The Red Legs of Kansas
The American Civil War era, a period of profound division and conflict, witnessed the rise of various military and paramilitary groups, each with its own distinct identity and purpose. Among these, the "Red Legs" of Kansas stand out as a unique and intriguing entity. While often associated with the Jayhawkers of the Bleeding Kansas era and the Civil War, the Red Legs were, in fact, a separate guerrilla unit that operated exclusively during the Civil War. Their story is one of courage, controversy, and unwavering loyalty to the Union cause.
Origins and Formation
The early years of the Civil War saw western Missouri plagued by bands of guerrillas, some of whom crossed the border to raid and plunder in Kansas. To counter these incursions and support the Union cause, a company of border scouts was formed in late 1862. This independent organization, never formally mustered into the United States service, left no official record of its actions. However, its members became known as "Red Legs" due to the distinctive red or tan-colored leather leggings they wore.
This secret Union military society was the brainchild of General Thomas Ewing and James Blunt, who envisioned a force capable of undertaking desperate missions along the border. At its peak, the Red Legs numbered around 100 men, each carefully selected for their unwavering loyalty to the Union, dauntless courage, and proficiency with rifles and revolvers.
Membership and Leadership
The Red Legs attracted a diverse group of individuals, united by their commitment to the Union cause. Their headquarters was located at the "Six-mile House," so named because it was six miles from Wyandotte (Kansas City) on Leavenworth Road. This house, built in the winter of 1860-61 by Joseph A. Bartels, served as a meeting place and strategic hub for the Red Legs. Bartels’ son, Theodore, a renowned pistol shot, was also a member of the group.
The company was commanded by Captain George H. Hoyt, a lawyer who had previously defended John Brown after his raid on Harpers Ferry. Other notable members included Jack Harvey, brother of Fred Harvey, founder of the Santa Fe Railroad Hotel chain; Joseph B. Swain, later captain of Company K, Fifteenth Kansas; "Red" Clark, of Emporia, Kansas, whom General Ewing considered his best spy; John M. Dean, one of the organizers; and W. S. Tough, a prominent figure in the Kansas City stockyards. The ranks of the Red Legs also included individuals such as Harry Lee, Newt Morrison, Jack Hays, James Flood, Jerry Malcolm, and Charles Blunt, known as "One-eyed Blunt."
Activities and Operations
The Red Legs operated as a clandestine force, conducting reconnaissance, gathering intelligence, and carrying out raids against Confederate sympathizers and guerrilla groups. Their intimate knowledge of the border region and their skills in marksmanship and horsemanship made them a formidable force. They were often employed as scouts and messengers for Generals Ewing and Blunt, undertaking hazardous missions that earned them as much as $7 per day.
One of the Red Legs’ most significant roles was enforcing General Thomas Ewing’s General Order No. 11, which aimed to suppress Confederate activity in western Missouri by evacuating residents from several counties. William W. Denison, assistant adjutant-general of Kansas, recalled wearing the red leggings of the organization while carrying out this order, recognizing them as "a badge of desperate service in the Union army."
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite their contributions to the Union cause, the Red Legs were not without their detractors. Over time, the term "Red Leg" became generalized, and unscrupulous individuals began impersonating them to commit theft and plunder. This tarnished the organization’s reputation, leading many to falsely attribute acts of violence and robbery to the Red Legs.
However, members of the Red Legs took steps to counter this problem, actively hunting down and killing those who falsely represented themselves as members of the group. While acknowledging that there were "some bad characters" among them, William E. Connelley, in his "Quantrill and the Border Wars," asserted that the Red Legs were "generally honest and patriotic men."
Albert R. Greene, a member of the Ninth Kansas Cavalry, defended the Red Legs, stating that "there was not one of them but performed valuable service for the Union cause, and, so far, as I know and believe, always within the rules of civilized warfare." He argued that the organization was disbanded not because of misconduct, but because its services were no longer needed. Greene further emphasized the Red Legs’ effectiveness in protecting Kansas homes and their notoriety among Confederate guerrillas, particularly William Quantrill.
Legacy
The Red Legs of Kansas remain a complex and controversial chapter in American Civil War history. They were men who risked their lives to defend their homes and uphold the Union cause. While their methods were sometimes questioned, their courage and dedication are undeniable. After the war, most members returned to peaceful lives, becoming law-abiding citizens and contributing to the rebuilding of their communities.
The story of the Red Legs serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals during a time of extraordinary conflict. Their legacy continues to spark debate and discussion, ensuring that their contributions to the Civil War are not forgotten.