Squatter sovereign., 1856-02-12
The Lies of the Lawrence Traitors.

From very long and Interesting letter
published in the New York Herald and
copied into the ST. Louis Republican, II
will be seen that Gov. Shannon is fully ace
Quilted from the charge of having recog-
nized the righteousness of the position as
sulned by the people of Lawrence during
the late Disturbances but. on the contrary.
that they fully pledged themselves to obey
the laws enacted blythe Territorial Legis-
lature. It will be further seen by the same
letter, that they were most terribly alarm
ed for fear tlleiE town would be destroyed,
and themselves meet their just deserts. And
finally that Robinson, Lane s. Co. lied to
the Governor to obtain his signature TO a
paper which they have since applied to
most infamous purposes.
We publish several extracts from the let
ter referred to-the whole is too lengthy
in which the Governor shall speak for him-
self. Every honest man will Lelieve him.
Gov. Shannon says:
.Aboui this time the committee waited
upon me from Lawrence-both free State
Eien-ciaiming TO represent tie citizens OF
that town Messrs. Lowry aud Babcock.
They, stated that the people Of Lawrence
were surrounded by a body of armed men,
who We're threatening to demolish their
town. and requested rne to exercise my au-
thority TO preserve peace and save their city.
They produced letter signed by the lead
ing men of Lawrence"
This did not look much like the traitors
We're very anxious for a fight.
Again the Governor says:
about g. PM, Gen. Richardson, with
number OF the most prominent men from
the Lecompton camp, arrived at my quar-
tsrs, which had established at an Indian
house Oh the east side of the Wakarusa,
and about quarter Of mile from the
Wakarusa camp | had been engaged du-
ring the day, up 10 the very moment ol
Gen. Richardson's arrival, in conference
with the leading men of the Wakarusa
camp. with view OF ascertaining theiE
feelings aud intentions. and If possible
prevailing upon them to cooperate with
me in carrying out myvlews. For myself
| had two leading objects, which had de-
ternllned to use every possible exertion tc
accomplish; one to prevent the effuson OF
blood; the other, to vindicate the suprema-
cy of the laws. found in the Wakarusa
camp strong disposition, which appear ed
10 be almost universal, to attack Law.
renee.
For the purpose OF ft,rthering the objects
| had in view. l invited between thirty and
| forty OF their leading men from the two
| camps to meet me on the night Of tho
the 9Th, at my quarters, with the intention
poses. and inviting a similar confidence OIL
their part in return.
They convened at my quarters, accord.
ing!y, at eight o'c'n k, P. ~, when | ad.
dressed them at length, defining the posi-
ton which intended to occupy and the
ends winch hoped to gam, and finally
begged them to explain freely their wishe:
and expectations as to the settlement Of the
existing difficulties. / soon discovered
that there was but one person present who
/ fully approved the course desired to pur.
sue. Others wished to go further; son.
would hear of nothing less than the de-
struction of Lawrence and it's iortificstions
the demolition ofits printing presses and The
unconditional surrender Of the arms OF the
! citizens; others, more moderate. cEpre sseC
Willingness 10 lie satisfied, if the Free
State 'ncn would give up their Si.arp's ri
fes and reFo]vers. Under these unfavof
able circumstances tie conference bIoli,
up at midnight having accomplished moth
ing beyond the Interchange of opinions OF
eitier sis;e Before It's adjourn. .ftnt how
ever, informed them that should enle
Lawrenc on the ensuing day. (t.e Tl,
nd ascertain what arrangements the Ffe,
State party were wiling to make, and w:la
they wetdd accede to. On the part OF til
pro-slayery lnen there seemed to be SO fix
ed u purpose 10 assault the line that al
most despaircd of preventing il, unless
could obtain tie services of tie L. State
troops at Fort I.eavenworth. With the in
teniion of communicating nv wishes t
Col. Sumner, the commando mt of that pos
/ made arrangements with Gen. Stricken
Commanding in the Wakarusa camp, t
furnish me with an express rider at day
break, TO start Immediately for Fort Leas
enworth. / at once wrote pressing iette
/ to Col. Sumner.
AT 2 P. NJ, 9TH December, Gen. Strics
Ter came TO my quarters, and informed m
that he had been advised that plan ha
been laid in the Wakarusa camp TO inter
cept my dispatches to Colonel Sumner 6
kaw River Crossing. To avoid this, rs
qupsted the General to start the messel
ger Immediately. He did SO, and the e,
press rider finally left at o'clock, A. II
and was directed TO ford upon Kaw ris,
(not tie usual crossing,t by an India
> guide from the kaw ooitom, who had Zee
procured for the purpose by Col. Boom
To this letter received no reply till ate
nv return TO the Executive Office at Siav
nee Mission. when an answer reached n
on the 18th of December.
: The object of the pro-slavery men in a
J tempting TO intercept the dispatches We
/ to prevent, If possible, the. arrival of tt
:, United States troops, who they feare
would restrain them from attacking Law
Il