Bushwhackers of Missouri and General Order 11

By: Meredith Isaac Anderson

Narrated by: David Webb

Most "bushwhackers" wore felt hats, pinned up on one side by a crescent or star shaped pin, perhaps a feather or squirrel tail attached. The shirt was generally a hunting shirt of the period with a very large breast pocket that could carry two or three loaded cylinders for his pistol. Trouser legs tucked into knee-high boots with Mexican spurs and about his middle, two holstered .36 caliber Navy Colts and two more inserted in the waistband of his trousers.

The American Civil War, one of the most violent wars ever contested, started in reality in 1850, when the Compromise of 1850 deposed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and made "popular vote", the way by which the decision would be made to designate a state "free" or "slave". Kansas became the test, Northerners and Southerners both pouring into the territory, voting to make that new state what either side preferred.

Soon, bands of armed men rode through Kansas and Missouri, some from the anti-slavery north, the "Red Legs" and "Jayhawkers". Other bands, representing the pro-slavery point of view rode in from Missouri. These "border ruffians", who soon became known as "bushwhackers", like the "red legs", killed and burned out people with an opposite point of view.

©2014 Meredith I. Anderson (P)2015 Meredith I. Anderson

Bloody Kansas

Short synopsis of the bushwackers of Missouri and Kansas during the civil war. Sometimes it drags and is boring but the information is important to know so stick with it. I learned about Jesse James and his brother and how they got there start. Quantril was a horrible man. Apperantly there where these raiders that just went around the area of Missouri killing each other.
The great courses has a new course out about the American West: History, Myth and Legacy. It should be a good listen to learn more about bloody Kansas.

History Brought to Life

If you could sum up Bushwhackers of Missouri and General Order 11 in three words, what would they be?

War is tough

What other book might you compare Bushwhackers of Missouri and General Order 11 to and why?

The Burning of Osceola, it happened during the civil war.

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to pick a certain part, it flowed pretty good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was shocked that Quantril was such a vicious man. Made me cry to read about the people responsible for my Great Grandfather's useless murder.

Missouri history

Although it was a little slow starting for me, it was full of facts and history about the Missouri/Kansas conflict before and during civil war. I plan on listening again as it was so interesting to me.

Mo and the Civil

Very informative for Mo History and what led to the civil War. Gave historical fact on just how bad both sides behaved during this time of our History

Great history!

Born and raised his 8 miles from Osceola, I’ve always heard about the burning of Osceola. It’s so neat to hear details. I love hearing more about the history of my area.