JOHN BROWN SOLDIER OF FORTUNE A CRITIQUE BY HILL PEEBLES WILSON MR, VALLANDIGHAM-Mr. Brown, who sent you here JOHN BROWN No roan sent me here it was my own prompting and that of my Maker, or that of the Devil, whichever you please to ascribe it to. I acknowledge no master in human form. fta, 313 HILL P. LAWRENCE, KANSAS 1913 COPYRK. HI 19H sv Hiu, PEEBI ss WILSON THC TORCH CKOAM KA u i n. TO THE MEMORY Off MRS. SARA T. D. ROBINSON OF KANSAS PREFACE THE writer of this book is not an iconoclast, neither has he prejudged John Brown. In 1859 the character was impressed upon his attention in a personal way. An older brother, Joseph E. Wilson, was a member of the company of marines that made the assault on the engine-house at Harpers Ferry, on the morning of October 18th and from him he heard the story of the tight, 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 con tention 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 Browns char acter and conduct, and the importance of his public services inKansas. The change carne 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 Browns eulogists, , he began an investigation of the available historical data relating to the subject when he found to his surprise, and disgust, that the 10 PREFACE history of Browns career contained nothing to justify the pub lic 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 Browns 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 concern ing Brown except, that he has not explored the writings which have been put forth by those who have sought, viciously, to attack Browns character. The opinions therefore which he has set forth are convictions resulting from serious investiga tion and thought. In conclusion, the author takes great pleasure in acknowledg ing the deep sense of his obligation to the late Mrs. Sara T, D, Robinson, wife of Charles Robinson of Kansas, whose gen erosity, and deep interest in the history of our country, made thepublication 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 Whi taker, Jr., both of the University of Kansas, he wishes to return his thanks for tnany valuable suggestions, Lawrence, Kansas, April IS, 1913. CONTENTS I THE SUBJECT MATTER …..
