The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-08
of the St. Louis Democrat.


Yesterday there vas considerable excitement
on Massachusetts street in this city, caused By
the appearance of Sheriff Jones, who used
every effort in his power to impress upon the
minds of the people the important fact that he
(Jones) was Sheriff of Douglas county. The
people of Lawrence professed not to know of
any such county, and of such an officer as he
pretended to be; consequently, but little respect
was manifested for him. At Mr.. Christians
Office, there had been an election on the loca-
tiOn Of Q bridge, and while the votes were being
counted several persons were standing about,
waiting patiently to hear the result of the bal
loting. Among them was S. N. Wood, ESQ.,.
who had recently arrived in the State from
Ohio, with large party of his friends. While
Wood was a silent observer of what was going
on, Jones stepped up, put bis hand upon his
shoulder, and said, "You are my prisoner"
Wood replied: ~ guess not" Jones then pro-
duced an old warrant, issued by Hugh Cameron
last December, for the arrest of Wood, for be:
ing engaged in the rescue of Mr.. Branson on
Che night Of the 26th of November last, and in
formed Wood Of its puyport, and said I" GU
must 90 along with me-" This Wood objected
to, saying that he wanted to see his wife, and
consult with his friends. Jones objected to his
going alone, stating that he could go to see his
wife, and he should accompany him. Wood
did not like such company, and informed him
of it, and asked to go alone, stating that in
Gfteen minutes he would return, and place him.
self in the same relation to Jones he then was
Jones refused, unless he would promise TO
return within specified time, and deliver him.
self up to his custody. Wood had objections
to doing any such thing, consequently refused,
and made a move toward the door. Jones then
took bold cf him in violent manner, stating to
those standing around that he was Sheriff of
Douglas county, was acting under the Ter
ritorial laws, and in the name of the Common
wealth, and demanded assistance. One person
then crowded in between Jones and Wood, and
very good naturedly pressed them apart. Wood
walked toward his house. a lew roQs distant
Jones ran out of the door and started after
him. Coming up with Wood, he olinohed, and
endeavored to drag him back to the office,
calling upon those standing near to help him,
and saying that he was Sheriff of Douglas
county, and was acting in that capacity. One
man ttsn stepped up and took hold of Wood,
and commenced talking to his prisoner in
very quiet manner, telling him to OBEY the laws,
to submit to an arrest, and he should not be
hurt. Jones thep commenced pulling Wood
toward the Office, and his assistant stood the
other side of Wood, pushing him along. Some
one seized Jones's assistant by the collar, and
pulled him away. Jones, then holding Wood
with one hand, with the other made move
ment toward taking revolver out of his belt.
Wood, anticipating the object, seized hold of
the pistol and took possession of it. Some per-
son then stepped in between Jones and Wood,
to prevent a fight, and separated the parties.
Jones, then walking into the Office, declared
that if he had not lost his pistol he would have
shot the id, &c. Wood walked home, and
Jones turned to those standing about, and
asked if they did not " consider that resistance
to tbs law" if that was not "resisting the
oficers?"
These questions were answered by Buckeye,
who stated that he did not know that he had
seen any officers, and he was certain that he
had seen no one resisting them. Jones then
commenced swearing vengeance against all
Eres State men, and with an oath declared
"Wood should he arrested, # he had to kill all
of his friends" The last seen of Jones and his
assistant, they were riding toward Lecompton,
with their horses at the top of their speed.
The Free State men of Kansas say they will
not submit to any process issuing from any
court created by the bogus Legislature. Yester-
day, Jones was very anxious to have it under
stood that he was acting as Sheriff under the
laws of the Legislature. 1t is generally sup
posed By people here that these arrests were
only undertaken at this time, that the Congress
Committee, who are here now, might see how
laws were trampled under foot with IMMUNITY by
the people, and report the same to Congress, to
influence the country in the Presidential cleo
ton. The people of Lawrence say they are
perfectly willing that this Committee should
report to Congress that the people viii resist
on their own responsibility every attempt made
to enforce the laws enacted for Kansas by q
Missouri invasion.
This forenoon, while the citizens were in
church, Jones, with six or eight assistants,
came into town to arrest Wood and those &C
cused of rescuing him YESTERDAY.