I’ve tried my best, over the course of reading and writing about Robert Gould Shaw, to push aside the fact that he would eventually come to command a regiment of Black soldiers in early 1863.
The generation that the Abolitionists bore in the 1840s was of a different cut then they were. Perhaps watching their parents throw themselves again and again against the immovable object of the South's Peculiar Institution gave the children a strong spirit of practicality if not cynicism. I think of Henry Adams and Eliza Wright Garrison. The occasional appeal to a transcendental nature, as seen in some of Oliver Wendell Holmes' writings may have been nostalgia for a road not taken.
It's an interesting suggestion, but you would think that increased sectionalism during the 1850s would push these young to embrace reform principles in ways that reflected a younger generation. Thanks for the comment.
I echo the comments of others that this was a very thought-provoking piece. To assume, as we often do, that someone like Shaw did not evolve in his thinking and was a clear-eyed, "take action" abolitionist throughout his short life goes against what we know of most historical figures. Reading the stories of most public figures of that era who were not staunch proponents of "that peculiar institution" shows a range of thought, opinion and action. Most of the stories also show change in mind and spirit as the individuals matured. Yes, no doubt Shaw was not the same man in 1861 in Harper's Ferry as he was in his final days.
Kevin, this was a seriously good piece. Shaw was young---not quite 26 when he died, and he clearly was "feeling his way" through life, with all of the pressures of parental expectations, and so forth. I have always thought that Matthew Broderick's performance in the movie has been under-appreciated. Looking forward to the book.
From the few articles I’ve read about Shaw, he seems much like many other young men growing up with financial privilege. Without the pressure of having to get serious about education and a career, he appears to have enjoyed a rather self-indulgent life for a spell. I can only imagine his parents’ concern for his future. I know firsthand that anxiety. Fortunately, maturity does typically kick in at some point. I find the emotional and intellectual growth of Shaw and of other historical figures fascinating.
I have occasionally wished for a sober biographic film on John Brown. The 1940 "The Santa Fe Trail" has Raymond Massey playing a maniacal John Brown and last year's "The Good Lord Bird" did the same thing. Going on memory, I believe one of John Brown's sister was committed to an asylum. Someone apparently stuck that label on Brown as if mental issues are something siblings share (totally). John Brown should be reconsidered. In the new play, "American Prophet", based on the writings of Frederick Douglass, Brown is treated better.
Not sure how much history I learned from "The Good Lord Bird" but I know I enjoyed it. I read it after a trip to Harper's Ferry last summer. It was on that trip I learned about Storer College and the Niagara Movement, the precursor to the NAACP.
Most people bypass Storer College, but it is a must see. You can make so many connections between the civil rights movement of the early twentieth century and the history and legacy of John Brown.
Like your other correspondents, Kevin, I too am looking forward to that next book!
Thanks, George. Making slow, but steady progress.
Glad to hear it! Slow and steady wins the race, right? . . .
The generation that the Abolitionists bore in the 1840s was of a different cut then they were. Perhaps watching their parents throw themselves again and again against the immovable object of the South's Peculiar Institution gave the children a strong spirit of practicality if not cynicism. I think of Henry Adams and Eliza Wright Garrison. The occasional appeal to a transcendental nature, as seen in some of Oliver Wendell Holmes' writings may have been nostalgia for a road not taken.
It's an interesting suggestion, but you would think that increased sectionalism during the 1850s would push these young to embrace reform principles in ways that reflected a younger generation. Thanks for the comment.
I echo the comments of others that this was a very thought-provoking piece. To assume, as we often do, that someone like Shaw did not evolve in his thinking and was a clear-eyed, "take action" abolitionist throughout his short life goes against what we know of most historical figures. Reading the stories of most public figures of that era who were not staunch proponents of "that peculiar institution" shows a range of thought, opinion and action. Most of the stories also show change in mind and spirit as the individuals matured. Yes, no doubt Shaw was not the same man in 1861 in Harper's Ferry as he was in his final days.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for reading, Mark.
As always, I really appreciate your insights into the work of a historian. I’m looking forward to your next book!
Thanks, Sam. So encouraging to hear that you are enjoying the commentary.
Kevin, this was a seriously good piece. Shaw was young---not quite 26 when he died, and he clearly was "feeling his way" through life, with all of the pressures of parental expectations, and so forth. I have always thought that Matthew Broderick's performance in the movie has been under-appreciated. Looking forward to the book.
Thanks, Jim. I agree with you on all of this.
From the few articles I’ve read about Shaw, he seems much like many other young men growing up with financial privilege. Without the pressure of having to get serious about education and a career, he appears to have enjoyed a rather self-indulgent life for a spell. I can only imagine his parents’ concern for his future. I know firsthand that anxiety. Fortunately, maturity does typically kick in at some point. I find the emotional and intellectual growth of Shaw and of other historical figures fascinating.
I think this is largely true. Shaw certainly found a home in the army, which he seemed to enjoy almost from the beginning.
I have occasionally wished for a sober biographic film on John Brown. The 1940 "The Santa Fe Trail" has Raymond Massey playing a maniacal John Brown and last year's "The Good Lord Bird" did the same thing. Going on memory, I believe one of John Brown's sister was committed to an asylum. Someone apparently stuck that label on Brown as if mental issues are something siblings share (totally). John Brown should be reconsidered. In the new play, "American Prophet", based on the writings of Frederick Douglass, Brown is treated better.
Not sure how much history I learned from "The Good Lord Bird" but I know I enjoyed it. I read it after a trip to Harper's Ferry last summer. It was on that trip I learned about Storer College and the Niagara Movement, the precursor to the NAACP.
Most people bypass Storer College, but it is a must see. You can make so many connections between the civil rights movement of the early twentieth century and the history and legacy of John Brown.
Thumbs up to your Harper's Ferry trip. I was there 6/7 years ago.
Unfortunately, I haven't seen "American Prophet," but I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed McBride's treatment of John Brown.