The War in Missouri

Native American scouts in the Union Army.

“Our artist with the army in Missouri, Mr. Alexander Simplot, lately visited the Camp of General Jim Lane, the famous Kansas General, the terror of Missouri, and has sent us the sketches which we reproduce on the preceding page. The correspondent of the New York Times, who accompanied him, thus describes the General, the Indian Scouts, and the Camp.” text, verso.

This woodblock print was published as the title page of the November 23, 1861 edition of Harper’s Weekly. It presents a portrait of Union General James (Jim) Henry Lane, surrounded by Native American scouts operating on behalf of his volunteer ‘Kansas Brigade.’ Immediately below is a scene showing the unit’s camp near Humansville, Missouri.

These “Jayhawkers” skirmished with bands of Confederates and raided towns to expel pro-slavery elements, culminating with the sacking of Osceola on September 23rd. The Kansas Brigade would be disbanded shortly thereafter, though Lane would return the following year to recruit the first African-American troops to fight in the war – the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment.

The accompanying article on the verso of the page includes condescending remarks on the Native American scouts from the New York Times reporter, although there is some praise for a native interpreter who spoke perfect French and English. Also of interest is the quick turnaround time from the field sketch, created by Alexander Simplot, to the publication date (October 20 – November 23).