Allen Pinkerton: Cooper, Abolitionist, Private Eye, Spy, Feminist, & Savior of a President

Greg RothAssociate ProfessorCriminal JusticeTuesday, November 05, 2013

Allen Pinkerton: Cooper, Abolitionist, Private Eye,Spy, Feminist, & Savior of a PresidentAlan PinkertonBorn: August 25, 1819Glasgow, ScotlandDied: July 01, 1884Chicago, IL

William Pinkerton father Police SergeantGlasgow ScotlandMother IslabellFather killed during political raid in city square

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/cops_others/pinkerton/1.htmlAlan PinkertonLeft home runner for pattern makerApprentice McCauley Cooperage WorksJoined Chartist movementThe Peoples Charter (1838)William LovettLondon Working Mens Association

Chartist movementTHE SIX POINTS OF THE CHARTER1.A votefor every man twenty one years of age, of sound mind, and not undergoing punishment for crime.2.The ballot3.No property qualificationfor members of Parliament4.Payment of members, thus enabling an honest tradesman, working man, or other person, to serve a constituencyhttp://www.chartists.net/The-six-points.htmChartist movement5.Equal constituenciessecuring the same amount of representation 6.Annual Parliaments,thus presenting the most effectual check to bribery and intimidationhttp://www.chartists.net/The-six-points.htmConstabulary undergroundIDd some of the most vocal and active members of ChartistIncluding PinkertonArrest warrant!Oh the irony?

MarriedJoan Carfrae of EdinburghMarch 13, 1842No honeymoon! Soldiers to arrestNext morning off to QuebecRocky road to AmericaShip in storm off courseRammed on rocks Nova ScotiaAll possessions lost few silver pieces in Allens vest pockethttp://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/cops_others/pinkerton/1.htmlSurvived to be robbedSwam to shoreCollapsed on beachRobbed by Indians wedding ringhttp://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/cops_others/pinkerton/1.html

Change of destinationShip picked up survivorsDecided to go to America after hearing about fast growing ChicagoGood place for a barrel makerhttp://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/cops_others/pinkerton/1.html

Fellow ScotsmenFrom Detroit to ChicagoHeard of barrelmaker from fellow Scotsmen Lills BreweryDowntown ChicagoMoving onHeard of Dundee Scottish town 40 milesLocal farmers complaining of barrel prices out of ChicagoPinkertons One and Original Cooperage of DundeeGrowth and CostsBusiness grew faster than expectedWanted to cut costs of raw materialsNot pay for poles for barrel hoops, natural resource available[Is]Land of OpportunityRaw materials - island - Fox RiverIsland thought uninhabitedPinkerton notice grass and brush bent pathFollowed path found campsiteThe lawPinkerton knew counterfeiting in areaTold Sheriff

AmericaCooperAbolitionistCooper in AmericaAbolitionist friend - John Brown Underground RailroadDetective?Accident!After Island adventureAsked to investigate counterfeiting by private businessmen

Chicago PDPD - 18471st detective - 1849 Solved major cases for railroadsChicago PDWhen wanted to start own agency approached Rock Island and Illinois Central railroad President George B. McClelland

Pinkertons AgencyOpened 1st office Chicago (80 Washington St.) - 1850Solved many cases involving murders and theftsMuch press

Pinkertons AgencyPinkerton created logo to publicize agencyWe Never Sleep Pinkerton became known as the EyePrivate Eye

Pinkerton CodeAccept no bribesNever compromise with criminalsPartner with local law enforcement agenciesRefuse divorce cases or cases that initiate scandalsTurn down reward money (Agents were well paid)Never raise fees without the clients pre-knowledgeKeep clients apprised on an on-going basis

Pinkerton PhilosophyThose who commit crimes have a need to talk about it.Provide someone for them to talk to operative!Intelligence situation and personVERY SUCCESSFUL! Detectives?McClelland brings Pinkerton to Washington to find spiesGives Pinkerton specific assignment Detectives?Assignment - Watch femaleRose Oneal GreenhowWho ends up in jail?Famous spy?Nope!Rose ONeal GreenhowBeautiful widow (Dr. Robert Greenhow)Grande Dame of Washington societyThe queen of the Democratic administrationCherished advisor to the PresidentStealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerRose ONeal Greenhow398 West 16th St.Washington City4 blks from White House1856 - 1860Visitor! At least once a week & always at night (sometimes until well past midnight)Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerRose ONeal GreenhowVisitor James Buchanan President1845 Buchanan Sec. of State Roses late husband served under him

Rose ONeal GreenhowDescribe in newspapers as the most persuasive woman in Washington, a woman of almost irresistible seduction powers that would do anything to get ahead.Did she seduce the President?Detectives? August 22, 1861Pinkerton & two Operatives on the case!Surveil! 398 West 16th St.Two story, 1st floor story upNight, pouring rainPinkerton removes shoes, held up to window my operatives.Tension builds!Detectives?Pinkerton & two Operatives on the case!Every time person passesObserveDetectives?Pinkerton observes Greenhow and military officerMilitary officer opens mapsDiscusses them with Greenhow off points out particular points and positionsPinkerton recognizes maps fortifications in and around WashingtonDetectives?Maps foldedTwo leave room (hand-in-hand?)Return in about 1 hour

Detectives?Pinkerton hears enough to believe off betraying countryFollowpursuit! Off. runsto Provost-Marshal Stationoff. disappears inside4 soldiers with bayonets rush out, grab Pinkerton, escort him to guardhouse Arrest! Detectives?Taken to see Captain of the Guard!Who is it?Pinkerton gives name E. J. AllenRefuses to answer any other questionsDetectives?Return to cellBribes guard message to Thomas Scott (war department)Pinkerton before Captain The secretary of war has been informed of your arrest, and you will be conducted to him at once, and then we shall see if you will remain silent any longer.

Detectives? August 23, 1861At least not until later!Pinkerton arrests GreenhowPlaced under house arrestDoesnt work!Detectives?Search of house findsBurned papers of ciphered military infoDrawings of fortificationsBundle 13 steamy letters to HExcerpts from 4 lettersFor the last few days every movement and act of mine have been watched with Hawk-eyed vigilance. For your sake more than my own I have been compelled to be cautious. But tomorrow at 10 a.m. I will see you at all hazards. H.Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerHYou know I love you and will sacrifice anything. I have feared bringing you into trouble for I repeat to you that spies are put upon me, but I will try to elude them tonight, and once more we can have a happy hour in spite of fate. H.Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerHWe areconsidering the Pacific Railroad BillI will not fail tonight, and will bring you the thing of which we spoke last night. Bless you always. H.Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerHYou know that I do love you. I am suffering this morning, in fact I am sick physically and mentally, and know nothing that would soothe me so much as an hour with you. And tonight, at whatever cost, I will see you. Yours, H.Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerHH believed to be Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts Chairman Senate Military Affairs Committee!Stealing Secrets How a Few Daring Women Deceived Generals, Impacted Battles, and Altered the Course of the Civil War, H. Donald WinklerThe Picnic BattleBull-Run (Creek) Manassas (Virginia) July 1861North expecting quick victoryWilson, senators, representatives, newspaper reporters, and members of Washington society rode out to see victoryWilson brought sandwiches for soldiers

http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/VP_Henry_Wilson.htmThe Picnic BattleBull-Run (Creek) Manassas (Virginia) July 1861Confederates routed UnionWilsons carriage was crushed

HAlso involved in Credit Mobilier (railroad stock scandal)Purchased stock in wifes name, later returned itCleared of wrong doingBecame 18th Vice-president (Grant)

Old Capital PrisonBuilt 1800(12?) tavern & boarding house, failedCapital building burned during War of 1812Capital housed in building until new builtOld Capital PrisonWhen vacated referred to a Old CapitalBoarding house, schoolCivil War - building empty and in disrepairOld Capital Prison

Old Capital Prison Plan with Carrol Prison

Old Capital PrisonUsed for both north & south prisonersBars put inprisoners brought in.William P. Wood superintendent of prisonFirst director of U. S. Secret ServiceDispatched to hunt for Boothhttp://www.samuelmudd.com/4231865-colonel-william-p-woods-reports.htmlOld Capital PrisonPrisoners and hangingsSpies, Political Prisoners, Famous Prisoners Rose Greenhow & Belle Boyd (spies) & Capt. Henry Wirz (commander Andersonville prison)Hangings - conspirators to Lincoln assassination

Rose ONeal GreenhowShe WAS personally acquainted with all of Washingtons leading menBecame known as The Wild RoseRose ONeal GreenhowDeveloped spy network of 48 women and two men.The Detective Agency!

SOURCE: http://www.pimall.com/nais/pivintage/pinkertonletterhead.htmlThe Pinkerton Detective Agency spent a great deal of funds on letterheads and reporting forms. This example of an 1880 letterhead shows a very expensive one for it's time.

Timothy WebsterMost successful detectiveCaught due to rescue mission and arthritis from repeatedly forging cold river in line of dutyHanged as spy.

Kate Warn(e)1856 - Believed 1st female detective in United States!SpySupervisorTrainer

Kate Warn(e)In my service you will serve your country better than on the field. I have several female operatives. If you agree to come aboard you will go in training with the head of my female detectives, Kate Warne. She has never let me down. - ALLAN PINKERTONKate Warn(e)1st female detectiveTalked her way in!2 visits w/PinkertonTold Pinkerton how she could help!

No known photos (?)Controversy!

Pre-Civil WarLincoln Inauguration trip to D.C.Baltimore, Maryland!!!Threats!There had been very open threats against LincolnNot make it to Washington in time for inaugurationNot make it to Washington alivePinkerton to BaltimoreSamuel Morse Felton (president - Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore RailroadSaved railroad from financial ruin (President 1851)Made railroad major Union troop transportSamuel Morse FeltonFelton (1809-1889)Born: Charlestown, MA. - 17 July 1809Died: Philadelphia, PA. - 24 January 1889

SOURCE: Felton Family Papers, Collection 1151, Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Pinkerton to BaltimoreSamuel Morse Felton (president - Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore RailroadReports secessionists in Baltimore planning to cut Baltimore off from Washington - burning bridges & sinking the Susquehanna River train ferry.Hired Pinkerton to protect RR The PlotPinkerton convinced plot to assassinate President-elect LincolnFeb. 23, 1861The PlotBetween Calvert St. station (Northern Central Railroad) and Camden St. station (Baltimore and Ohio Railroad)President-elect have to take carriage from station to station.The PlotPlan - surround carriage with crowd and have one person kill Lincoln.Disappear in crowd.The PlotPinkerton tried to get Lincoln to skip stop in Harrisburg PA. and travel straight through Baltimore early.Lincoln insisted keeping to original schedule.MeanwhileLincoln not want military escort.Not feel necessaryGive wrong impression- Wanted issue resolved coming together, non-violenceFriendsR. A. Hunt sent letter warning Lincoln of threats dated Jan. 18, 1861.

BaltimoreNo night railroad through town.Lincolns cars towed through town by horse.The Secret TripPinkerton devised a plan secretly smuggled Lincoln into the nation's capitol on another train. Other than a couple of Pinkerton's agents, no one on the train even knew Lincoln was aboard. The Secret TripPinkerton stood guard on the porch of the last train car all night while Lincoln stayed just inside the last car in a lower booth. Kate Warn had booked the ticket for Lincoln under the pretext that he was her sick brother.The ResultPlums delivered Nuts safely.Telegraph message sent by Pinkerton after Lincoln smuggled through Baltimore safely.http://teachingamericanhistorymd.net/000001/000000/000015/html/t15.htmlUnited States Secret ServiceToday! Has nicknames for all people the protect!Obama RenegadeMrs. Obama RenaissanceBiden CelticMrs. Biden - CapriThe ResultLarge crowd formed to see Lincoln but President-elect already passed through.Crowd only got to see Mrs. Lincoln, sons, and John Hay (Lincolns private secretary set up entire trip)The ResultLincoln criticized for slipping through Baltimore like a thief in the night and for leaving wife and sons to the danger!

Passage Through BaltimoreAdalbert Volck- Dentist- Caricaturisthttp://teachingamericanhistorymd.net/000001/000000/000015/html/t15.htmlHe reached the Capital as the poor, hunted fugitive slave reaches the North, in disguise, seeking concealment, evading pursuers crawling and dodging under the sable wing of night. He changed his programme, took another route, started at another hour, travelled in other company, and arrived at another time in Washington. We have no censure for the President at this point. He only did what braver men have done.

Frederick Douglass,Life and Times (1881)

Off to WashingtonLincoln - regretted slipping into the capital like a thief in the night.But did it really happen?After the civil war, there were rumors that Pinkerton made the complete story up in order to better his detective agency. But did it really happen?New York City police, Superintendent John A. Kennedy published a book stating that he knew "nothing" about the Lincoln assassination implying that Pinkerton made the story up.John A. Kennedy was jealous of Pinkerton and appeared to be attempting to destroy his reputation.But did it really happen?At first, Pinkerton remained silentRumors became so wild about it, he published the above 18 page investigative report. But did it really happen?Report contained:Eyewitness statements - including a proven statement Lincoln himself had made on the subject. The Investigative Report was sent to all governmental officials - all members of congress and the senate and anyone else with an interest.http://www.pimall.com/nais/pivintage/ppassage.htmlBut did it really happen?At time of report attorney for Pinkerton Agency Clarence A. SewardNephew of William H. Seward (?)Secretary of State under LincolnFirst part of Johnsons term Clarence filled in as Asst. Sec. of St. Pinkertons ReportSpecial Allen Pinkerton Investigative ReportHistory And Evidence Of The Passage Of Abraham Lincoln From Harrisburgh, PA To Washington, DC 22nd And 23rd of February, 1861

Congressman LincolnInitially wanted end to all slavery.Adopted idea of preventing spreadAfter Pearl disasterCharles Torey helped slaves escape to CanadaDied Tuberculosis 1846 Maryland penitentiary 6 yrs aiding runawaysCongressman LincolnAfter Pearl disasterWilliam Chaplin replaced TorreyPurchased slave freedom with support of Gerrit Smith organizer Liberty PartyDaniel & Mary Bell & 9 childrenOwner going to split up family

Congressman LincolnAfter Pearl disasterChaplin recruited Daniel Drayton (experienced ship Captain)Drayton recruited Edward Sayres operating 150-ton schooner Pearl$100 for Pearl equivalent to yr wages now!April 15, 1848 76 slaves entered PearlStorm forced put ashore owners discoveredCongressman LincolnAfter Pearl disasterPosse of 35 armed men arrested Drayton and SayresTowed Pearl to WashingtonSlaves put in Slave Pens within 10 days most sold to slave dealersDrayton & Sayres jailedBail set at $1000 per slaveCongressman LincolnAfter Pearl disasterConscience Whigs believed involvedIncident caused riotsWashington more!$ needed for bail, and other issues, took money from purchasing slave freedomThe Civil WarUnited States Secret ServiceApril 1861Gen. George B. McClelland suggestion - org. system for intell. from southFrom system created Secret ServiceAlan Pinkerton?E. J. Allen?Most military and government officials had no idea!One of most famous pics.

Antietam (Maryland)President LincolnLincoln R Alan PinkertonLincoln L Major Gen. John A. McClernandPhotographer Alexander Gardner Alexander GardnerOutset of the U.S. Civil War, Mathew Brady sent photographers to document.Scottish-born immigrant - Alexander Gardner.Gardner photographed Lincoln 7 occasions, the last one on February 5, 1865, only a few weeks before Lincolns assassination.Alexander Gardner1866 he published Gardners Sketchbook of the War, commemorating Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Petersburg book commercial failure. Photographic historians suggest Gardner stagedThe Civil War

Union Spies = Pinkerton Who is that?

Who is that?Intermittent brief periods of exhaustive research Inescapable conclusion - the famous crooning rebel spy

Dean Martin!

=?The spythe info.June 1861

Pinkerton & Secret Service?

Major Allan Pinkerton with his Secret Service Department friends - Antietam, Maryland. For President Lincoln, Pinkerton was really the head of intelligence gathering for the Civil War. They unofficially called it the Secret service. The Ralph D. Thomas PI Vintage CollectionCivil War Intelligence Agents

The Ralph D. Thomas PI Vintage CollectionThe Civil WarConfederate troop strengthOops!McClellandDidnt help McClellands curb appeal!For a fee!

The Ralph D. Thomas PI Vintage CollectionStrike Breakers!

Pinkerton guards escorting strikebreakers, Buchtel, Ohio, 1884Strike Breakers!The Battle of Homestead2 barges with 300 PinkertonsThousands of strikers and towns people met themGun fire, cannon fire!Pinkertons surrender, beaten (over 1/23 injured) , removed by train, barges set on fire7 strikers, 2 Pinkertons dead8500 troops called in

AuthorOver a dozen booksOver 30 short stories

AuthorThe Expressman and the Detective(1874)Claude Melnotte as a Detective and Other Stories(1875)The Detective and the Sonambulust(1875)The Model Town and the Detectives: Byron as a Detective(1876)The Spiritualists and the Detectives(1877)The Mollie Maguires and the Detectives(1877)Strikers, Communists, Tramps and Detectives(1878)Mississippi Outlaws and the Detectives(1878)The Gypsies and the Detectives(1878)Criminal Reminiscences and Detective Sketches(1879)Bucholz and the Detectives(1878)Professional Thieves and the Detectives(1881)The Rail-Road Forger and the Detectives(1883)Bank-Robbers and the Detectives(1881)The Spy of the Rebellion(1883)The Burglar's Fate and the Detectives(1884)Thirty Years a Detective(1884, memoir)AuthorBook Spy of the Rebellion and ad.

GraveGraceland Cemetery, Chicago, IL

In 2000 the Pinkerton National Detective Agency celebrated 150 yrs.May of that year donated vast archive to Smithsonian InstituteThe Ultimate theft deterrent?

Next year?Alexander Gardner?Armor Iron Clads to Abrams tank?