Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-24
Correspondence of the Sh Louis Republican.
Condition of Affairs I'm Chicago.
CHIcAGo, DecemLer ll, l9!

CHICAGO, december III, 1904.
SIR: This city has been greatly excited
since Friday, ON account Of the efforts of citi-
zens of your State to secure some of their
slave property, known to be here. AS early as
9 o'clock, a. M on Friday, it was a matter Of
common talk, that writs were in the hands Of
the marshal TO execute upon some dozen or
more slaves, and you may suppose that it was
not long in going to every part OF the city, be-
cause Abolitionists and negroes are thick as
blackberries. Large crowds soon collected on
the street corners, and the barber shops were
closed, and the occupants, together with all of
the free negro men in the place, were soon seen
parading the streets in their holiday attire. 1t
was also announced that the marshal, in anti
cipation Of trouble, had made a demand on the
military for aid, and this, together with flaming
placards, which were issued from the Office OF
that incendiary paper, the Tribune, brought out
immense numbers of the Abolitionists, who
were bold enough to openly proclaim that the
law should not be enforced, let the conse
quences be what they might. ] saw several
white persons meet negroes, and give them
cards or notes Of writing, and pass on without
saying a word. 1t was evident that powerful
mob was rapidly collecting, the headquarters
Of the leaders being at the Tribune office, and
the editor of that paper its prime mover and
Leading spirit. Seeing these things, and
knowing the perfect daredevil and reckless
spirit Of these men, several gentlemen went TO
Col. Wilton, the L. s. Marshal, and suggested
that he should defer making the arrest until
better fortified with power; for it had now be-
come known that but one military company
would come out, and even but part of il. 1t
was called the National Guard-a name well
earned-and commanded by Captain Thomas
Shirley, one Of the finest looking officers, and
one Of the most talented and honorable men
in the city. He was not TO be deferred by the
threats Of the Abolitionists and Negroes, and
marched his troops, with bold front and I'M.
daunted mien, through all Of the principal
streets. Finding he was not supported by an
adequate force, and yielding TO the tears of his
family, who came to his Office almost crazed
by the stories which Abolitionists had cum
ningly devised and sent TO them, Colonel w.
yielded TO the necessities of his csse, and gave
notice to the volunteers TO return to their quar-.
ters. Nevertheless, handful was issued from
the Tribune Office, calling upon the people to
watch the persons whom it styled ''kidnap-
pers," and to repair to the r. i. r. r. depot at
eleven O'Clock at night, and see that no slave
is religiously obeyed by the fanatical Abolition
excited men were watching around the depot
But being satisfied that they were on a FOOLS
errand, they all left when the cars started.
On Saturday morning a most outrageous
attack was made by the Tribune on Captain
Shirley and the Guards, and this morning IL
was repeated in a manner ten times more in.
sulting. What will como of il, cannot be told.
IL you get the paper you will see it breaches
the broadcast treason.
The fact is, Mr.. Editor, Chicago is lawless
place. The marshal Of the United States il n
timid man, and the military companies cannot
be relied upon in the execution of the Fugitive
Law. The city is in the most abominable nest
of Abolitionism / ever saw. The newspapers
are all OF milk and water character but the
Tribune, and that is conducted with ability, but
is above all law, and it glories in it. Ii con-
trolls public opinion here, and its good opinion
Is conrted by all aspiring politicians which &C.
counts for the tone Of public sentiment. Every
body takes it. to see its bold and develish edicts,
If for nothing else.
There is also secret association here Of
blacks and whites, 10 aid fugitives to escape,
and prevent their recapture. They are said TO
be ever 700 well-organized men, all armed TO
the teeth, ready for any act Of violence. Every
prominent man who says or does anything TO
support the most sacred laws of Congress, that
do not suit the Abohtionists, is denounced in
the Tribune, and the editor protects himself
with reviewers and Bowie-knives, and the hired
Abolitonists which are always around him,
ready 10 do bis bidding.
j would not recommend any citizen Of
Southern State TO attempt TO get his property
here without he is well backed by strong
force. But something should be done, and
must be done soon, or the value Of the property
n Missouri viii depreciate within the next two