The issue of Government spies and infilitrators into radical and labour movement organisations is a current concern. It is however nothing new.
Marx wrote to Jenny Marx from Brighton (where he was for his health) in August 1871 that he had encountered a familiar individual… He doesnt speculate on why he was being watched but it is likely to have been in the wake of the defeat of the Paris Commune. Marx and Engels had been central in helping Communards who had escaped brutal repression in Paris and made their way to England
Brighton, August 1871: Marx encounters a spy
I forgot to tell you yesterday of a curious événement. The second day after my arrival here, I met a chap in a waiting posture at the corner of my street. He was the same man whom I
had told you about before as having accompanied Engels and myself on our way HOME on a number of occasions. Engels had thought he was a spy and we once gave him a ‘hint’. As you know,
GENERALLY SPEAKING I am not good at detecting spies. But this fellow has obviously and undeniably dogged my every step down here. Yesterday, I became fed up with it, so I stopped, turned round
and stared at him with my notorious EYEGLASS. WHAT DID HE DO? He doffed his hat very humbly and today he no longer honoured me with the pleasure of his company.
Marx to Jenny Marx 25th August 1871
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