Later he gathered up the threads of Brown's life and has woven them, conscientiously, into the web of history. The story reveals little which is creditable to Brown or worthy of emulation and much that is abhorrent. But he indulges the hope that he has made it clear that his conceptions of the character have not been inspired by "prejudice," "blind" or otherwise, for he has examined the records in the case; an examination which has led him through all the existing testimony concerning Brown; except, that he has not explored the writings which have been put forth by those who have sought, viciously, to attack Brown's character. The opinions therefore which he has set forth are convictions resulting from serious investigation and thought. In conclusion, the author takes great pleasure in acknowledging the deep sense of his obligation to the late Mrs. Sara T. D. Robinson, wife of Charles Robinson of Kansas, whose generosity, and deep interest in the history of our country, made the publication of this book possible. Also, he desires to express his gratitude to Dr. William Watson Davis, of the University of Kansas, for the cordial encouragement which he received from him while preparing the work, and for his kindly assistance in molding the text into its present form. Also, to Dr. William Savage Johnson, and to Professor William Asbury Whitaker, Jr., both of the University of Kansas, he wishes to return his thanks for many valuable suggestions. Lawrence, Kansas, April 15, 1913. CONTENTS I THE SUBJECT MATTER 15 II THE MAN 26 III KANSAS--A CRISIS IN OUR NATIONAL HISTORY 55 IV HIS PUBLIC SERVICES 72 V ROBBERY AND MURDER ON THE POTTAWATOMIE 95 VI BLACK JACK 135 VII OSAWATOMIE 154 VIII HYPOCRISY 181 IX A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE 223 X THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT 243 XI THE SHUBEL MORGAN PLUNDER COMPANY 259 XII MOBILIZING THE PROVISIONAL ARMY 283 XIII THE FIASCO 296 XIV A PERVERSION OF HISTORY 323 XV HIS GREAT ADVENTURE 341 XVI A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS 364 XVII "YET SHALL HE LIVE" 395 APPENDICES I CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE LATE D. W. WILDER CONCERNING JOHN BROWN 411 II RECOLLECTIONS OF JOHN BROWN AT HARPER'S FERRY BY ALEXANDER BOTELER, A VIRGINIAN WHO WITNESSED THE FIGHT 414 III CONSTITUTION AND ORDINANCE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES 417 IV JOHN BROWN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY 431 ILLUSTRATIONS JOHN BROWN Frontispiece