“Why are you worrying so much? Black people have already gone too far in getting the right to vote anyway.”
“You really think so too?”
“We have to look at public sentiment. Whether to abolish slavery or treat blacks equally is another matter.”
“What’s the problem?” Holiday asked with his eyes.
“The biggest issue is jobs. Think about the black people who live in Kansas and have the right to vote. They’ll rise in status and eventually take away white people’s jobs.”
“Then how is this any different from what the slavery advocates do?”
“It’s different. Anyway, this matter will be decided by vote, right?”
Holiday nodded.
The constitution promoted by the slave states was done according to their will, but Topeka respected the opinions of the participants. It was a word of respect, but it had a great meaning of showing that it was different from the slave states.
“Anyway, we will soon begin drafting the constitution and once the voting is over, it will be announced in January next year.”
“The President must accept it and the Senate must approve it.”
Unfortunately, this Topeka Constitution was in sharp conflict with the constitution created by the slave states, and dragged on for many years. Eventually, the constitution changed its name several times, becoming a source of confusion.
“Oh, and about the militia weapons.”
Holiday hated the word Jayhawks.
Not only did it have a bad meaning, but it was also because when Speaker Charles became governor, he referred to them as the Kansas Militia.
“It will be arriving by ship soon. He said he sent it wrapped in a book in case it was caught in Missouri.”
“What quantity?”
“120 revolvers and 50 Sharps rifles.”
In the great cities of the East, far from Lawrence, speeches and newspaper columns arguing for the abolition of slavery were pouring out every day.
And the funds raised through this were being used to purchase weapons.
The realization that armed struggle was inevitable and the will to make Kansas a free state even if it meant shedding blood.
The reason Holiday was able to learn of the number of weapons and their arrival was because the entity that founded the town of Lawrence was the New England Emigration Assistance Company (NEEAC).
“You know what’s amazing? Among those who sent the weapons was Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’”
“Oh, really?”
Max opened his eyes wide, pretending to be surprised.
Not only she, but many other prominent figures also used their own money to purchase weapons.
‘The most interesting character among them is···.’
*
The town of Oasawatomie, 60 km southeast of Lawrence.
A man came to this place, a mixture of names from the Osage and Potowatomi native tribes.
Leader of the abolitionists.
A key figure who defined strong religious beliefs as ‘violence’ rather than ‘peace’ and led Kansas to bloodshed.
John Brown.
After a long and ardent career traveling between the East and the North, he finally arrived in Kansas.
A house built of logs.
As John Brown stopped his horse, five men came out from inside.
His adopted sons had been waiting here for a long time.
“Thank you for your hard work coming this far.”
“Let’s go in first.”
John Brown and his adopted sons sat at the table and told the story of the past days.
“We were a little late because we had to procure funds and weapons on the way. I think the ones we sent will arrive in Lawrence soon.”
“Were the reactions okay?”
“I guess everyone here is of the same opinion. Those who turn a deaf ear to what I say are not even noticeable. However.”
John Brown looked around at his sons and put strength into his voice.
“It is clear that there will be a big change depending on the situation in Kansas. If we fail, we will have to spend more time and blood. We must defend Kansas by all means.”
The sons nodded with solemn eyes. Although they were not related by blood, they had been deeply exposed to John Brown’s ideas since childhood, so they had no disagreements. In fact, they respected their adoptive father, John Brown.
Next, his eldest son, Owen Brown, explained the situation in Kansas.
It’s quite a long story, from Charles Robinson becoming governor to Topeka and the Free State Party.
But John Brown’s primary interest was the Jayhawks.
“It’s only natural that the governor would be the commander in chief. However, that’s just a matter of position. The one who actually runs the organization is James Lane.”
“I think so too. I heard he handles all the training and organizational planning.”
As John Brown nodded, the second son, Frederick, intervened.
“Have you ever heard of Sheriff Lawrence?”
“I heard that you are an Asian.”
“That Asian guy is training the young Jayhawks right now.”
John Brown stroked his chin, his eyes sparkling.
“I’ve been reading the newspaper all this time, and it’s no joke.”
“You can’t trust the newspapers these days. Whether it’s a free state or a slave state, they’re full of false information. But it seems to be true that Congressman Lane has a high opinion of Asians.”
John Brown believed that only what he saw and heard was true. His convictions were strengthened by his direct witness to the miserable lives and miserable deaths of slaves.
That’s why Asians I hadn’t even seen were not of interest.
“Commander Lane will be here in a few days. We can station some of the Jayhawks here at Osawatomie and work with them.”
“Okay, I see. It’s going to be busy from now on.”
John Brown, lost in thought for a moment, looked at Owen and gave him one instruction.
“I’ll give you my letter, so take it to Bouncer at the Calley Inn in Missouri.”
“Oh, you’re the stationmaster for Jackson County.”
John Brown nodded.
An abolitionist, he was also deeply involved in the Underground Railroad.
Even those involved in the organization viewed John Brown as the real leader.
A few days later.
John Brown and Lane met.
While they were talking, the topic of Max came up, but Lane said it as if it was nothing.
– You seem to have some talent for teaching.
If John Brown’s fame was national, James Henry Lane’s was local.
Because of their differences, Lane hoped Max would escape John Brown’s attention.
‘It’ll be difficult if you take her.’
It didn’t seem like Max would budge, but that was his problem.
A rallying point for abolitionists.
It was a burden to have a rocky relationship with John Brown, who had the support of famous tycoons and politicians.
*
The number of Jayhawkers is increasing day by day.
They gathered around Lawrence, but then dispersed to towns pioneered by abolitionists.
But even during this time, the only young Jayhawks trained by Max were still staying in Lawrence.
– Since you have put so much effort into raising it, it shouldn’t go outside.
These were the words of James Henry Lane.
Although he had conflicts with Governor Charles, the two agreed on one thing: Max.
– Let’s just let Sheriff Max do what he says.
– Let’s do that.
And then some time later on November 21st.
The murders occurred near Hickory Point, 23 km south of Lawrence.
It started with a land claim between two people.
The problem is that the abolitionist was shot in the back nine times by pro-slavery advocate Franklin Coleman.
To solve this problem, Samuel Jefferson Jones of Douglas County stepped forward.
And Jones acknowledged that the killer, Franklin Coleman, acted in self-defense.
– How can shooting someone in the back nine times be considered self-defense? The sheriff must have sided with the slaveholders!
– Arrest this kid.
Ironically, Samuel Jones arrested Jacob Branson, who protested strongly, instead of letting the murderer go.
“You crazy sheriff! We need to get Jacob out of here now.”
“This is a clear provocation! This was done with determination in a slave state!”
Hearing the legislators’ condemnation, Governor Charles had no choice but to make a decision.
He opened his mouth and looked around the room.
“The militia was not organized for nothing. Peace is already a thing of the past.”
Governor Charles’ gaze turned to Lane.
“Let’s organize a militia to get Jacob out. I would appreciate it if Senator Lane could take charge of this.”
‘They said the day would come soon when the results of the training would be shown, but the timing is incredible.’
As soon as the governor’s permission was granted, Lane went to see Max.
“It is time, as you said. How much time do I need to prepare?”
“It will only take a minute.”
Max, as if he knew everything, got up from his seat and went out of the tent and shouted.
“Gather round, kids!”
“Old story!”
It took 10 seconds to assemble in 8 rows.
“From now on, this is not training, this is real combat! I believe that no squad will disappoint their instructor. Let’s start the so-called Jacob Rescue Operation!”
“Old story!”
Rain blinked his eyes.
I nodded my head as I looked at the young Jayhawks full of spirit.
And then I looked at the back of Max’s head and thought.
‘Today, I’m incredibly curious about the country called Joseon.’
Meanwhile, there were those who embarked on a mission to rescue Jacob, separate from Max.
John Brown was a man of action rather than words.
“The time has come to fulfill a sacred duty. Violence will be answered with violence. Blood will be answered with blood.”
The adopted sons and Jayhawks.
And behind him stood Bouncer Colin, with an uneasy expression on his face.
Author’s Note
With the advent of John Brown
We’re entering full-blown bloody Kansas.
Although this is a short piece of writing, thank you for your interest and reading.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the readers who always leave comments.
I hope you have a pleasant and happy night.
The operation was great.
“All squad leaders, gather inside the barracks immediately!”
“Old story!”
Max, who was given command by Lane, held a meeting to rescue Jacob Brands.
There are a total of 8 squad leaders.
The platoon leader hasn’t been appointed yet.
‘There has to be a taste for going up.’
We will also be awarding ranks at the appropriate time.
It drives passion by forcing people into endless competition. Of course, there are side effects to this.
If it shows signs of overheating, it will be a minus, so appropriate control is necessary.
Max spread out a map on the table, placed small stones on it, and opened his mouth.
“This is where Samuel Jones caught Jacob Branson. And this is Lecompton, where Jones’s sheriff’s office is.”
With Jacob Branson captured, 11 o’clock is towards Lecompton, and 12 o’clock is towards Lawrence where Max is.
“Originally, it should have gone at 11 o’clock, but these guys’ path is heading towards 2 o’clock. Does anyone know why?”
The squad leaders exchanged opinions, but Peach was the most accurate.
“Because Lawrence is on the way to Lecompton. So Jones is going to Wyandotte, where the influence of Missouri is.”
In fact, the reason Jones avoids Lawrence is simple: because of Max.
Since it was obvious that there would be interference, they chose Wyandotte near the Missouri border.
am.
Peach knew that Max was the cause, but she didn’t mention it.
“You saw it clearly, Peach.”
Max, who has become more comfortable with words since some time ago.
He nodded and stroked his chin.
According to the original history, Jacob should be rescued at the crossroads leading to Lecompton.
Here, there would have been the activities of the Jayhawks led by John Brown and Samuel Newitt Wood. Samuel Newitt Wood, who became a hero because of this, went on to become a Kansas senator.
Of course, I wonder if Max’s intervention will make things worse.
Anyway.
‘So Jones changed his destination.’
Since more than half of Jones’ group has already moved, it is impossible to capture Jacob in the middle.
What was bothering Max was the troops coming from Missouri. Jones, who had arrived in Wyandotte, was sure to procure troops from Jackson County, Missouri.
Max looked at Tucker.
Jayhawks, who was a year younger than Max, who worked together as a security guard for the governor, grew up on a ranch and rode horses since he was young, showing the ability to run 40 km in 30 minutes.
However, since his fighting sense was lacking, they gave him the position of a signalman.
“Captain Tucker is going to Grinter Place in Wyandotte. Go meet Moses Grinter and give him the letter I gave you.”
Due to recent increased logistics, additional short ferry services have been added to Greenter Place and Lawrence.
But that ferry wasn’t as efficient as it could have been today, considering the winding Kansas River.
That’s why Max planned to take the land route to Greenter Place and then take the boat to Wyandotte.
When 80 troops move, they are bound to be noticed.
The question was whether Moses Grinter, a Delaware town president and staunch pro-slavery advocate, would help in this endeavor.
‘Based on recent activity, it’s possible.’
Two months ago, Grinter moved out of the Delaware town and moved his business, Grinter Place, to nearby Perry.
A two-story brick house with a beautiful garden.
Here, Grinter lived a life that was a step removed from the political struggle over slavery.
Of course, that makes you more likely to be rejected.
Because you might end up being branded a traitor.
‘I have to make an excuse.’
Max quickly wrote a letter and handed it to Tucker.
“Do you know how to make communication as fast as possible?”
“Old story!”
46km to Greenter Place.
Tucker led his squad and headed to their destination first.
After that, Max gave some instructions to Peach. So Tucker went to Greenter Place, Peach packed her clothes, and led the squad to Wyandotte Village.
There are six squads left.
“Arm up and assemble in 30 minutes.”
The squad leaders went out of the barracks, and soon a loud noise echoed throughout the barracks.
“It’s finally time for the real thing, kids! 2nd platoon, gather together!”
“Look at the 3-minute action! You have 30 minutes to prepare. Those who are late, be prepared!”
‘You learn this stuff really quickly.’
Max, who had been clicking his tongue, looked at Dudley, who was standing there blankly. His face looked gloomy, as if he was feeling left out.
“Dudley, get ready for what you’re good at. I’ll see you in thirty minutes.”
“What am I good at?”
“We have to think about the injured too.”
“Ah! That old story!”
Dudley, his face brightening, heads straight to his tent.
There were various medicines and tools that were carried around for practice.
Dudley also thought of his future career as a stonemason. In a western frontier town, there was no need for a license.
‘It’s definitely easier than doing it alone.’
Jayhawks are a volunteer militia, not a formal military force.
They were ordinary people, except those who fought in the Mexican War or in battles with Indians.
The Jayhawks, under the age of 25, were gathered solely on the basis of their beliefs and without any experience in war. However, after three months of training, they began to take shape as soldiers.
