The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-08-26
THE CAPTURE OF FRANKLIN.

NO proslavery accounts are yet received about
thsassack by the freesoilers on Franklin The
correspondent Of the New York Times relates
some Of the gallant lighting exhibited by the
frst.soilers, in getting 20 or 30 Southerners out
OF log house. He says:
After firing their twenty-five rounds, Lieuten-
ant Earle ordered his men to cease their 1re he
nnding that they were subjected to useless exps.
sure. lie had two men severely wounded, and
one slightly. The second division Of Crackns
company had one man killed named Sackett, from
Michigsn, and one wounded While the free state
men suffered thus severely, the pro slavery party
secure behind their entrenchments had suffered
NO injury. 1t was now found that another plan
must be adopted in order to succeed The free
state men had no artillery. nor could they carry
tne building by assault After consultation the fol
lowing plan was adopted: A wagon was loaded
Win hay and drawn directly to the front Of the
building adjoining the log house. aud then set on
nre Those who went with the hay had to pass
up the street in . very exposed situation 10 the
building they designed burning, aud there became
exposed to CALLING IRE from the enemy posted
In an unfinished frame building adjoining the loo
house on the west. and connected Herewith
The second division of Cracklin's company ere
ordered to accompany the wagon. 1t was stick.
hsh place for those who had never "smelledr ear.
nest gunpewder hefors. but they marched bravely
up. AS good luck would have it, the moon now
nearly down, was just shut in by . cloud thus ia
vorng them with darkness and the fire from the first
division Of Cracklins company, then posted in the
rear, drew the attention of the proslavsry men In
that direction, gave those with the hay an oppor.
tunty to draw 1t where they intended. without
discovery. The hay was fired; soon the forked
flames rose high and higher, casting glaring light
far over the prairie and the town. The firing
ceased 1pon the prOslavery side, but now and
then random shot from . Sharpes rifle warned
them that the Free State party were there Soon
tue cry OF Quarter Quarter was heard The
Free State men rushed up, drew away the burning
nay and took possession of the buildings
Not wishing to take prisoners they permitted all
to escape, except Squire Crane whom they do.
tained for short time. They took possession of
tne cannon. nearly one hundred stand of arms and
quantities Of ammunition and provision. Squire
crane opened the postofice building, and BY or
der q few were selected to search the place for
arms and ammunition. Crane was then permitted
to go. His wife, while he was in custody, clune
to him with true devotion, and wildly implored
them to save bis life.
s. Crane, writing TO the "Border Ruff an I" In
relation to the attack upon Franklin, by the Abo.
tionists, says:
They first demanded the key of the postoffice
OF Samuel Crane, which he gave them They
hunted from top to bottom for arms taking what
was there. They then robbed the postoffics of
about $40 worth of stamped envelopes and other
valuable papers They then proceeded to s.
Crane, Jr. dwelling, and took from there about
thirty U. s. muskets and one piece of artillery a
six FOUNDER. From Mr.. s. Ruckles they took S425.
gold watch worth $l25, and about $3.50 worth of
clothing; from r S. Crane they took between
5000 and 81 200 worth of accounts and notes. and
about S125 worth Of clothing, &c; from Judge
Fame they took fine horse"