The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-10-16
KANSAS.

KANSAS.
The following letter from one of the Free
State psisoners gives a most graphic account of
the expressions inflicted in the name of law
upon the people of Kansas. 1t explains some
transactions left obscure in telegraphic des-
patches.
In Prison AT LECoMPToN,
Monday Morning, September 20, 1856.
To the Editor Of the National Era:
Just at this time, perhaps, the Freedom-lov-
ing people ofthe States are congratulating them
selves upon the prospect of justice being at last
dealt out to Kansas. Such a boon would GER
tainly be worth any rejoicings which the devo-
tees of Liberty could bestow; and surely no
people on earth could receive it with more of
gratitude than we. We too have seen these
prospects, but only to see them vanish, leaving
In their stead nothing but misery, pain, and
sorrow. 1t was known, previous to the arrival
OF Governor Geary, that he had been on init
mate terms with General Lane, and that he was
his friend in the affair last winter between Lane
and Douglas. From this, we thought we had
reason to hope, and on the evening of the llth
inst, few days after the arrival of the new
Governor, and while the people seemed filled
with Joy over the liberation of Charles Robin
son, their own Governor and idol, General Lane
came to Topeka, and, being called upon by the
troops and citizens, made them a speech over
flowing with congratulations. He said of the
transactions of the few weeks since his return
to the Territory, that " one long-to be.remem-
bered campaign in the history of Kansas has
closed-favorably to the cause of Liberty, but
covering all over with shame the great mob
army which came over with the avowed purpose
distributing US forever. Such contrast between
two opposing armies has never before existed.
The enemy have outnumbered US in every en-
gagement they have been better armed, cloth
ed, and fed; and, being mostly welmounted,
they have been able to come into action with
freshness and vigor, while we have had to meet
them after long forced marches OH foot, with
but little food, and that of the poorest quality.
They published to the world that they would
show no quarter; that every Free State man
who fell into their power should suffer death /;
and, cruel as the threat, it has resulted in
terrible truth. But we have murdered no
prisoners, burned no private dwellings,; we
have sought but one thing, Liberty and endeav-
ored to obtain it by the use of prudence and
humanity"
Speaking of Governor Geary, he said
81 know him well, and believe that he is
true to US and to our cause. He has promised
all the protection in his power, and says he can
call $4,000 militia to his aid. He promises to
disband the present Territorial militia, and to
canvass the Territory, and enlist under a new
organization all the bona fide citizens of whom
military duty may be justly required. / advise
you to enroll yourselves on certain conditions,
or, rather, in the absence of certain conditions
that is, if nothing is said concerning obedience
to the Territorial laws enlist; but if he requires
of you pledge to support those so-called la,cs,
tell him you have no pledge to make. Geary
has no more doubts than we concerning the in
validity of these laws, yet he cannot positively
refuse to execute them. There is but one
course left for US to pursue. Just let the wagon
90 on, while we are getting in motion one of our
own. Orr Governor, the one elected by our
own SURFACES, will, in a few weeks, call togeth-
er the only legislative body ever chosen by the
people of Kansas, and in this and the election
of Fremont there is great hope. The Nilsson.
rians have promised to go home and cease their
depredations. If they do so, we have little more
to do. l am, however, reliably informed that
some of our men are held as prisoners of war
at Iowa Point, and tomorrow shall 90 to their
rescue. There are also some emigrants waiting
at Nebraska city, for an escort to this place.
For that purpose, l shall 60 there when shall
have accomplished my object at Iowa Point.
When / return, we will lay down the implements
of war, and trust for protection the newly.ap-
pointed Governor, until such a time when expe.
rience shall have proven that our reliance has
been misplaced"
At noon the next day, agreeably to his inten-
tons, General Lane, with forty horsemen, left
for Iowa Point On the road, fifteen miles from
Topeka, he was met by a messenger from
Grasshopper Falls, with the information that
the Missourians were then in that town, sacking
and burning everything in their reach. The
messenger had been dispatched to Topeka for
aid. The enemy were estimated at from two
to four hundred in number. Lane, thinking it
rashness to attack them with the numbers he
then had, yet DESTROYS of furnishing them for
their insolence, sent back to Topeka for re-en-
forcements, while he went on and encamped at
Pleasant Hill, eight miles further, and within
about ten miles from Grasshopper Falls. The
endorsements, forty in number, left Topeka
the same evening about ten o'clock, and arrived
at Lanes camp at sunrise the next morning,
and all Immediately started for Hickory Point,
to which place, it had been ascertained during
the night, the enemy had withdrawn. This
place contains not more than a dozen houses,
and is located some ten miles northeast from
Pleasant Hill On his way there, Lane was
Joined by twenty men from Grasshopper Falls.
About noon, he arrived before the place, and
at three-quarters of miles distance from it.,
drew up his men in line Of battle. Capt. Len
hart, with fifteen mounted sharp-shooters, was
sent around to the other side of the town, to
harass the enemy and cut off their retreat in
case they should attempt to make one. But
the enemy had all withdrawn into a blacksmith 8
shop and two other log buildings, which they
had converted into forts. Over the blacksmith g
shop there waved the black flag, the emblem of
la,o and order. After several shots from the
enemy, al irregular FIRE begun and was kept up
for an hour or more, with no other effect than
wounding six of the enemy, killing one of their
horses, and wounding two others on each side.
Finding it useless to attempt storming of the
forts without cannon, Lane dispatched a messen-
ger to Lawrence, instructing Colonel Harvey to
proceed with one hundred men and the six
FOUNDER Sacramento to Topeka, cross the Kaw
at that place, and take the Leavenworth MILL
tary road-the same by which Lane had went
for Hickory Point. In the mean time he fell
back to Pleasant Hill, in hopes of drawing the
enemy out in pursuit of him, and giving them
battle before the arrival of Col Harvey. 1t was
about sunset when he halted at Pleasant Hill,
and prepared to camp. But here he was handed
copy of the Inaugural Address and Proc.
lamation of Governor Geary, issued two days
previous, upon reading which, he called his