A Den of Thieves

Throughout the Civil War, bands of Redlegs, Bushwhackers and outlaws would often use a "Public House" (tavern, inn or store) as a rendezvous point in Kansas and Missouri.

One of the most notorious "Redleg" gathering places was the "Six-Mile House" that was a combination of a tavern and inn, which was located six miles from the town of Wyandotte on the Leavenworth Road. It was constructed in the winter of 1860-'61 by Joseph A. Bartels, whose son Theodore was a member of a local Redleg band. The civilian "Redlegs" were nothing more than outlaws, who indiscriminately robbed, murdered and stole horses, mules and cattle for their own personal gain. The loyal Union citizens of Wyandotte wanted the Six-Mile House destroyed, and one would think that the Union authorities would also want it eliminated, but the following report (P. 478, Series I, Vol. 13 of the Official Records of the war of the Rebellion) indicates otherwise.

Six-Mile House, July 19, 1862.

Pursuant to your instructions of the 18th instant to me, I came to this place a little after dark. I placed a strong guard around the premises. Nothing of importance took place during the night. I have just returned from the Wyandotte (town). I find everything at the top of excitement; in fact it is beyond description. There are about 300 (citizens) engaged in this affair. They intended to raze the buildings even with the ground today, but I saw several of the leaders (Wyandottes) and informed them that my orders were to protect the property and should do so. They have a meeting today at 10'clock and I am invited to be present. I will attend and use my influence to disperse them. My force is entirely inadequate for the occasion. The major is badly scared and in fact everything seems to be running wild! Should I not return during the night (to Fort Leavenworth) you may expect I will have some warm work. It seems to be the opinion of everyone here that the "Six-Mile House is a rendezvous of a den of thieves. A provost (police) guard should be stationed at Wyandotte by all means.

Very truly,

J. W. Van Myers, Lieutenant

3rd Wisconsin Cavalry

The Six-Mile House was not destroyed, and portions of it survive to this day. One reason the Union authorities probably did not want the house destroyed was that "Civilian Redlegs" were often employed as scouts by the Union Army, because they were very familiar with the roads and trails in both Missouri and Kansas.

Publishing this proclamation probably gave the citizens of Wyandotte some moral satisfaction, but the violent Bushwhacking and Jayhawking continued as common practice throughout and after the Civil War for another decade in Missouri.