The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1855-12-15

When we penned the above article we
were under the impression that the
warrant was issued from the District
Court of the U. S., now presided over by
Judge CARO-; but We soon after learned
that the writ was issued by Hugh Com
eron, professed Free State man, who
was sworn into Office as Justice Of the
Peace at the moment of signing the
warrant. He was appointed by tie
three commissioners of Douglas county.
who received their appointment from
the bogus Legislature, and who secured
theirs from an armed mob frona N'ssoari
andwas commissioned by Gov. Shannon.
This was the first process of the new
Justice(?) Our people knew nothing o
his appointment as scoUenger for lie
people of Missouri until Tuesday last
When they did learn of 1t they fell
chagrined, and could he have been found
at the time we greatly fear violence
would have been committed upon him.
He is now looked upon as a vile apostate,
an ArnoId who has sold himself to the
enemies of Freedom for paltry Office
Judas who has betrayed his own
countrymen that he might glory in the
appellation of esquire. Poor, degraded
self-deluded man We pity his
flail y, and feel that our people snouId
comnlissera.e him on the loss OF : Is,
reason; for MAN can only excuse i'm
self from such humiliating posture by
putting in a plea OF insanity. When he
shall be restored to lucid interval we
have no doubt he will "go out and hang
himself as did his ancient prototype.
Hugh Cameron, esquire,-- How
beautiful the appendage looks added to
the traitors name, issued the warrant,
and those who rescued Mr.. BRANsoN
were aware of the fact, and it was for
this reason they say they made the res
cue. They felt that to have sanctioned
the arrest of citizen by process, issu-
ed by such a person, and under such
circum stances would have been acknowl.
edging the justice and legality Of that
vilIaillous Legislature.
If process had issued from a Courl
which they could recognise as having a
legal existence they would have advised
Mr. Branson to have delivered himself
up or to have given bail for his good be-
havior. butthey felt that, they conld not
consistently with their oft repeated re-
solves, sanction any movement coming
from that body any more, that the faith
ers of the revolution could consent to pay
a trivial tax on tea. 1t was the princiDie
which was involved, not the extent of
the injury which would accrue.
But let us proceed with narration
of facts, and leave the decision of the
justice or propriety Of the movement to
another occasion.
Ameeting was convened ofour citizens
to learn the cause of the excitement
A chairman was elected, the object stat
ed, and the particulars of the arrest and
rescue were given by Mr. BRANsoN. and
listened to with profound interest by the
people. Mr.. B. spoke calmly, yet feel
ingly, and closed with the remark that
he was in the hands of his friends,-al-
luding to his rescuers,-and would abide
their Judgment. His friend, Mr. Dow,
had been murdered in cold blood with
out any provocation, and his offending
consisted in knowing who We're the per-
petrators of that outrage. He knew that
he was singled out for destruction; but if
it was thought the good of the cause, or
the safety of the people of Lawrence de-
manded it, he would go home and die in
his own defence, and find grave by the
side of his friend.
Others reported that the Governor had
been informed of the transaction, that
the self-caIled Sheriff had claimed he
would bring an army to his aid, and
that he would demolish Lawrence.
Others could not see how Lawrence
was to be connected with an occurrence
which took place from ten 10 twelve
miles distant, and of which hey had no
knowledge until after the incidents had
nevertheless, they hought it
advisable to organize the people with a
view strictly to self-defense, as rumors
were constantly rife that we were to be
waited upon by an armed mob from a |
neighboripg State for the purpose of de-
a committee of ten persons was ap-
pointed, with full powers in the premises;
but with the express UNDERSTANDINGS
by the mover for the commii
tee. who was subsequently appointed is
chairman-that it was not for the purpose
Of aggression, or to shield any person
from deserved punishment, or to resist
the legally constituted authorities, but
simply to resist the action of mob from
Missouri, or elsewhere, should one be |
directed against Lawrence. At sub
meeting, the committee reported |
a plan of action which was adopted.
The day wore away without any ap-
pearance of the enemy, and the several
military companies were dismissed, after
first taking the precaution to select a
guard foI the night.
On Wednesday many of our people
we're seen in the streets in little groups. |
each, apparently, loaded down with i'm
elements of defence. Rumors continued
o arrive of the movements of Jones. the |
bogus Sheriff, and his posse which he
vas gathering; but night found US still
n being. and the town not demolished.
4 guard was kept up through the night. |