The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-06-13
LAWRENCE, KANSAS, !

DEAR FATHER: IL seems rs though the
fates will, that ! should write no good news
from this place. When last wrote you l
mentioned that it looked like fighting here.
When it was ascertained armed forces were
in the vicinity, stopping and searching wag-
CONS and men, and threatening other towns,
the citizens appointed committee of safety,
to advise as to the course the inhabitants of
Lawrence and vicinity should take. They
sent messenger Immediately to "Shan-
non," informing him of the fact, that men
were being detained on the different high
ways by armed mobs in the neighborhood,
who also threatened to destroy Lawrence,
isking him to station sufficient force Of
U. s. troops to protect the place. He an
swercd, stating that no armed force were ap-
preaching Lawrence except the regularly
constituted posse Of the U. S. Marshal, that
he should not interfere to prevent any pro-
cess from being served, and that oil law
abiding citizens irould be entitled to protec-
ton. 1t now became evident that very
large force was concentrating near Lecomp-
ton, and as Shannon had assured us that no
force was around L., except the posse Of the
Marshal Of the Territory, the committee
sent another messenger to him, enquiring of
him what he required Of the citizens of
Lawrence. He answered in very insulting
manner, (this correspondence you will find
in paper sent you by last maiD several
committees were sent to him, but he would
not give any satisfaction as to the course he
intended to pursue. They told him We
would assist the U. S. authorities in enforce
ing the laws, but did not wish mob to des-
troy the place. Last Monday band Of
these robbers, acting Of course rs the Mar
shal's posse, came upon man about four
miles from here, who was returning from
neighboring store to his home; thcy ordered
him to stop and dismount, which hc did,
They then took from him his pistol, and
some other personal property which he had
about him. He then started to lead his
horse along, when they ordered him to
f" halt" not doing so as quick as they
wished, they fred upon him, the ball enter
ing his back and passing through him.
This was his dying testimony to a physician
who gave me these facts. On the same day,
four young men, hearing Of the above muir
der, started from here for the place where
he was killed. They had gone but two
miles, when two men were seen approaching
on the prairie. They stopped and spoke to
them, and they passed along. After getting
by short distance, one Of the two turned
md fired rife, which killed young man
rom n. York instantly the ball entered
ust above his eye; tho others fred back and
hot one Of tho men 30 that no dropped his
life and exclaimed, Il nm shot," They,
,oweyer, run their horses as fast as posi-
be, and got away. This state Of things
continued until Wednesday yesterday d
morning. On getting up in the morning,
We saw about 500 men on the hill overlook
ng the town. Reinforcements continued
o come until they he'd about $50 men, (
About two-thirds of them were mounted
they had 4 pieces Of cannon, which they d.
ected towards tho town. Our committee
nd concluded that We would make no 70
istance as Shannon had said the forces were ,
J. s. authorities, and no other. Every man
vas enjoined to keep quiet, as We did not !,
now what might follow. About1lA. NJ, II
he Marshal came in with posse Of some 8 J
r 10; made three arrests; the Others won't I