In “Bushwhackers,” the author explores the impact guerrilla warfare had on Kansas and Missouri during the civil war. Beilein’s assessment is that the Bushwhackers were murderers first, martyrs second. He contends that journalist John Newman Edwards was a propagandist for the south, and portrayed the Bushwackers as reluctant killers, with heroic virtues. Edwards is commonly viewed as turning the ruthless James-Younger gang into folk heroes.
The Bushwackers didn’t travel far from home, which created a division within their communities. They had their supporters, who would feed, cloth, and hide them, however, others detested their tactics. The author details the war on food, horses, and ammo. The Bushwackers would often participate in target practice, where many become skilled marksmen. These would include the James boys, and Cole Younger, who joined in 1862 after his father was murdered by the Jayhawkers.
Beilein attempts to separate myth from reality regarding guerrilla leader, William Quantrill, who planned the deadly raid on Lawrence, Kansas. The author outlines Quantrill’s plunge into darkness, and switching sides. Much of the misinformation about Quantrill came as a result of the guerrilla leader’s exaggerated stories. Despite being in his mid 20’s, Quantrill feel in love with a thirteen year girl, and despite her family’s objections, engaged in a relationship with her.
The author describes many of the events that led to guerrilla warfare and triggered further hostilities, including a makeshift union prison that collapsed in Kansas City. Quantrill’s right hand man, “Bloody” Bill Anderson suffered the loss of his fourteen year old sister Josephine in the collapse, along with a sister that was left crippled, and a ten year old sister that suffered broken legs. This event truly added fuel to the fire.
By: Joseph M. Beilein Jr.
Narrated by: Clyde Walker
Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
Release date: 05-10-17
