Creek.... Towards evening the enemy broke and fled, leaving behind,
-    to fall into the hands of our men, a lot of provisions and 100
-    stand of arms.... This morning our men followed Colonel Titus
-    closely, and fell upon his camp (near Lecompton), killed two of his
-    men, liberated his prisoners, took him and ten other prisoners, and
-    with a lot of arms, tents, provisions, etc., returned, having in
-    the fight had only one of our men seriously wounded.... This series
-    of victories has caused the greatest fear among the Pro-slavery
-    men. Great numbers are leaving for Missouri.... I see by the
-    Missouri papers that they regard John Brown as the most terrible
-    foe they have to encounter. He stands very high with the Free State
-    men who will fight, and the great majority of these have made up
-    their minds that nothing short of war to the death can save us from
-    extermination."
-
-Immediately following the date of this letter of young John Brown
-came the adventures which Dr. Winkley so well describes. They may
-have had no other chronicler; and it is well that the testimony of
-an eye-witness should at last be given, ending with the striking
-incident, just following the Osawatomie fight of August 30, when
-young Winkley, in the log-cabin of the missionary Adair, husband of
-Brown's half-sister, saw John Brown sternly mourning over the body of
-his son Frederick, killed on the morning of the fight, on the high
-prairie above Osawatomie. I visited Mr. Adair in this cabin, in 1882,
-and talked with him on the events of that year of contention, and
-the pictures here printed of his prairie home are true to the fact
-as I then saw it. Two weeks after the burial of Frederick Brown, as
-mentioned by Dr. Winkley (September 14, 1856), Charles Robinson, who
-had commissioned John Brown as captain nine months earlier, wrote to
-him by that title from Lawrence, and said in his letter:
-
-    "Your course has been such as to merit the highest praise from
-    every patriot, and I cheerfully accord to you my heartfelt thanks
-    for your prompt, efficient, and timely action against the invaders
-    of our rights and the murderers of our citizens. History will give
-    your name a proud place on her pages, and posterity will pay homage
-    to your heroism in the cause of God and humanity."
-
-Robinson was at this time the nominal leader of the Free State
-settlers, being their duly chosen State Governor under the Topeka
-Constitution; and he became the first actual Free State Governor in
-1861, when Kansas was admitted to the Union under another Constitution.
-Many years later, at the dedication of a monument commemorating the
-Osawatomie fight (August 30, 1877), Charles Robinson said, among other
-things:
-
-    "The soul of John Brown was the inspiration of the Union armies in
-    the emancipation war; and it will be the inspiration of all men in
-    the present and the distant future who may revolt against tyranny
-    and oppression; because he dared to be a traitor to the government
-    that he might be loyal to humanity."
-
-Dr. Winkley agrees in this statement of Robinson; and his portrayal of
-the man as he was in the midst of surprises and responsibilities, but
-ever the same intrepid and resourceful leader, will add a new picture
-to those we already had of John Brown in action. Active or in chains,
-in the battlefield or in his Virginia prison, he always commanded
-attention, and received the applause of those who knew him.
-
-The verdict of the world has confirmed this praise; and of all the
-men connected with the dark and bloody story of Kansas, from 1854
-till the close of the Civil War, Brown's name is the most widely
-known. Blame has been mingled with praise; but the involuntary tribute
-paid, by the natural human heart, to invincible courage and unwearied
-self-sacrifice will insure the prevalence of praise over blame. Those
-who cannot approve all his acts, as Dr. Winkley cannot, are yet
-convinced generally of the high purpose and grand result of his arduous
-life. Richard Mendenhall, a Kansas Quaker, who knew him well but "could
-not sanction his mode of procedure," yet said, after Brown's death in
-Virginia:
-
-    "Men are not always to be judged so much by their actions as by
-    their motives. I believe John Brown was a good man, and that he
-    will be remembered for good in time long hence to come."
-
-Quite recently an English author, William Stevens, writing a history
-of slavery and emancipation, has occasion to name John Brown, and the
-warmth of his eulogy does not satisfy the cool judgment of that most
-reflective journal, the London _Spectator_, which says:
-
-    "Mr. Stevens asks if Brown did not see the forces moving towards
-    abolition more clearly than did his friends who protested against
-    the daring of his schemes: yet he emphasizes too much, surely, the
-    forlorn recklessness of the man's methods. But a more fearless,
-    resolute, and cooler-headed man never lived. His family life, the
-    devotion of his own flesh and blood to him, and his tenderness were
-    indications of a character intensely human, but also of a man who
-    had counted the cost and knew that the individual must yield to the
-    race. He lit, not a candle, but a powder-magazine; and his last
-    words prove that he foresaw, as plainly as man ever saw sunrise
-    follow dawn, that blood, and blood alone, would loosen the shackles
-    of the slave."
-
-Events, in fact, followed the track which Brown pointed out, and with
-a swiftness that startled even such as accepted his clear insight of
-the national situation. There was something prophetic in his perception
-of the future; he could not see well what was _directly_ before him,
-but of the consequences of his action, and of that of other men, he
-had the most piercing and sagacious view. Such men appear on earth but
-rarely; when they come, it is as martyrs and seers. Fatal are their
-perceptions, and to themselves as well as to the order of things they
-subvert. But it is more fatal to disregard the warning they give. Their
-remedy for existing ills, sharp as it must be, is for the healing of
-the nations and for the relief of man's estate.
-
-                                                      F. B. SANBORN.
-
-  CONCORD, January, 1905.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-JOHN BROWN THE
-
-HERO
-
-Personal Reminiscences
-
-
-
-
-I
-
-A Call for Aid
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-It was of an August morning in that eventful year of Kansas history,
-1856, in the gray of the earliest dawn, that a horseman came riding at
-full speed up the creek, the south branch of the Pottawatomie, from the
-direction of the lower settlements, and halted before our cabin door.
-
-The animal he rode was all afoam, and gave other signs of having been
-urged hard and over a long distance. As the rider dismounted, his
-nervous and excited manner told us he was the bearer of ill tidings or
-that he was on some errand of unusual importance.
-
-"What news below?" was asked the stranger.
-
-"Bad news," he replied quickly. "The Ruffians are over the border upon
-us again, in strong force; and they are bent on 'cleaning us out' this
-time. If they keep on they won't leave a cornstalk standing to show
-where our crops grew."
-
-There is every reason to conclude that our informant was no other than
-James Montgomery, then all unknown to fame, but who was later to
-distinguish himself as a leader in the Kansas struggle for freedom.
-
-As the writer remembers him as he appeared that morning, he gave
-evidence of being a man of intelligence and character. He was
-tall,—some six feet in height,—rather slender in build, and of dark
-complexion. This answers the description given of Montgomery by those
-who knew him well.
-
-Montgomery afterward gained well-earned distinction by leading Free
-State settlers, banded together for self-defense, to fire upon United
-States troops, putting them to rout. He became, still later, a colonel
-in the Northern army at the outbreak of the Civil War.
-
-The trooper's story was soon told, as it needed to be, for there was
-no time to be lost. He was a messenger from the Middle River region,
-so-called, dispatched to us by his comrades in distress. He had
-come twenty-five miles through the night and darkness, in an almost
-incredibly short time, stopping by the way only to arouse the scattered
-Free State men to arms.
-
-He had been sent to ask help. The need was pressing. The invaders were
-many, defiant, and reckless. They had encamped in the neighborhood,
-were burning haystacks, foraging their horses in the cornfields,
-hunting down Free State men, and sending terror to the hearts of women
-and children. Detachments of marauders were sent out here and there on
-these errands of mischief. They had even penetrated, not twelve hours
-before, to within ten miles of the spot where we stood; had made
-prisoner and borne away a pronounced Free State man; and, in addition
-to that, had besieged other Northerners in their log cabins and
-destroyed their property by pillage or fire,—as we shall see further
-on in our story.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-II
-
-The Prairie Wonder
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-By this recital of the messenger our sympathies were sufficiently
-enlisted; but if anything additional were needed, further to gain our
-attention, it was given then and there.
-
-As the speaker drew his narration to a close, all present instinctively
-turned their eyes in the direction whence he had come: namely, toward
-the south-east. There a sight met our gaze that riveted us to the
-spot—a spectacle as marvelous as it was beautiful, and singularly
-confirmatory of our informer's words. To our utter astonishment we
-looked directly, at that moment, into the enemy's camp twenty miles
-away, though seemingly less than a quarter of that distance. It was
-one of those peculiar phenomena, rarely seen on the water and less
-frequently on the land, and more wonderful in the latter case when it
-does thus appear, because more perfect and on a grander scale: the
-mirage.
-
-The prairie mirage is of wondrous beauty. It is usually in the autumn,
-when all the atmospheric conditions are favorable, that these strange
-illusions take place on the prairie ocean. Along the eastern horizon,
-near sunrise, a narrow belt of silver light appears. As it grows
-broader the silvery gray of its lower side changes slightly golden.
-Fleecy clouds above the belt take on a yellow red. The grayish shadows
-of the dawn lift slowly from the earth. Just before the red disk of
-the sun peers above the horizon-line, one sees in the sky the landscape
-of trees, of waving grasses or grain, of rocks and hills, held together
-as it were by threads of yellow and gray and azure. The earth stands
-inverted in the air.
-
-The groundwork of this illusion is a grayish, semi-opaque mist; and the
-objects are seen standing or moving along in it. The feet of animals
-and of men, the trunks of trees, the rocks and hillocks, are set in
-this aqueous soil. When the conditions are perfect, objects far beyond
-the range of vision over the prairie are brought near and into plain
-view of the beholder.
-
-That morning was such a time and afforded such a scene. There was the
-camp of the enemy,—miles away, as has been said,—mirrored perfectly
-and beautifully on the sky, every feature of it traced with the
-minuteness of a line-engraving. By the aid of our military field-glass
-we could see the early risers moving through the camp-ground; the
-horses, standing patiently outside awaiting their morning meal; the
-positions of the pickets keeping guard; the tent-doors flapping in
-the slight breeze or swaying back and forth as the men made egress or
-entrance. Here and there were knots of soldiers,—of two or three or
-four men each,—apparently discussing the situation or lighting the
-early camp-fires for breakfast. Even the curling smoke of the newly
-kindled flame, as it ascended upward, curiously traced itself visibly
-to the eye.
-
-But, what was of yet more interest and practical moment to us, we
-beheld the stacks of arms, the rifles and shot-guns, of our foe,
-reflecting their burnished steel, and the army-wagons for bearing
-their luggage and provisions, stretched along the exposed sides of
-their position to serve as barricades for defense in case of attack.
-Moreover, there were the evidences on every side of wanton and cruel
-destruction,—whole cornfields stripped or trodden into the dust, and
-the blackened sites or yet smoking remains of burned houses, corn-bins,
-and wheat-stacks, the property of the Northern settlers.
-
-Here we had, right before our eyes, direct demonstration of the truth
-that had just been told us. Deeply impressive was it indeed, and well
-calculated to fire us and to spur us to the rescue.
-
-Surely that effect it had.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-III
-
-The Night March
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-It would perhaps suffice here, so far as the main point in our story is
-concerned, simply to say: We went to their relief. But I am tempted to
-give a brief account of that march, and of the incidents by the way, as
-affording the reader some idea of the difficulties and vicissitudes of
-that Western-border, Kansas warfare.
-
-In the settlement of the South Pottawatomie river there were thirty-six
-men and boys, all told, capable of bearing arms. They had been
-organized into a company, and were officered and drilled ready for
-emergencies. But, inasmuch as they were scattered up and down the
-creek over a distance of some miles, to inform all, and for each to
-make ready, and for all to get together occupied the swift hours of
-nearly the entire day.
-
-Ammunition was to be collected; provisions were to be packed for the
-journey; horses were to be gathered up from the prairie and bridled and
-saddled. And, withal, preparations were to be made for home defense and
-for the care of the women and children to be left behind. These, though
-few, were all the more precious. The males who were sick or wounded,
-lame or otherwise disabled, constituted the "Home Guard."
-
-Finally, the leave-taking of wives and little ones, though hastily
-made, also consumed time, so that the sun's rim already dipped the
-western horizon before we were well under way.
-
-The march thus taken up was one into a night of terror of which we
-little dreamed when we set out.
-
-We had not gone far before darkness settled down upon us. The sky,
-cloudless through the day, became overcast, and one could hardly see
-his hand before him. Only with great difficulty could we keep our
-direction and follow the trail over the prairie.
-
-But the possibility of losing our way was the least of our troubles.
-In marching at all that dark night we ran fearful risks. Of that fact
-we were perhaps only too unduly conscious. Fortunately, however, the
-perils we feared we did not encounter. Some of them we escaped by
-the merest and luckiest chance. And some of the dangers were wholly
-imaginary, though they were none the less harassing on that account.
-To our excited minds, a foe lurked behind every bush; in every thicket
-and cluster of underbrush was the enemy in ambush.
-
-Our apprehensions were augmented by the rumor which twice met us
-that the "Border Ruffians" had commenced their march up the creek at
-nightfall, as we began ours down. The terribly anxious, distracted
-state of mind we were in it is difficult to portray to the reader. It
-was mainly owing to the doubt and uncertainty as to everything.
-
-This is the case, naturally, in all such warfare. It is otherwise where
-there are regularly organized military operations. In the latter case,
-by a proper system of spies and scouts, the general is of course kept
-informed of the whereabouts of the enemy, of their numbers, and of
-their movements.
-
-With us it was wholly different. The air was full of rumors,—all
-perhaps unreliable; yet it was not safe to let them go unheeded. If we
-gave no heed to the reports we might find ourselves attacked wholly
-unexpectedly.
-
-We were not cowards, I will venture to assert, and as the sequel will
-abundantly show; but such uncertainty and suspense were terribly trying
-to the nerves, especially on such a night, and in such darkness;—ten
-times more so than real battle would have been. With open daylight and
-a fair field we would not have hesitated a moment to fight double our
-own number. But the thought of being mowed down in the darkness by an
-ambushed foe, without the chance of striking back in defense, was truly
-a harrowing situation.
-
-On the way we had several lesser or larger streams to ford; and, in
-that prairie country, all such were densely wooded. At any of these
-points, a dozen men well posted would have been equal to six times
-their number, and could have cut us off almost to a man.
-
-Every unusual noise grated upon our senses. Twice we halted and
-prepared to repel an attack. But the alarms were needless: one was
-occasioned by a drove of cattle crossing the prairie, the other by a
-herd of wild deer startled from their lair.
-
-Twice we took a vote whether we should continue our march, or intrench
-in a good position and await patiently the enemy or the daylight. Once
-the ballot was a tie, and only by the casting vote of our commander,
-Captain Anderson, was it decided to proceed.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-IV
-
-A Siege and its Heroine
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-The population of the region, friends and foes, were now up in alarm.
-Reports met us of the outrages of the Ruffians upon Free State settlers
-the night previous.
-
-Here is the story of one of the depredations, detailed to us at one of
-our halts.
-
-It was upon a stanch old German and his family, settled near the
-junction of the North and South branches of the Pottawatomie. Old
-Kepler, as he was nicknamed, had not taken any leading or even
-active part in the "troubles" (as they were termed), but his strong
-anti-slavery sentiments had cropped out and were known to the enemy.
-
-They now made directly for his cabin, evidently resolved, as the
-opportunity might offer, to force him to declare himself for one
-side or the other. No man, in fact, in those days of the Kansas
-conflict,—partisan, bitter, bloody,—could long occupy anything like
-neutral ground. If one undertook to "sit on the fence," he soon became
-a target for both parties and was relentlessly dislodged.
-
-It was not the nature of the old German to dissemble, when the trial
-came. On the approach of the Ruffians he prepared for the worst, as
-he expected no favor. He barricaded his cabin door and refused their
-demand for admittance. They burned his wheat and hay stacks, and all
-his outbuildings, and then called upon the besieged to surrender.
-
-It was believed, probably rightly, by the assailants, that the old man
-was possessed of considerable money, brought with him from the old
-country. This lent incitement to their attack; while, if true, the
-fact was undoubtedly an additional motive on his part for keeping the
-invaders at a distance.
-
-Brave old Kepler was quite advanced in years. He was about three score
-and ten, but all the old valorous Teutonic blood in his veins was
-aroused, and he prepared to resist the spoilers even to the death, if
-need be. His wife, partner of his New World adventures and toils, had
-succumbed not long before to the frontier hardships and had passed on.
-He had one son, a chip of the old block, brave, strong, and inured to
-the rough Western life, equally interested with the father in carving
-out their fortunes in this new country, and in the making of their
-Western prairie home.
-
-And there was an only daughter, alike the support and solace of both
-father and brother;—the light, indeed, of the household and of the
-neighborhood.
-
-I must interpolate a word here, in passing, descriptive of this
-daughter,—the worthy heroine of the event, as we shall see. She was a
-light-haired, blond-complexioned young girl, with all the proverbial
-German fairness,—bright and handsome as a prairie flower. And she had
-the German habit of taking a share in the work in the open field. Often
-was she seen by the passers up and down the creek, "chopping in corn"
-(as they call it in the West),—keeping even step in the row with her
-robust brother; or now driving the cattle while he held the plough;
-then changing work with him, guiding the share while he drove the oxen.
-
-Her household duties, however, were not neglected meanwhile. Doubtless
-the brother, in return, here gave her a helping hand. Nowhere else
-on the road (as the writer can testify from personal experience) did
-the weary and hungry traveler find such bread as when thrown upon the
-Keplers' hospitality,—bread of this young girl's manufacture.
-
-Besides all this,—and appropriately to be said in this
-connection,—this fair maiden could handle a rifle on occasion,
-as we shall presently see. Such ability was often a quite useful
-accomplishment for the gentler sex on our wild Western border. It
-proved eminently so in the case before us.
-
-The yelling, hooting, and now drunken mob began at length to fire upon
-the cabin at its vulnerable points. The heroic inmates returned the
-shots through the holes between the logs in the loft, and not without
-effect. One of the assailants was seriously wounded and several others
-less so. The battle grew warm, the effusion of blood thus far serving
-only to increase the wild fury of the besiegers.
-
-The father and son stood with their guns at the openings, while the
-young girl loaded the pieces for them as fast as they were emptied.
-At length the baffled and maddened crowd changed their tactics. They
-managed to pile wood, logs, and rubbish against the cabin, hoping
-to fire the building. There was danger that the dastardly effort
-would prove only too successful. The flames began to crackle. All now
-seemed lost, when suddenly the brave daughter unbarred the cabin door
-and sprang forth with a bucket of water in her hand to dash out the
-newly kindled flames. This was done from the girl's own impulse at
-the moment. Had they divined her intention, the father and brother
-would not have allowed it. The feat, however, strange to say, was as
-successful as it was heroic and perilous.
-
-The surprised besiegers were not actually cowardly and base enough to
-fire upon the unarmed, defenseless girl. However, one of them sprang
-from his covert behind a tree to seize her. But the old backwoodsman
-father, watching breathlessly the scene below from his post in the
-loft,—his hand and eye steadied to perfect accuracy by the imminent
-danger,—sent a rifle-bullet straight to the heart of the venturesome
-wretch, and he fell forward dead at the maiden's feet.
-
-The girl regained the door and, with the aid of her brother, who
-hastened to her assistance, rebarred it securely. All was now again
-safe for the time being,—and permanently, as it proved. The marauders,
-overawed by this episode and by the generally unexpected course of
-affairs,—one of their number being actually killed and several others
-more or less severely wounded,—hastily fell back to a safe distance
-and finally beat a retreat from the neighborhood.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-V
-
-The March Resumed
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-It did not require the narration of this stirring tale to nerve our
-forward movement, but it certainly increased our determination to
-proceed at all hazard.
-
-Our next halt was made at the cabin, some miles further on, from which,
-as mentioned in the first chapter, the young man whom we all knew and
-counted as one of us had been borne off a prisoner. As soon as it was
-made known, by the usual signs, that we were friends, we were joyfully
-if tearfully greeted. The family, consisting of aged parents, sister,
-brother's wife and little children, were in despair. Dreadful anxiety
-filled their minds. It was an illustration of the saying that "to know
-the worst is better than suspense." If in the great cause then firing
-their hearts this family had seen that son and brother shot down before
-their eyes, they would have borne the affliction silently and with
-submission. But the terrible uncertainty as to his fate wrought upon
-them. A price had previously been set upon the young man's head, and
-they had reason to fear the worst for him.
-
-It must be added, in passing, that his beloved ones never saw him
-again alive. The good fortune fell to us to liberate him the next day
-from his captors, when we found him bound upon his horse, with his
-hands lashed behind him and his feet tied together under the animal;
-but, alas! his liberation gave him only a short respite from death.
-He fell, only a few days after, heroically fighting at the battle of
-Osawatomie.
-
-Some miles beyond we had to make that ford of the Pottawatomie river
-of unenviable fame, and which we looked upon as the danger-point of
-all others in our journey; for there our enemy, we thought, would most
-likely be in ambush. But we swam the swift, dark, muddy stream, swelled
-by recent rains to a flood, with the water up to our horses' backs,
-luckily without hindrance or serious mishap.
-
-That ford was the notorious Dutch Henry's crossing, so-called,—surely
-a gloomy, gruesome, and dreaded spot at that dark midnight hour. There,
-close by, had been enacted, just two months prior, the rightly named
-Pottawatomie tragedy, which made that locality, on account of this
-bloody event, verily for the time the "storm center" of the Kansas
-conflict. But, terrible as it was, it served a great purpose and was
-speedily followed by good.
-
-The hero of our sketch was the central figure in this tragic act of the
-Kansas drama, as he was in most others at this trying period. Brown was
-the cyclonic force, the lightning's flash in the darkness, that cleared
-and lighted the way for the men of that day.
-
-Despite all delays on the way, we made our forced night-march of
-twenty-two or more miles in remarkably good time, and arrived at our
-destination about two o'clock in the morning, as weary, exhausted, and
-hungry a set of troopers as ever drew rein and slipped stirrup to seek
-rest and refreshment.
-
-[Illustration: THE ADAIR LOG CABIN.]
-
-It will be of interest to our readers to learn here that, a couple of
-miles from the town,—our halting place,—we passed the log cabin of
-the Adair family, which has such historic interest gathered about it,
-and which we shall have occasion to mention again later.
-
-It so happened, as we learned afterward, that the hero of our story
-lodged under that roof that night. He was aroused from his slumbers and
-watched us from the window as we marched past,—having been reliably
-assured, by our advanced guard, that we were no threatening foe, but
-his firmest and safest friends.
-
-A photographic view of the cabin's exterior is given on the opposite
-page, as it appears to-day; and nearly the same as it existed at that
-early date, now almost fifty years ago.
-
-The town referred to was Osawatomie, soon to be made famous by the man
-who is the principal subject of these sketches.
-
-We were challenged by friendly pickets on guard, who escorted us to the
-old "block-house" reared for town defense, where we were glad to find
-shelter, and especially to find food, for hungry we were indeed.
-
-To what a sumptuous feast were we welcomed on that occasion! And yet,
-strange to relate, the recollection of it is not calculated to make
-one's mouth water. It so happened that a side of bacon and a barrel of
-hardtack were stored there, for just such emergencies as the present
-one, and these were now pressed into our service.
-
-Their edible condition was such as naturally to suggest certain
-Scripture phrases as descriptive thereof;—of the bacon, "ancient of
-days"; and of the biscuit, "fullness of life." As we crunched the
-latter between our teeth, the peculiar, fresh, sweet-and-bitter taste,
-commingling at every mouthful, told us too well of the "life" ensconced
-therein. No comments were made, however, except the ejaculation
-occasionally, by one and another, "Wormy!" " Wormy!"
-
-However, nothing daunted, we paused not in our eating till our ravenous
-hunger was appeased. And then, on the bare floor of boards, rived
-roughly out of forest trees,—though it was a little difficult to fit
-our forms to their ridges and hollows,—we gained a few hours of as
-sweet and refreshing slumber as ever visited mortal eyes.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-VI
-
-Seeking the Enemy
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-It will be asked, perhaps, why we came to this particular place. In
-this little town were encamped, at this particular time, Captain John
-Brown and his daring and trusty band of men.
-
-"Old Brown," as he was most often called, was a tower of strength in
-time of need. He had become by that time a veritable terror to the
-enemy. Tell a Border Ruffian: "John Brown is coming," and he would
-shake in his shoes, or would run away had he strength enough left for
-locomotion. Missouri mothers frightened their babies to sleep or to
-quietude by the sound of his name.
-
-If our information were correct, the foe we sought largely outnumbered
-us. What more natural than that we should, under the circumstances,
-desire the counsel of the stanch old man, and his help, if needed.
-
-He had not looked for an invasion from the direction at present
-threatened, but was daily expecting one from another quarter.
-He detailed two small companies, Captain Shore's and Captain
-Cline's,—two-thirds of his own command,—to join our force; then bade
-us seek the enemy, with the direction, if we found them too strong for
-us, to send back word to him, whereupon he would come to our aid.
-Meanwhile, he said, he would stay with the remainder of his men and
-guard the town.
-
-We set out in the morning, early and hopefully. Scouts with fleet
-horses were dispatched in advance, and we rapidly followed after.
-Rumors of all wild and exaggerated sorts met us as we went. First,
-it was said, there were three hundred of the enemy, well armed and
-mounted; then there were five hundred men, strongly intrenched to
-receive our attack; later, there were a thousand, coming to meet us.
-
-At last we began to be a little apprehensive, possibly a grain
-frightened. In the uncertainty, a messenger was sent back to Captain
-Brown to say that probably we should need his help.
-
-But we resolutely pushed on, if with somewhat slackened speed.
-Presently a scout returned bearing reliable tidings. The position
-and strength of the invaders had been quite accurately ascertained.
-They were about three hundred in number, quietly encamped, and as yet
-unaware of our approach.
-
-Our officers decided not to wait for Captain Brown to come up, but
-to press forward to the attack and by celerity of movement gain what
-advantage was possible.
-
-One point was, nevertheless, taken into consideration. We were but
-about sixty in number, all told. We were prepared and determined to do
-some hard fighting if necessary; but, it was argued, if we could take
-the enemy by surprise, victory would be more fully assured us, and much
-needless spilling of blood might be avoided.
-
-We therefore proceeded cautiously till we arrived within two miles of
-the hostile force, where our advanced scouts had taken up position and
-were actually looking down with spy-glasses into the enemy's camp and
-watching their every movement. The foe seemed wholly unconscious of any
-impending danger.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-VII
-
-The Battle
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-In less time than it takes to relate it, the plan of battle was
-arranged.
-
-Our men were divided into three companies. Two divisions were to make
-flank movements, one on the right and the other on the left of the foe,
-while the third was to assault directly in front. The plan of attack
-was well conceived and as successfully executed.
-
-We had a circuit of some miles to make to gain the flank positions. It
-was quickly and silently traveled. In our division, detailed on the
-left flank, hardly a word was spoken during a two hours' march. Each
-man was busy with his own thoughts. It is said that persons in critical
-situations will sometimes have their whole lives pass before them. I
-believe that most of us, during this march, recalled nearly all we had
-ever done or seen, known or felt.
-
-We were suddenly awakened, at length, from such reveries, by the crack
-of rifles and the clash of musketry, and by bullets actually whizzing
-about our ears. So closely had we stolen the march on them that when
-we opened fire we were actually more in danger from the guns of our
-friends than from those of our foes.
-
-The enemy were taken completely by surprise. As prisoners whom we took
-told us afterward, they thought that "Old Brown" was surely upon them;
-and their next and only thought was of escape. They left all, and ran
-for dear life, some on foot, shoeless and hatless; others springing to
-their horses, and, even without bridle or saddle, desperately making
-the trial of flight. Perfectly bewildered, they ran this way and that;
-and naturally, as our forces were positioned, many ran directly into
-our hands.
-
-The one thing they did not do well was to fight, except in the case of
-a few desperate ones and of the leaders, who called in vain upon their
-men to rally. Then they gave up all for lost, and each looked out for
-himself. Many discharged their pieces at the first onslaught, but so
-much at random that not a man of our number was fatally injured, though
-several were more or less severely wounded. We took many prisoners, and
-captured some thirty horses, all the enemy's wagons and luggage, and
-much ammunition and arms. The victory was complete.
-
-Not until all was over did Captain Brown and his reserve come up,
-though they had ridden hard to lend us a helping hand. He warmly
-congratulated us, however, upon our good success, saying that he could
-not have done it better himself, and that he was just as glad and proud
-of our victory as though he had won it.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-VIII
-
-A Scene for a Painter
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-There were incidents not a few, connected with the day and with the
-central figure of our sketch, which would add interest to our pages.
-One there was which especially impressed itself upon all witnesses of
-it.
-
-This relates to one of the enemy who was fatally wounded in the battle.
-He desired very much, he said, to see "Old Brown" before he died.
-
-Captain Brown was informed of the wish, whereupon he rode up to the
-wagon which served as ambulance, and, with somewhat of sternness in
-his manner, said to the prisoner, "You wish to see me. Here I am.
-Take a good look at me, and tell your friends, when you get back to
-Missouri, what sort of man I am."
-
-Then he added in a gentler tone, "We wish no harm to you or to your
-companions. Stay at home, let us alone, and we shall be friends. I wish
-you well."
-
-The prisoner meanwhile had raised himself with great difficulty, and
-viewed the old man from head to foot as if feasting his eyes on a great
-curiosity. Then he sank back, pale and exhausted, as he answered, "I
-don't see as you are so bad. You don't talk like it."
-
-The countenance of Brown as he viewed the sufferer had changed to a
-look of commiseration. The wounded man saw it, and, reaching out his
-hand, said, "I thank you." Brown tenderly clasped it, and replied, "God
-bless you," while he turned with tears in his eyes and rode away.
-
-The present writer was standing within a few feet of Brown at the time,
-and naturally drank in the scene with a boy's eager curiosity and
-susceptibility to impression.
-
-It was a scene for a painter, and the artist could with appropriateness
-have called his work, "The Conqueror Conquered."
-
-But it was perfectly illustrative of the man and of the hero. Brown was
-as brave as a lion. He seemed absolutely not to know fear. Yet withal
-he possessed a heart tender as a child's or as the tenderest woman's.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-IX
-
-Brown's Night Appointment
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-We gathered together the spoils and took up our march on the backward
-track toward home, discussing the exciting events of the day and
-recounting to each other our individual experiences, adventures, and
-"hairbreadth escapes." When we had thus proceeded some three miles,
-it was nearing sundown, and we halted for supper and to determine our
-course for the night.
-
-Meanwhile we had learned an important fact from our prisoners, namely:
-that we had not met all of our enemies. A part of them, quite a large
-force, had gone north that morning, and might be at that very moment
-ravaging our own homes which we had left behind the evening before.
-Naturally, these unwelcome tidings cast a cloud across our rejoicings.
-They might after all be turned to mourning!
-
-Having nearly finished our meal, and while we were yet speculating
-on the situation, Captain Brown hastily rose to his feet and called
-upon all those, who were ready to go with him, to mount their horses.
-Forty or more men instantly sprang into their saddles, and others were
-about to do the same, when the old man cried, "Enough—and too many."
-He thanked them for their readiness, and then selected thirty of the
-number, tried and trusted men who had followed him before, and without
-asking why or whither. In the present instance also they ventured not
-a question.
-
-Brown seldom disclosed his intention or plans to any one. He wished
-no man with him who was not absolutely reliable. He required the
-implicit confidence of his followers and unquestioning obedience to his
-commands. Whoever put himself under his leadership took his life in his
-hand and followed whithersoever he was led.
-
-On this occasion some not acquainted with his habits plied him with
-queries as to where he was going and what he would do. He only
-answered, characteristically, that he "had an appointment with some
-Missourians and must not disappoint them." One ventured jocosely to ask
-further, concerning the appointed place of meeting. He replied, they
-had not been kind enough to fix upon the precise spot, but he felt
-bound, out of courtesy, inasmuch as they came from a distance, to hold
-himself in readiness when wanted. This left us, of course, wholly in
-the dark as to his movements.
-
-With some words of advice to those of us remaining,—that we would
-better seek our homes, be prepared to defend them, and ready for any
-action when needed,—he gave the command, "Ready! Forward!" and, with a
-wave of his hand, led his Knights Errant away.
-
-After they had departed it was decided that it would be advisible for
-us to return to the camping-ground of the enemy and pitch our tents
-there for the night; because, it was argued, when the detached force
-gone north returned, they would naturally seek their friends in the
-camp where they left them.
-
-Accordingly, though weary near to exhaustion, we returned and camped
-there, threw out our pickets, and made every preparation to give the
-marauders a warm reception should they appear. We slept on our arms,
-ready for any emergency, but the night passed and we were undisturbed.
-
-The next morning dawned on us clear and beautiful. All our
-apprehensions of danger had passed with the darkness. Our pickets were
-withdrawn. The scouts, who had been sent out to gather news of the
-scattered settlers, had come back with no tidings of the foe we had
-awaited. Consequently, relieved of all military restraint, we gave
-ourselves up for the time to the preparation and enjoyment of an early
-breakfast.
-
-The wagons were unpacked of their provisions. The horses were
-picketed, or were turned loose for grazing. The prisoners, disarmed,
-were allowed comparative freedom. Fires were lighted here and there
-for cooking. And thus we were spread out over a large area, forgetful
-of the enemy, without a thought of an attack, and bent only on making
-ready to satisfy the cravings of hunger.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-X
-
-An Intrepid Charge
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-
-Then occurred the scene which gives us one of the glimpses of John
-Brown for the sake of which these reminiscences have been written.
-
-Suddenly, over the hill or rising ground some half or third of a mile
-away, two horsemen came up at full speed.
-
-"Look! look!" was whispered in suppressed voices from one to another of
-our party, and all eyes were upturned in that direction.
-
-Observing us, the horsemen as suddenly turned on their heels, and
-disappeared the way they came, leaving us stupefied with doubt and
-wonder.
-
-In a moment more, however, the heads of a whole troop rose in sight,
-and the cry, "The Missourians! the Missourians!" rang through our camp
-in startling accents.
-
-We were in dismay, for we were entirely unprepared for attack and there
-was no time to make ready. We were apparently caught just as our enemy
-had been surprised by ourselves. Men sprang, some for their arms, some
-for their horses. Whether to fight or to try to escape was uppermost
-in their minds,—each could settle that question only for himself. At
-any rate, every one felt that a daring and determined foe, apparently
-numbering a hundred, which was double our own number, could, in the
-condition in which we were, utterly cut us to pieces and destroy us at
-a blow.
-
-What grave emotions that thought aroused! It is difficult for one,
-never thrown into any such situation, to realize or in any degree even
-imagine the feelings that may surge through the bosom of men thus
-placed. Accounts have been given of what panic-stricken crowds or
-armies will sometimes do, but a description of what they _feel_ on such
-occasions of disaster was never yet fully penned or painted by man.
-
-Meanwhile, some of our number, who had been cool enough to observe the
-fiercely advancing cavaliers, perceived that they were friends, not
-foes. It was old Captain Brown himself and his trusty band. With joy,
-this news rang through our ranks. All eyes were then directed toward
-them, enchained and enchanted. It was a splendid sight.
-
-They at first, naturally, took us for enemies, not dreaming but that we
-were miles away, where they left us the evening before. They suspected
-us to be the force, encamped there, which they had been riding all
-night to overtake,—the same force we had awaited.
-
-They came swiftly up over the brow of the hill, in full view, with
-Brown at their head, and, without halting or even slackening their
-speed, swung into line of battle. Only thirty men! yet they presented a
-truly formidable array. The line was formed two deep, and was stretched
-out to give the men full room for action. Brown sprang his horse in
-front of the ranks, waving his long broadsword, and on they came,
-sweeping down upon us with irresistible fury.
-
-It was indeed a splendid and fearful sight, never to be forgotten by
-the beholders. Only thirty men! yet they seemed a host. In their every
-action, in their entire movements, seemed emblazoned, as in their
-determined souls it was written, "Victory or death!"
-
-Their leader looked the very impersonation of Battle. Many of us had
-seen John Brown before, some of us a number of times, and under trying
-circumstances. But now all felt that the real man we had never before
-beheld. The daring, the intrepidity, the large resources of the man,
-none of us had imagined till that moment.
-
-Not a gun was discharged, their commander having given to his men the
-same strict orders that were given at Bunker Hill of old, that they
-should "reserve their fire till they could see the whites of their
-enemy's eyes." But before they had quite gained that very dangerous
-proximity to us, we succeeded in making them understand that we were
-their friends.
-
-Then such a glad shout as rent the air from both sides was seldom ever
-heard, we believe, on any field even of victory. They were as glad to
-find that we were their friends, as we, in our helpless condition, were
-glad to learn that they were not our enemies.
-
-The full intrepidity of Brown and his men, though it appeared to us
-astounding, was not fully appreciable till we came to look at it
-somewhat from their own view-point.
-
-We were actually about eighty men, prisoners and all. But, spread out
-as we were, with the many horses grazing, the scattered and unpacked
-wagons, numerous camp-fires,—widely separated for convenience,—arms
-stacked in some places, and men gathered in groups in others, we
-presented altogether a formidable appearance. What was more, this
-was enhanced by our peculiar position, so that, to them, our numbers
-and strength were exaggerated, while our weakness and confusion were
-concealed. Brown admitted to us himself, afterward, that he thought he
-was undertaking to whip a force of two or three hundred, while his men
-declared that they believed they were actually charging upon not less
-than a thousand.
-
-Brown's quick military eye took in, at the first, the supposed
-situation; and, as in a flash, he decided what to do. All depended,
-he concluded, upon rapidity of action. His only hope lay in striking
-a sudden and crushing blow, for which we were unprepared, and from
-which we could not recover till he had made victory sure. From the
-time Brown's forces came in sight over the hill, till they were within
-gunshot of us, hardly thirty seconds elapsed,—a very short notice in
-which to prepare for action, even if an attack were expected.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XI
-
-Brown to Our Prisoners
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-After mutual congratulations over the bloodless and happy conclusion of
-the adventure, we set our friends down with us to eat the interrupted
-breakfast, to which they were prepared to do ample justice. They
-had ridden all night, some forty or fifty miles, in pursuit of the
-enemy,—had ridden all night, without rest or food, from the time they
-left us, at dusk of evening, till they surprised us that morning with
-their dauntless charge.
-
-Another incident in connection with the events described it seems
-fitting to mention, as affording a very interesting side-glance at
-the character of our hero. After the meal, Captain Brown was asked by
-our officers to give a talk to the prisoners taken the day before, who
-were now drawn up in line for parole. He responded without an instant's
-hesitation or a moment to think what he should say.
-
-He spoke to them in a plain, simple, unpretentious way, but with
-a directness, a force, and an eloquence withal, which doubtless
-wonderfully impressed those addressed, as certainly it held spell-bound
-all others who listened. Such vivid and indelible impression did this
-speech of Brown make on the mind of the present writer that, even after
-the lapse of these many years, he is able to reproduce it, not only
-in substance, but almost word for word; and he has no doubt of its
-exceptional character. Perhaps it was second only to that immortal
-address which the hero made three years later to the court at his trial
-in Virginia, which Emerson pronounced one of the three most remarkable
-addresses in the world.
-
-On the latter occasion, however, instead of a few plain, simple, rough
-and ready, but intensely admiring followers, he had almost the whole
-civilized world eagerly to hear and sacredly to preserve his utterance.
-
-Brown's speech to the prisoners was probably not over five minutes long
-in its delivery, but it lasted those forty trembling men a lifetime.
-It was not known that one of them ever afterward ventured over the
-Missouri border into the Kansas territory.
-
-The address was as follows:
-
-"Men of Missouri, one of your number has asked to see John Brown. Here
-he is. Look at him, and hereafter remember that he is the enemy of all
-evil-doers.
-
-"And what of you yourselves, men! You are from a neighboring State.
-What are you here for? You are invaders of this territory,—and for
-evil purposes, you know as well as we know. You have been killing
-our men, terrorizing our women and children, and destroying our
-property,—houses, crops, and animals. So you stand here as criminals.
-
-"You are fighting for slavery. You want to make or keep other people
-slaves. Do you not know that your wicked efforts will end in making
-slaves of yourselves? You come here to make this a slave State. You are
-fighting against liberty, which our Revolutionary fathers fought to
-establish in this Republic, where all men should be free and equal,
-with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of
-happiness. Therefore, you are traitors to liberty and to your country,
-of the worst kind, and deserve to be hung to the nearest tree.
-
-"But we shall not touch a hair of your heads. Have no fear. You are
-deluded men. You have been deceived by men who are your elders but
-not your betters. You have been misled into this wrong, by those your
-leaders; thus, they are the real criminals and worse than traitors,
-and, if we had them here instead of you, they would not find such mercy
-at our hands.
-
-"You we forgive. For, as you yourselves have confessed, we believe it
-can be said of you that, as was said of them of old, you being without
-knowledge, 'you know not what you do.' But hereafter you will be
-without excuse.
-
-"Go in peace. Go home and tell your neighbors and friends of your
-mistake. We deprive you only of your arms, and do that only lest
-some of you are not yet converted to the right. We let you go free
-of punishment this time; but, do we catch you over the border again
-committing depredations, you must not expect, nor will you receive, any
-mercy.
-
-"Go home, and become liberty-loving citizens of your State and country,
-and your mistakes and misdeeds, as also the injuries which you have
-inflicted upon us, will not have been in vain."
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XII
-
-Hard Lines
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-The personal experiences here related are of interest and have a value
-mainly as they throw somewhat of fresh light upon the character of the
-subject of this work, Captain Brown, and upon the events and times in
-which he was the leading actor.
-
-Those were troublous times,—times that indeed "tried the men's souls"
-who experienced them. The hardships were severe. Danger and disease,
-death by ruthless hands, and even death from starvation, often stared
-us in the face. At one time we lived six weeks solely on Indian-meal
-mixed with water and dried before the fire, and that without even a
-condiment. This was our common fare in times of scarcity. Bacon and
-molasses, and tea without milk or sugar, were our luxuries in times of
-plenty.
-
-For months, in the summer of '56, the men in our settlement never had
-their clothes off, day or night, unless torn or worn off. On a trip
-early in the summer mentioned, made by a companion and myself to Kansas
-City for provisions, we chanced to come across John Brown and his
-company encamped in the woods on a river-bank. After we made ourselves
-known as friends we were invited into their camp. A more ragged set of
-men than we found were rarely, we believe, ever seen,—Brown worst off
-of all, for he would not fare better than his men. They had no shirts
-to their backs, and their outer clothing was worn or torn to tatters.
-While in camp, they were going barefoot to save the remnants of their
-worn-out shoes for emergencies. And withal, they were, they said, on
-short rations, having no bread, but only Indian-meal and water. They
-were glad of the opportunity to engage us to bring them provisions on
-our return, but they confessed they were as short of money as they were
-of provisions, which simply meant that we must share ours with them.
-
-The men of our company worked hard by day to raise crops, with their
-rifles near at hand, and slept in the "bush" at night to avoid surprise
-and capture in their cabins. Only the women and children ran the risk
-of remaining in the houses, in their defenselessness trusting to the
-mercy of the enemy. That border life invited sickness, especially the
-malaria of the low prairie. Our cabins were roughly made, and so open
-that when it rained it was about as wet inside of them as outside.
-
-We had not time to dig wells, and in mid-summer the rivers were low
-and the water so stagnant that we had to brush the green scum from the
-surface when we dipped the water to drink or for other uses. Every man,
-woman, and child of the settlement was ill with the "fever and ague,"
-so termed. There came near being an exception to the rule. One man kept
-so full of whiskey, continuously, that the ague didn't seem to have
-even a fighting chance; but at length the liquor fell short, and the
-ague then found its opportunity and even made up for lost time.
-
-As for fire-arms with which to defend ourselves, we were not well off.
-The famous Sharpe's rifles—"Beecher's Bibles," so-called, from the
-great preacher's contribution of them—won Kansas to freedom in large
-measure; but more by their terrible name than by virtue of any large
-number of the weapons themselves. The Free State men in Kansas actually
-had few of them.
-
-When my older brother, with whom I went to the territory, and myself
-called on Theodore Parker in Boston,—for one thing to ask him if
-those going to Kansas would be helped to fire-arms,—he said he was
-sorry that his previous contributions had left him "nary red" which he
-could give for the purpose, and he referred us to the Aid Society. We
-concluded, however, to depend on our own means, though slender, and so
-bought, to use between us, one Sharpe's rifle for twenty-five dollars.
-We thought it might be useful to bring down prairie hens and wild
-turkeys, if not needed for more serious use.
-
-This was the only Sharpe's rifle owned in our settlement of thirty-six
-men and youth able to bear arms. The members of our company, in fact,
-at this early period in the Kansas troubles of which we write, were
-very slimly accoutered for warfare, and the writer actually went into
-the battle of Sugar Mound, described in previous pages, with an old,
-worn-out flint-lock rifle, being a boy put off with the poorest weapon,
-which, with the greatest care, he could not discharge more than once in
-a half-dozen times' trying. And it was the only weapon he had until he
-made prisoner a Missourian and possessed himself of better arms.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XIII
-
-A Government Musket
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-What does the reader suppose these arms were? The one of interest was
-a United States army musket, altered over from a "flint-lock" to a
-modern "percussion-cap,"—a very effective fire-arm. It will be seen
-that we had to contend not only with the Border Ruffian, but with the
-greater ruffian at that time behind him, the United States Government
-itself, which was covertly lending its influence and even its arms on
-the side of slavery. Those Government guns were stored at Fort Scott,
-on the Missouri border, and the Pro-slavery men were allowed to help
-themselves to them.
-
-That Government musket I intended to keep as a souvenir of Kansas
-times; but later, on the occasion of coming down the Missouri river,
-when boarding the steamboat with this musket in a common gun-case, I
-thoughtlessly, on entering the main saloon, stood it in a conspicuous
-corner. It was soon afterward noticed,—"spotted," as the phrase
-went,—and I heard some one whisper, "Kansas." A rough-looking
-passenger approached the piece, removed its case in examining it, and
-inquired in a loud voice for its owner. Everybody was now all interest.
-It was a time when the Kansas excitement was at its height, and
-passions ran wild.
-
-The cry, "Yankee! Yankee!" burst from the crowd. "Overboard with him!
-Overboard! Overboard!" was howled, and "Yankee! Yankee!" again rang out
-in hot, angry tones.
-
-The subject of these gentle remarks, it goes without saying, was surely
-one of the most interested spectators of the scene of all the members
-of the crowd, and, as was quite politic, joined in the outcries. The
-odds seemed to be decidedly against him, and dissent was surely unwise.
-Apparently there was not another Eastern man on board, and this one
-felt—as once a Western man said he did when expecting to be lynched
-by a howling mob—"a little lonesome." Very fortunately for him, no
-one observed that he was in any way connected with the interesting
-implement of warfare. Had it been discovered that he was the owner
-of that musket,—well! he would probably not be here now to tell
-his story. If the possessor of it, on the contrary, had proved to be
-a "Pro-slavery" from the territory, he would immediately have been
-lionized as a hero.
-
-"All's well that ends well." The only matter of regret to the owner was
-that he lost sight and possession forever, that troublous night, of his
-souvenir musket. It was secretly made away with by some one's hands,
-under cover of the darkness.
-
-An incident in the story of the musket we may here relate, on account
-of its probable significance, not apparent at that time, but revealed
-at a later date.
-
-As we were making our way leisurely from the battlefield at Sugar
-Mound, the opportunity was afforded me to show Captain Brown my share
-of the trophies of our recent victory. He seemed rather indifferent as
-he looked at the revolvers, the fine powder-horn, the shot-bag, and
-the cartridge-pouch; but when he caught sight of the musket he grasped
-it eagerly and scrutinized it with intense interest. On the gun-stock
-was inscribed: "Made at the U. S. Armory, Harper's Ferry, Va.,"—or
-words to that effect.
-
-When, three years later, occurred that startling episode in our history
-at Harper's Ferry, Brown's scrutiny of the musket was recalled by me
-and apparently found its explanation. It raises the question, How long
-had he contemplated carrying the war into Africa?
-
-In Brown's view, slavery was war, aggressive and in actual operation.
-Therefore, any attack on the institution was virtually defensive
-warfare, legitimate and justifiable. He was a worshiper, heart and
-soul, at liberty's shrine, and to his mind no sacrifice in its cause
-was too great or costly. In that light must be interpreted his hard
-saying: "It would be better that a whole generation of men, women, and
-children should be sacrificed than have liberty perish from the earth."
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XIV
-
-An Unfailing Guide
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-The youngest male member of our Kansas party, hardly more than a boy,
-was possessor of a peculiar psychical faculty—very fortunately for
-us during all our troublous experiences in the territory. It was a
-modest gift, but an exceedingly useful one to us under the exceptional
-circumstances in which we often found ourselves, and this not alone to
-its owner, but to the whole company. It cannot be better designated,
-in brief, than as the faculty of "finding the way," the term usually
-employed in speaking of it.
-
-It probably will not lessen the interest of the reader in the matter if
-he is here told that the writer of this account himself was the happy
-possessor of this useful power. From a boy, a mere child, he may say,
-it was known among his playmates that he could lead them safely and
-surely to any place or object, when there was doubt about its locality,
-and could also discover the whereabouts of things lost. The shyness of
-the boy led him to keep his gift in the background.
-
-In Kansas it was as suddenly as remarkably made prominent perforce. It
-came into use the first day after we set out on our journey over the
-prairie. We had not gone far from the borders of civilization,—only
-far enough for its objects to be out of view,—when our whole caravan
-of travelers, their teams, horses, oxen, and wagons, came to a full
-stop. The trail over the prairie branched into two, and all were in
-doubt which was the right one to take. The clouds had shut in the sun,
-and the boundless prairie stretched out on all sides, with not an
-object, house or tree, hill, or even a rock, in view, as a landmark
-by which we could aim our course. One of the party, with a little
-experience in traveling on the prairie, warned us that an error made
-here might mislead us a whole day's journey.
-
-The situation began to be a little distressing; whereupon the older
-brother of the psychic boy said: "Call up my brother. He will tell you
-which trail to take." Accordingly, the boy was summoned to the front;
-and to the older heads, waiting there with amused smiles on their faces
-for the decision, he pointed out what, in his belief, was the right
-trail. Being wholly in doubt, they, with their smiles deepening to
-laughter, said they might as well follow the trail he indicated. It
-turned out to be the correct one.
-
-During the following ten or a dozen days' journey, as many times at
-least the youth was summoned to the front, and his psychical faculty
-put to the test. Its possessor was made happy, and his companions were
-equally gratified, that his power in no instance failed him.
-
-These trails, mere wagon-tracks across the country, ran in almost all
-directions, crosswise, parallel, and at all angles, and were enough
-to puzzle the very elect,—the elect being in this instance the
-psychic youth. The earnest wish to find the way in any case—and the
-stronger and more earnest the wish the better—seemed to be a sort of
-mainspring to the action of the power to insure its success.
-
-This gift was brought into play many times during the two years
-of Kansas events sketched here, and served us well; was often
-invaluable. The fact just mentioned, that the strong wish insured its
-effectiveness, was often clearly shown. For instance, on the occasion
-referred to in a previous chapter, of our happening upon Captain
-Brown's camp in an out-of-the-way spot on our trip for provisions,
-there was a strong desire on our part, excited, perhaps, much by
-curiosity, to see Brown and his men at that particular time in their
-temporary hiding-place; and seemingly by this intense desire inciting
-the psychic power, we were led to the spot,—for it had taken us, as we
-found afterward, quite a number of miles out of our direct course.
-
-In passing, we will here digress a little from our story to say that,
-at this time of our visit, Brown was being hunted down, like a criminal
-or a wild beast, by the Government military as well as by his other
-enemies, and was all the time liable to betrayal into their hands.
-
-I remember well, in this connection, how we found him armed that day.
-He carried about his person not less than twenty shots with which to
-defend himself did it become necessary: a Remington repeater—six
-shots; a brace of revolvers—six-shooters; and a pair of pistols. He
-had also a long knife or dirk, and his usual trusty old broadsword.
-Most of these arms, he seemed to take pains to inform us, were
-presented to him by his friends. Particularly did the old man impress
-me, while showing us the weapons, when he quietly remarked: "Our
-enemies would like much, no doubt, to get hold of me; but," he added
-with sternness, "I will never be taken alive, and I warn them I shall
-punish them to the extent of my power if they attempt my capture."
-
-To return from this digression, it was a perilous thing in those
-days for one to venture out alone on the prairie. It was perilous to
-life, and perhaps still more dangerous to the property of him who
-ventured,—at least in some ways. For one thing, we did not dare to
-risk our horses. Horses were valuable, and the enemy considered them
-as legitimate contraband of war. The luckless horseman caught abroad
-by his foes was simply ordered to dismount. His horse, saddled and
-bridled, was led off, and the owner was left to make his way on
-foot, no matter how far the distance. When a team without a load was
-overtaken by our opponents, the horses were appropriated and the wagon
-left standing on the prairie. Were the wagon loaded with valuables,
-both animals and wagon were confiscated, and their owner was told,
-very likely with rifles pointed at him, to run for life till out of
-sight. In such cases, were one found with money or other valuables on
-his person, he was summarily relieved of them. Sometimes we sewed our
-money within the lining of our clothes, for safety; but that device for
-concealment had its risks. One was liable to be stripped, and to have
-his clothing cut or torn to shreds in the hurried search for the money.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XV
-
-Hazardous Journeys
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-Such were some of the hazards of travel at that time, when the new
-territory was indeed "bleeding Kansas."
-
-Journeys, nevertheless, had to be made, and long ones, and many of them
-from sheer necessity. We were obliged to buy in a distant market all
-the food we ate, with all other necessaries of life. Shipment of goods
-must be made by ox-teams—the use of horses being out of the question,
-for the reasons mentioned; and the ox-team was rather a slow means of
-transportation. Some ten days were necessary to make the journey from
-our settlement to the nearest good market, Kansas City, and return.
-
-There was another matter we had to consider. The journeys were
-hazardous to men as well as to horses. Men were valuable and scarce.
-Not more than two at most were ever allowed to go on these dangerous
-errands, and usually one only.
-
-It is not strange, as will readily be understood, that the boy who
-could "find his way" was for that reason chosen to make these trips,
-and he generally went alone. Another reason for this choice was that
-the settlers would not run the risk of sacrificing their mature, strong
-male members in this service, could it be avoided. This youth—because
-a youth, with no one, wife or children, dependent upon him—would
-not be so great a loss to the community if capture, imprisonment, or
-death befell him! He was, however, inspired by, and felt not a little
-pride because of, the confidence reposed in his ability to perform the
-difficult and dangerous task assigned him.
-
-Quite a number of these trips I made alone, and in not one did I
-lose my way. On one occasion the guiding faculty was put to a severe
-test. At the end of a day's travel the oxen were freed as usual from
-the wagon for two or three hours, in order that they might graze.
-Meanwhile, strict watch of them was necessary, lest they should wander
-away. That night, through much exhaustion and lack of rest, it was
-my misfortune to fall asleep. When I awoke, long past midnight, the
-cattle were gone. The full moon shone brightly overhead, lighting up
-the horizon far away on all sides; but, far and wide as the eye could
-reach, no sight or sign of the animals was visible on that prairie
-ocean.
-
-A serious state of things this appeared to be, at first thought,
-and it awakened serious apprehensions. Far from home, I was left
-with my valuables on the prairie, bereft of all means of taking them
-to their destination. But upon second thought, often the better, I
-calmly fell back, for rescue, on my humble psychic faculty. Humble and
-inconsequential I had held it, but, if it served me true this time, it
-never again should be lightly valued.
-
-It proved as true as the needle to the pole.
-
-It seemed to me that the cattle had gone in a certain direction; and
-in that direction I went, in a straight line over the prairie, three or
-four miles, directly to them. There they were, quietly feeding, close
-to a stream at which they had evidently quenched their thirst. They
-were led, doubtless, to find this water, in their need that night, by
-an instinct similar to, and equally as unerring as, that possessed by
-their owner which he had used to find them.
-
-Whether the same instinct that "found the way" in the instances related
-served to secure successful avoidance of the enemy on these journeys
-will not be asserted; but this interesting fact can be affirmed,
-namely, that, happily for the lone teamster and for the settlers whose
-property, whether money or purchases, was intrusted to his care, not
-once were dangerous foes encountered on these trips, and only in one
-instance was there a near approach to it.
-
-One day three horsemen appeared on the horizon in the rear, bearing
-down upon me. When we have not strength sufficient, we are prone to
-resort to strategy for protection or to extricate ourselves from
-difficulty. On board my wagon, the usual large "prairie-schooner,"
-covered with canvas, was a box of firearms which, with foolhardiness, I
-had undertaken to deliver in Osawatomie. For one to transport arms was
-to invite the services of the executioner.
-
-I had reason that day, however, to thank my foolhardiness. At first
-sight of the approaching horsemen I sprang into the cart, forced off
-the box-cover, and stuck several of the gun-muzzles out under the sides
-of the wagon-canopy.
-
-And another reason I had for thankfulness that day. It had been my good
-fortune that summer, while lying ill of the ague, to learn a little of
-the ventriloquist's art from a half-breed Indian. The accomplishment
-served me well now. As the strange horsemen closely approached, I was
-busy carrying on a conversation, ventriloquist-wise, with my imaginary
-companions inside the covered wagon.
-
-"Lie still and make up your sleep. Lie still. No danger."
-
-"Who is it?" (from the wagon.)
-
-"They are travelers," was answered; "friendly, no doubt. Lie still and
-get your sleep."
-
-(From inside the wagon) "Whistle if you want us."
-
-Answer: "O yes, I will. Lie still. No danger,—they're friends."
-
-By this time the troopers were alongside. They looked hard at me, but
-harder at the gun-muzzles, made the usual "good-day" greeting, asked a
-few questions, and rode on. My little artifice had worked like a charm.
-My visitors, I felt little doubt, had planned and meant mischief; had
-probably been in search of my team, possibly for days, incited by hope
-of rich plunder.
-
-This record of personal experiences will serve the main purpose for
-which it is written if it lays bare to the reader in some degree the
-difficulties and dangers, the trials and sacrifices, of the Free State
-settlers whom John Brown led at last to victory in the Kansas struggle
-for freedom.
-
-In closing this chapter, I will give my readers the only explanation
-I am able to proffer of the strange faculty of localization which has
-been mentioned. No voice is heard, nothing like an impression is felt,
-there is no experience of any occult power of vision. Indeed, I have
-already stated all that I am conscious of, in the words, "it seems to
-me" that the object of quest, or the locality sought, lies in a certain
-direction or place, whenever this faculty is brought into play to find
-it.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XVI
-
-The Osawatomie Battle
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-The engagement at Sugar Mound (also called Middle Creek) took place on
-Monday, the 25th of August. Five days later, on Saturday, August 30th,
-was fought the really famous battle of Osawatomie, the Bunker Hill of
-the Kansas struggle.
-
-In the early dawn of that day some four hundred of the enemy, well
-mounted and equipped,—with their bayonets glistening in the morning
-sun,—bore down upon the devoted town and its stanch defenders. There,
-in that day's notable battle, John Brown showed that he possessed
-real military talent. In this case he was acting on the defensive, and
-manifested coolness and caution equal in effectiveness to the dash and
-daring displayed on other occasions.
-
-To our settlement on the South Pottawatomie, the same thing occurred
-on this memorable occasion as on the earlier one already described. A
-rider came up the creek twenty miles, asking for our aid.
-
-This time the messenger was sent by Brown himself, and there was a
-similar ready and willing response to the call, even though we had
-so lately arrived home. There was the same eager hurrying to and
-fro to get our force together, the same quick preparations, hasty
-leave-taking, setting out at dusk, and the like night-march. We made
-all possible haste to the rescue.
-
-Before midnight, however, when we had covered only half the distance to
-our friends in distress, a scout met us with unwelcome news, which, to
-our dismay, ran: "Battle at Osawatomie, John Brown killed, Free State
-men defeated, and the town burned to ashes." Moreover, our informant
-thought it probable that the victors were on their way to lay waste our
-settlement.
-
-The only thing now to be done was to return to our homes, and to make
-ready, if the need came, to defend them. One prior thing it was decided
-it would surely be well to do, namely: dispatch two scouts to our
-friends at the scene of disaster and get accurate information of their
-fate or fortune.
-
-The choice fell upon the two brothers, the writer and his older
-brother, and for the reason (comforting to them) that, being the
-youngest men, with none dependent upon them, their loss, were they
-killed, would be less to the community than the loss of older men. And
-besides, one of them was good at "finding the way" and the other had
-won a reputation for extra courage and trustiness in emergencies. We
-were assigned, to say the least, a rather delicate and hazardous duty,
-and probably there were few men in the company that night anxious or
-willing to undertake it.
-
-Bidding our comrades adieu, we mounted two of our best horses and
-proceeded on through the night. Being obliged, for safety, to avoid
-both the "open" and the main road, we could make our way but slowly,
-and so did not reach the vicinity of Osawatomie till daylight. We kept
-in hiding during the day, spying around the city of desolation and
-trying to learn of the presence of foes or if any of our friends were
-still alive. After nightfall we cautiously approached the log-cabin on
-the outskirts of the town, where, if anywhere, we knew we should most
-likely find friends. It was the home of the Adairs, relatives of John
-Brown.
-
-There we learned from them the story of recent events. Captain Brown
-had not been killed, as was reported, though he was wounded; but there
-in that humble cottage, folded in the embrace of death, lay one of his
-sons, the tall, handsome Frederick Brown, as noble-looking as he was
-noble of soul, the fourth of that now historic band of six hero-sons,
-worthy scions of their hero-father.
-
-As the Pro-slavery invaders were marching into Osawatomie, two
-of their scouts, at some distance from the town, met this son of
-Brown with a companion named Garrison, and in cold blood, without
-provocation, shot down the unarmed men. Their whole force of four
-hundred or more horsemen then trampled over the bodies, leaving them to
-lie there all day in the hot August sun.
-
-Late that same night, Sunday evening, as we lingered in conversation
-with the family, the old father, having learned of the death of his
-son, returned to take a last look at his remains. Here again, surely,
-was a scene for a painter, in that lowly cabin that night. If a picture
-of it, as those bright young eyes saw it in all its realistic setting
-and color, could have been faithfully depicted on the artist's canvas,
-and thus preserved for us to-day, it could not fail to be of more than
-common historic interest.
-
-[Illustration: INTERIOR OF THE ADAIR LOG CABIN.]
-
-As Brown bent over the lifeless form of his boy, there was not a word
-of complaint from his lips, nor any look of revenge on his face,—only
-deep, silent grief, and falling tears, and humble submission to the
-Almighty will. Then he hurried away to the morrow's duty, after
-expressing his wishes as to the disposal of the remains of his son.
-
-Yes, one thing more, doubtless. He carried away in his heart that night
-a deeper abhorrence of the institution which had virtually inspired the
-blow and aimed the bullet that had ended that young life. The scene in
-that lowly cabin that night was to remain, at any rate, ineffaceable in
-the memory of the few who were witnesses to it.
-
-On the opposite page is given an interior view of the Adair log-cabin,
-taken while Mr. Adair was still living, and representing him sitting
-in his accustomed chair in the main room of the house,—the room where
-lay the body of Brown's son, Frederick, and where the father sadly
-viewed it.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-The battle of Osawatomie was surely a remarkable engagement. Brown,
-with a handful of men hastily gathered together and placed in position,
-kept long at bay more than ten times their number. The stand was made
-in the edge of the timber, on the near bank of the river. "There,"
-said Brown modestly in his account of the battle, "we had exceptional
-opportunity to annoy the enemy."
-
-The first onslaught of their foes, who marched gaily as if to sure
-victory, was met by a steady, determined fire from Brown and his men,
-so destructive as to make the ranks of their assailants reel, break,
-and then hastily retreat. Again and yet again they re-formed their
-broken lines, and renewed the attack, suffering terrible punishment
-each time, till their leaders could rally them no longer.
-
-At that time the gallant little band of defenders, out of ammunition
-and with their ranks sadly thinned, thought it wise to retire across
-the river. Their foes, crippled and shattered, had no heart to follow,
-and the battle ended. It only remained for spite and revenge to find
-vent in the burning of the town.
-
-We need not recite details here; they are matters of history. And yet
-some uncertainty has hung over that engagement. The invaders, in the
-chagrin and shame of their more than failure, proceeded to conceal
-or falsify the facts. And never was there greater temptation to
-falsification. The certainty of Brown's annihilation at their hands
-they had loudly trumpeted beforehand, but their own defeat had occurred
-instead.
-
-The account of the battle written soon after by Brown to his family was
-near to the truth, and is borne out by all reliable testimony. About
-thirty of the assailants were killed, and the usual ratio of wounded
-would be some seventy-five or eighty.
-
-
-
-
-[Illustration]
-
-XVII
-
-Conclusion
-
-[Illustration]
-
-
-In concluding these reminiscences it only remains to be said, of the
-subject of them, that in the writer's opinion John Brown was a great
-man; and he believes that this will be the verdict of the future upon
-him when misconceptions and prejudice are blown to the winds. John
-Brown is one of the most unique characters in all our history. In a
-way, he stands almost alone, and deserves, if only for that reason, a
-place in the Hall of Fame far more than many a one who has been given a
-niche therein.
-
-John Brown was a hero. Our country has brought forth no greater one. He
-was of the very substance and essence of self-sacrifice. What higher
-can be said of any one of our humankind? Everything, possessions,
-reputation, life, he was ready to throw into the scales against wrong
-and for the cause of human liberty, human rights, and justice, which
-were to him as sacred, as divine, as the God he worshiped. Love of them
-was the consuming passion of his soul, and to fight for them, to live
-and die for them, was to him the highest duty of man.
-
-The ablest minds have been the most appreciative of the high qualities
-of John Brown,—for example, Ralph Waldo Emerson, of our own country,
-and Victor Hugo, of France. It is Edward Everett Hale who has
-pronounced him "our great American martyr." Nothing could be finer
-than Thomas Wentworth Higginson's tribute: "It must be conceded that
-John Brown was the most eloquent of all our great Abolitionists, for
-his was the eloquence of a life."
-
-Let not our readers conclude that we are attempting to glorify Brown's
-militant course, or that we would inspire the spirit of war. We
-celebrate the great soul.
-
-John A. Andrew said: "Whatever might be thought of John Brown's acts,
-John Brown himself was right." That sentiment so touched the popular
-heart at the time that it went far to make Andrew governor.
-
-We may accept fully and wholly the man, though we approve not his
-methods. Brown derived his ideal, in its spirit, so to speak, from
-the New Testament; but his ideal of action was rooted in the Old
-Dispensation. The one is wholly worthy our following, the other is not.
-
-One can allow that this is true, though he hold that the old or past
-was inevitable, and that Brown did the best possible at the time
-and under the circumstances. That is no reason why we should go on
-imitating his example; but we cannot be enough filled with his spirit.
-
-The truth, we think, may be told in a word: John Brown belonged to the
-"old order," which is passing away. Heaven speed its end! He was a man
-of war, whatever else he might be; though it seems surely to be shown
-that he was much besides. While we would do him full justice, while we
-glorify the spirit he was of, we must turn to our higher ideal,—those
-of the "new order," the men of peace. The spirit of both may be the
-same, their methods are as opposite as the poles.
-
-Tolstoi has given us the key that opens to us the coming ideal: "It is
-better to suffer wrong, even without limit, than to do wrong even in
-the least."
-
-This represents the meaning of Tolstoi, though it may not be expressed
-in just his words. That ideal is far in advance of mankind in general
-to-day, but the world is moving surely if slowly toward it. The spirit
-that actuated John Brown—that of self-sacrifice for what he believed
-to be the good and true, and his entire devotion to liberty and
-right—is to be more and more alive, and more truly than ever "marching
-on."
-
-The North will more and more appreciate and honor John Brown, as time
-goes on; and we shall not wonder very much if even the South some day
-builds a monument to his memory. For it is simple justice, and not
-flattery, to say that no men ever lived who possessed higher courage or
-had a finer sense of what is heroic than the true Southerner.
-
-
-
-TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:
-
-
-  Text in italics is surrounded by underscores: _italics_.
-
-  Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
-
-  Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained from
-    the original.
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of John Brown the Hero, by J. W. Winkley
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