John Brown, Soldier of Fortune: A CritiqueWilson, Hill Peebles
History
John Brown, Soldier of Fortune: A Critique
Wilson, Hill Peebles
Brown, John, 1800-1859
That this speech will stand for all time, as a classic in the existing
melodramatic literature of John Brown, will be conceded. The novel plan
of a night attack by ten men, furnished with lanterns, as targets,
"strung far apart," against a force of fifteen hundred men, will, of
itself, commend it to such recognition.
A summary of the speeches, recently referred to as "harangues," made by
Governor Shannon, and by General Lane, and by Charles Robinson, on this
occasion, was duly reported at the time and published throughout the
country, for this was a notable incident in our national history. But
not a word was reported about Brown's speech. It ought to have been the
climax--the fire-works--of the whole performance for he was the only one
of the speakers who is said to have been "boiling over" with anything.
It may be assumed however that if John Brown had made a violent speech
_from this platform_ on this occasion, the fact would have been reported
by the reporter for the _Herald of Freedom_, who was present, and who
felt very kindly toward him. It may be true that Brown did some
grumbling in camp, or some loud talking somewhere, about the treaty
which he may not have understood at the time.
A very extended report of the incidents occurring in the "Wakurusa War"
is contained in the Lawrence _Herald of Freedom_ of December 15,
1855,[104] from which the following are extracts:
Sunday the negotiations were resumed with Governor Shannon
and finally completed, the substance of which was
communicated to the people by the Governor. The settlement
was received with satisfaction and yet the terms were not
coincided in so fully as many supposed it would be. It was
apparent that the Governor was in bad odor, as several
attempts to get up cheers in his favor proved a failure,
though no insult was shown him.
Colonel Lane followed and was loudly cheered. He assured
the public there had been no concession of honor and that
the people of Lawrence and Kansas, would cheerfully
acquiesce in the terms of the settlement as soon as they
could learn the particulars....
General Robinson was also loudly cheered and congratulated
by the people on account of the settlement.... The day
closed by Governor Shannon giving General Robinson and
Colonel Lane each a commission, and clothing them with full
power to preserve the peace in the vicinity and to use the
volunteer force at their command for that purpose.
Tuesday was full of animation. The soldiers were reviewed
and finally formed in a square and addressed by the
commanding officers. General Lane spoke as follows:...
At the close of General Lane's speech, he was vociferously
cheered.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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