True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1855-09-26
From Nebraska.
BLOODY AFFAIR AT FORT CALHOUN.

BLOODY AFFAIR AT FORT CALHOUN.
ACorrespondent of the Milwaukee News
writing from Omaha City, under date OF
August 2S, gives us the following account
of an affair which took place at Fort Cal
houn:
I am compelled to add another to the
list, already too long, of melancholy events
which have transpired near this place.
Fort Calhoun is the county seat of Wash
ington county in this territory. 1t is To-
Gated on the Missouri, about 1S miles
above here, and about three miles below
De Soto. The latter place was its rival
in the last Legislature, for becoming the
point where justice should radiate.
Those TIVE points were seized upon by
the land spectators as town sites. 10
secure the necessary Legislation in behalf
of thsso, curn1r lota, sheres, and fractions
Of shares became staple currency around
the Capitol last winter, and the result OF
the whole matter was, that several of the
most influential members succeeded to a
part proprietorship Of the county seat, as
Que of their legislative perquisites. A
law was passed requiring Judge Bradley
to hold term there, and small building
was erected for his accommodation, or
rather, perhaps, to mark the exact locality
of the county seat. The claim rules re-
quire town proprietors to make a certain
amount of improvements, as condition
upon which they will be protected. All
this they, at Fort Calhoun, had neglected
to do. A few weeks since, man named
Davis, encouraged, it is said, by De Soto,
moved into his house and jumped the Cap
itol
The intelligence was soon carried abroad
by some lone traveller who was passing
that way, and the inhabitants of Fort Cal
houn, residing at Omaha city, Council
Bluffs, and other points.mor remote, were
soon in high state of fermentation. Yes
terday was the day fixed upon for remov-
ing the intruder. They marched to the
house Of Davis, whom they found armed
and fortified, and in sufficient force tc
make formidable resistance. Mr. Coch'
ran informed Davis Of the object Of theil
visit told him they did not desire to us'
force, but were determined to have tht
claim. Davis replied he should nevel
leave it alive. Cochran replied, 'You vii
leave it, and turned back towards his com
rades Davis and his party retired to thu
door of the house, and, as they did SO
drew their arms. At this moment severa
guns were fred from the house, and tn
y fire was returned by the invading force
!. At the first fire, Mr.. Goss fell dead, AM
o Messrs. Purple and Thompson, Of the in
: vading party, were severely, but not MOI
r tally wounded. Several Of the Davis pal
ty, also, are supposed to be wounded. Th
body Of Goss was taken through this plac
9 to Council Bluffs this morning. Purple
: who was wounded in the arm, resides herr
n But the end is not yet.
Is Several persons, and among them Har
); scome, speaker Of the HouScof Represer
s tatives, are busily engaged in rallylng
; force to route Davis at all hazards, an
IL many of them swear never to return viii
Is live man remains in the house. Bot
IT parties were, desperate, and it need nj
y surprise you if my next conveys INTEL
/ gepce Of the sacrifice of more victims
: the insane spirit Of land speculations"
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