Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-08-27

lance from il as the second division -
Soon the firing commenced. Those in
the block house fired at the assailants
from port holes made through the walls.
The assailants fred upon the building,
directing their aim by the flash OF their
opponents guns. Earle's party dir cted
their fire at a window in the building
The window was small, and against it
those inside had placed mattresses and
feather beds, in order TO protect them
selves from the bullets of Earle's men.
The firing lasted until Earle's men had
fired % rounds, which in the hands of
experienced men with Sharpe's rifles,
can be done with some dispatch. While
the firing lasted. volley after volley was
fired from the log house at the first and
second divisions of Capt. Cracklin's com
pany, who were standing at the real and
TO the southeast of the building. This
firing was returned with great spirit
The bullets whistied over the heads of
the men in showers they struck the
rails of the fence Just above their heads
they struck the ground in front of
them, throwing the diIt into the faces
of the men-and once in a while an I'M
lucky shot would wound a man. After
firing their % rounds, Lieut.. Earl or
dered his men to cease their fire, he find
ing that they were subjected to a use
less exposure. He had two men severely
wounded, and one slightly. The second
division of Cracklin's company had one
man killed, named Ssckett, from Michi-
gan, and one wounded. While the Free
State men suffered thus sever ", the
Pro-Slavery party. secure behind their
int~renchments, had suffered no injury.
1t was found that another plan must be
adopted in order to succeed. The Free
State men had no artillery, nCr could
they carry the building by assault
After consultation the following plan was
adopted: A wagon was loaded with
hay and drawn directly to the front of
the building, adjoining the log house
and then set on fire. Those who wen;
with the hay had 10 pass up the street in
a very exposed situation, TO the building
they designed burning. and there be-
came exposed to a CALLING fire from the
enemy posted in an unfinished frame
building adjoining the log house on the
Yves, and connected herewith. The
second division of -Cracklin's company
were ordered to accompany the wagon.
1t vas a " ticklish" place for those who
hal never "smelled" earnest gunpow-
der before; but they marched bravely up.
AS good luck would have it, the moon,
now nearly down, was just shut in by a
cloud, thus favoring them with darkness;
and the fire from the LIST division of
Cracklin's company then posted in the
rear, drew the attention of the pro Sla-
very men in the direction, giving those
with the hay an opportunity TO draw it
where they intended without discovery.
The hay was fired /; 500 the fnrked
flames rose higher and higher, casting a
glaring light far over the prairie and the
town. The firing ceased upon the pro-
Slavery side /; but now AMI then a ran
dom shot from a Sharpe's rifle warned
them that the Free State party were
there. Soon the cry of "Quarter +"
"Quarter !" was heard. The Free State
men rushed up and drew away the burn
ing hay. and took possession Of the build
ings. Not wishing 10 take prisoners,
they permitted all to escape, excepting
| Squire Crane, whom they detained for a
short time. They took possession of the
cannon, nearly one hundred stand Of
arms, and quantities of ammunition and
provisions. Squire Crane opened the
Post Office building, and by order, a few
were selected 10 search the place for
arms and ammunition. Crane was then
permitted to 90. His wife while he was
in custody, chung to him with true devo
lion, and wildly implored them to save
his life. I"fatuaied woman l-She sup
posed the Free State men were a. heart
less as the cut-rhroat associates Of her
husband, WHO revel over the misery Of
Mrs. Barber. the lunacy of Mrs Brown,
and the awful distress OF Mrs. Cantrall,
who, with her children. now fatherleSs,
from his grave cry for justice and for
bread. Squire Crane to day sent a re-
quest to p. NJ Babcock, asking him to
open the Franklin mail and forward it
to Franklin. stating as a reason. cha a
mob from Lawrence and Blanton had
broken into the Post Office and stole the
iron key to the mail bag, and all the
postage stamps" BRAY. man How he
lies !
When the party returned, the gray
streaks of dawn were just appearing in
the East.
TIL DRAGONS.
This morning, Company /, of the U.
S. Dragons, went to franklin. 1t is
said that a few arrests have teen made
here to-day. To night dragons are
stationed along the California road, op
posiie town, to prevent parties of armed
men from going out. The cut ihroals
at Washington Greek are to be driven out
and Company /, of the Dragons, which
is said to be composed principally of Blu
ford's men, who were compelled TO en-
list because of their poverty, can only
prevent it by driving them out them
selves.
II NEW GOVERNOR.
The appointment of Geary is regarded
with indifference here. If the terrific
rial laws are to be enforced, Shannon
might as well have done it as Geary.
The people of the territory will never
submit to the Border Rufian laws, no
matter how good or wise the Governor,
whose duty it is to enforce them. The
man who leaves the retirement of private
life, to accept the post of Governor of
Kansas, under this administration, must