The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-05-12
captain / r. Swift.

Our readers will recollect that a few
weeks ago, the gentleman whose name
heads this article. made an exploring
trip down the Kansas river, for the pur-
pose of ascertaining the practicability of
putting steamer in operation between
this place and the Missouri. He decided
in favor of the enterprise and left i'm
mcdiately for St. Louis, with the view
of purchasing boat of proper draft to
be used on the river. Arriving at st.
Louis he presented letters of introduc-
ton from several of our citizens to B.
SLArER, Esq, and afterwards took rooms
at the Planters Hotel. Through the
aid of Mr.. Slater he found vessel adapt
ed to the use be designed it, aud made a
contract for the same, which he agreed to
eonsummate on the 18th of April. In
the mean time he made the acquaintance
of gentleman from Wisconsin, who
proposed taking an interest in the vessel,
and running it in company with the
Captain. The terms were agreed upon.
and FIVE hundred dollars were paid over
to Captain S. to use in payment. Dur
ing the day various articles were pur-
chased for the boat, such as carpeting, a
| library, DC. 1t was agreed that the par
! ties were to meet at one o'clock P. NJ. to
complete their arrangements, when the
Captain was to pay over the purchase
money and take possession of the boat.
Immediately after dinner he told his
servant that he was i'll, and retired to his
room, after giving instructions to inform
Mr.. Slater that his health would not
permit him tokeep his engagement at one
O'Clock, but that he would meet them at
Z o'clock in the evening.
The promised hour arrived, but MIR.
Swift was not in attendance. The other
gentleman waited long time, and finally
adjourned to meet the next morning in
the mean time messenger was dispatch
ed to the Captains room to acquaint him
with the hour of meeting His door
was found locked, and on inquiry no in
formation could be gathered from him
after he left for his room Oh the day pre-
vious. 1t was concluded there was
something wrong, when his room was
opened, and nothing found but his tray-
cling equipage. His trunks and valises
which were all there-were opened
and found containing his apparel, and
appeared TO be in their natural condition.
The facts were inquired into, and ali his
bills were found fully cashed, save at the
Hotel, and the money he received from
his partner. The city was searched by
the police but he was nowhere to be
found.
Some apprehended that he had alb
seconded, and others gave it as their
opinion that he was drugged at dinner
which occasioned his sudden indisposi-
tion-and that he had been foully dealt
with. The Captain was known to have
large amount Of money about his per-
son, and had quite a number of conf
dents, to whom he told his plans and fu-
ture prospects. 1t was finally concluded
in St. Louis that the money asobtained
in this place of our business men, for the
purpose of buying boat, and that he
had left the country with his ill-gotten
gains. A gentleman was dispatched TO
Lawrence to learn the particulars. On
arriving here it was found he received no
money; and when interrosated whether
he was not in want of some pecuniary aid,
he gave the assurance that he had an
ample supply fOrhis purpose, and refused
to accept the proffered assistance.
The conclusion is inevitable, that Cap
tain JOSEPH r. SWIFT, formerly from
Massachusetts,, and more recently from
Atlanta, Ga. was cruelty murdered in
st. Louis for money. Had he absconded,
why was he so punctilious about paying
all his bills? why did he not accept of Pc
cuniary assistance when rendered to him?
and why was he soreluctan. at accepting
the money from bis future partner, when
urged upon him? He might have used
his letters of recommendation in such a
manner as TO have given him pecuniary
credit; but he made no effort in tLat di-
reetion.
The lcttcrfrom our FREUD Sigma dated
on board the New Lucy OH the 18th ult.,
two days after the alleged disappearance
from st. Louis, possibly gives clue to
the Captains whereabouts; but we are
inclined to the opinion that our CORES
pondent is mistaken as to the person
The point alluded to is eighty-fo miles
this side of st. Louis, just about far
enough for steamer to have made the dis
tance after the Captains disappearance
from st. Louis. There is something in
explicable about the matter, and we shall
wait with great interest for its further
denouement.
Encouraging.
The following letter was received from