Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1862.

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Life in Kansas and Death as a Spy

October 6, 2011

Spencer Kellogg Brown: his life in Kansas and his death as a spy, 1842-1863, by Spencer Kellogg Brown

St. Louis, Missouri, October 6, 1861.

Dear Father: I was much pleased to hear from you at last—for I had written and received no answer. But let me get through with business.

I have been very selfish this long time: now let me make amends. Let me ask careful attention to my plan following, and if you think you can live happily and comfortably in the manner I speak of, let nothing prevent you from accepting the offer I am about to make. Remember how much you have done for me— as I remember. Remember, and reflect upon your present situation (forgive me for speaking of it), and let me do for you what I can, not reluctantly, but with joy and love. . . .”

Here he unfolds his plan (for the help of his invalid father, proposing to bring him to St. Louis, where all attention, medical and other, that he might need, could be bestowed upon him while he was ill and without money), and then proceeds to say:

When I look at it, this is very little, dear Father, but it is the best I can offer; and I am happy in being able to offer so much. I shall await your answer with much impatience. I would like to hear from you immediately.”

All Spencer’s plans were frustrated by the removal of General Fremont. It became impossible to recruit a company of scouts. He therefore either threw up his commission or it failed of confirmation. After his letters of October 6th his friends knew nothing of his movements until, six months later, they received tidings of his reappearance in St. Louis.

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