Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-06-25


torch to Lawrence.
= They made charges against the citizens Of
that place for interfering with the administra-
tion of the fraudulent laws, and ordered them
to be given up or they would sack the town
But when the Ruffan forces were drawn up be-
fore that doomed city, J Jones, the Sheriff, sta
ted that he had no warrant for any citizen of
Lawrence. This was but another step in the
execution of their plans. Lawrence was an
eye-sore to the Slavery party. 1t was an asy
lum to them while they were securing loca-
tions for future homes, and obtaining such in
formation ofthe Territory conduced to their
interest. They could not set off into the will
aerness with their families, unprotected and
without any knowledge of the country, without
great danger of being kidnapped, robbed, or
murdered. The Slavery party, therefore, de-
termined to destroy Lawrence, and break up
this rendezvous of the Free-State settlers
Their plans were not only against Kansas, but
against all the Territories yet to come into the
Union. This is clearly proved by the oath of
fraternity taken by the membersof the "Blue
LODGE" secret society, which they have
formed as an auxiliary TO their cause. They
swear to do all in their power to carry Slavery
into Kansas and other countries. What other
countries are meanta Is it not the vast terri
tories lying north and west 2 They seek all
these that they may have Gordon of Slave
States reaching across the continent and along
Che Pacific Ocean, which shall hem in the pow
er and progress of the North. He said that
Kansas formed constitution similar to nine
of the other States that have come into the
Union, where the people were left to decide
upon the question of Slavery. But no sooner
did the Southern shareholders discover this
fact than they based their action upon it, and
were backed up by Pierce. The doctrine
which is now attempted to be forced upon the
people of Kansas first saw the light in the
Presidents message. Pierce denounced the
opinions of Butler, the United States ex-At-
torney General, and also of Jackson as treas
enable. And thus, the color of law on their
side, these ruffians are sweeping down rights
which have SO often been proclaimed by great
and good men as belonging TO the citizens of
every territory. They are imprisoning the
Free-State men to prevent them from carrying
out the rights which their Constitution de-
nnands, and attempting TO drive the last
Free settlers from the Territory. Gov. Rec
der then proceeded to narrate the way in which
Lawrence was sacked. He said there were two
hotels at that point on the river. One was the
Free State Hotel, in Lawrence, the other Just
across the boundary. The first was a large
stone ediice, 90 by 80 feet, and three stories
high, and was elegantly furnished. The Ber-
der Rufians said it was nest of Abolitionists;
a name which they give to all Northern men,
without distinction of party prejudices. They
procured the impanneling of Grand Jury OF
their own stamp, and had it indicted as nui-
sance. Under this finding it was ordered to be
torn down. The Slavery forces were drawn up
before it, and .he United States Marshal made
several arrests Of persons who had, by some
unknown act, become disagreeable to the bor-
oeTers. Sheriff Jones then demanded the arms
Of the citizens, which, though reluctantly,
were given up. The hotel was then besieged,
two kegs of powder placed in it, and large
portion blown to pieces. 1t was then set on
Ere, and with ell its splendid furniture, became
mass of ruins. The three Free-State print
ing Offices were then entered, the type and
presses thrown into the river, aud every house
save one, inhabited by an old lady with nurner-
ous children, was destroyed. Stealing became
the general order, and not trunk in Law
renee was left unopened. The ruthless marau-
ders walked into clothing store, threw of
their old garments and supplied themselves
with new ones. All this was done under the
law, backed by the present Administration
This is Kansas Law order. These are not iso-
lated acts; they all belong to the deep game
which the South is playing. The other hotel
was owned by two New England men, who did
all in their power TO make the emigrants COM
Portable. They were warned by their friends
that this hotel was to be destroyed The Mich
igan company was encamped near there, and
they at once volunteered TO defend il. When
the ruffians found that it would be defended
they abandoned an open attack, but warned
the owners That il they did not sell out to
PTo-Siavery man, their house would be torn
down There armed men now encamped
around there, bound to fight for Slavery, and
there others who, in defiance of the Pres
ident's proclamation, will do all in their power
to protect their rights. Some of the people of
Kansas have been shot down, military compa-
MES paraded in public places, but no Of
cial sees it. The highways are blocked up,
and peaceful citizens are daily ordered TO
''stand and deliver" The arms of citizens
viii be next demanded, and then the helpless
fellows must take their chance among the des-
peradoes. They will have no means of re-
dress. The next election will not be held I'M
til October, and il they dare 20 come TO the
polls they will be forced away, or driven into
general fight. If they do not succeed and
oriye of their tyrants, their crops will be des-