The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-04
AFT AIRS IN KAN SAS.
WHOLESALE Prison, LECoMPToN,
Tuesday, November Is, 1885,

Tuesday, November Is, 1856.
To the Editor of the National Era:
Last Wednesday evening, news was received
in Lecompton that Buchanan had carried all
the Southern States except Maryland, and also
that he had been successful in Pennsylvania,
Indiana, and Illinois, by malorities ranging
from eight to forty thousand. The militia had
a grand jubilee over this, in which they were
Joined by most of the citizens, all getting DEM
ocratically drunk. While the guards were at
the climax of their iollifcation, one of the con-
victed prisoners-Charles Calkins-threw his
blanket over his shoulder, and walked out I'M
noticed by any except his friends. learn that
a reward has been offered for his apprehension
This will be Of no use for no one, who has once
escaped from Lecompton prison, will ever be
seen within its walls again, but choose, rather,
a thousand deaths instead. Jones demanded
that the others should all be immediately chain.
ed, but Captain Hampden-who has received
the appointment Of Prison Warden, and who
appears to be somewhat conservative Pro-
Slavery man, aud admits that the Free State
men could, at a fair election, cast SeUen-eighths
of the legal and rightful votes in Kansas-re-
fused to obey Jones, declaring that the time had
not Grrtced for such a proceeding, which, if
carried out, would inevitably result in the rescue
of every prisoner here before another week
should have passed. Hampden will probably
be removed for more supple tool. Secretary
Woodson declares that we shall be chained, and
| learn from the best of authority that he is
now engaged in contracting for the shackles
If relief comes not soon, do not be surprised to
learn in few weeks, perhaps days, that CHAINS
are clanking about the best blood and sinews
in Kansas. In this l of course do not pretend
to include myself; and even had 1 the lack of
modesty necessary to do so, l would not, for
do not intend to remain here long. / have had
many chances to escape since have been here
and especially during the past few weeks; but
l have preferred to remain as long as it was
endurable, and chronicle the wrongs of my
friends. l can endure it now no longer. Be-
| sides, my life is every day in danger; if
should remain, and by failing to get a change
of venue to some other district, be brought up
for trial in this place, any imaginable amount
of proof on my side would not save me. Even
taking the chances of rescue into considera-
ton, the increased failing of my health admon
ishes me not to wait.
Some difficulties occurred several DAYS ago,
between Governor Geary on the one side, and
Lecompte and Donaldson on the other. They
arose out of the release of Hayes, charged with
the murder of Buffum. 1t is said that when
the Governor heard of that transaction, he in
dignantly pronounced it great act of injus-
| tice, insomuch as Free State men had not been
allowed admission to bail, when charged only
| with inferior crimes and that he directed Don.
aldson to re-arres Hayes, which he refused to do.
Titus was then ordered to perform the arrest,
and understood at the time did So but Hayes
is now here in this town, entirely unrestrained;
and, what is more, yesterday, as a fire broke
out on the roof of the prison, the militia were
called out in front of the building, the citizens
also armed, and all drawn out in battle array
among them Hayes, with rerolcer and drdwn
sabre, to guard innocent men. Although this
| might seem to some a small matter, it was to
US the most CALLING and insulting act of tyran-
ny / have ever witnessed. The Governor
threatened to suspend Marshal Donaldson,
| which has called down upon his head showers
of wrath from the leading Pro-Slavery men
here. In this connection l may mention that
| the grand jury has of late become quite OBJ
noxious to the officials and ProSlavery party
generally, since it has become known that that
| body has indicted several of their men, among
others General Clark, the principal murderer
of Barber. 1t is also rumored that an indict-
ment was found against Titus. A mass meet
ing Of the people of Lecompton was held Sat-
urday night, at which they indiSnated rather
loudly. They claimed what we have always
held, but what the People of the States have
been slow to believe-I may say, refuse to be-
lieve; for suppose there is no doubt concern.
ing Buchanan's success in Pennsylvania, which
will at least defeat Fremont-that the Shawnee
Mission claws" we're made only for the pun.
ishment of Free State men. The meeting de-
clared the ildicting of Pro-Slavery men for
crimes which they had committed upon Free
State men was reasonable, unlawful, and ty-
rannical, and finally determined to repudiate
their authority. Is not this rich? The fools
cannot understand their own game. The grand
jury intended to make a show of sacrifice, in
order to satisfy the Free State party. have
! snsnecfad all along that the Indictment and ar.