Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-08-27
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4 committee, composed Of S. G. Howe of
Boston, and Thaddeus Hyatt Of New York,
gentlemen of high character end intelligence,
was appointed by the Buffalo Kansas Couven-
ton TO visit Kansas for the purpose Of asccr-
tanning by personal observation the wants Of
the settlers, and the progress and difficulties
of emigration.
These gentlemen have returned and made
their report. On arriving at st. Louis, they
found the avenue by way of the river absolute
ly closed against ali Free State men, ard they
were obliged to turn back. and take the route
through Iowa and Nebraska. This journey
led them through three hundred miles Of
sparsely settled country. unprovided with
coaches, hotels, or the ordinary facilities for
travel, but where the scattered settlers intheir
log cabins enjoy and permit free speech.
During this journey they passed several par
ties of emigrants from the Free States, toll
ing slowly along on foot toward Kansas and
Nebraska-their families and furniture drawn
by oxen. They were forced TO take this cir
cult because they dared not follow the route
through Missouri. Other parties were met
returning eastward, dishearteaed by the diff
ficulties of the way and by the dangers ahead.
When they arrived on the Kansas border
they found it occupied by the Border Rufiians
in small parties, securing its whole length,
and arresting every man who attempted to en-
ter. They found they could not enter Kan
sas, even by this remote route, except by run
ming muck over the frontier and risFing a
fight, or by waiting until the whole body of
emigrants could move. They had not come
to fight, and they had no time to wait; so
they did not enter Kansas, but they learned
from various authentic sources, that there is
great distress and want among the people,
thus cut of from all resources. Business is
paralysed, and the future is gloomy. They
are like garrison in beleaguered fortress,
with this additional evil, their enemies are a.
mong them, harrassing them in every posi-
ble way and form.
They found the body of emigrants which
had arrived on the border, cncamped on a
prairie, forty miles north Of Kansas. There
were about 500 in camp, including some so
or 20 women and children. Some 20Gmore
were on the way, between Iowa city and the
camp, and 500 were expected to be in camp
by the first week in August. These were all
actual settlers, and were hut poorly armed
They were generally men of respcctability
and intelligence. General Lane Joined them,
but his presence was considered unfortunate,
IS giving an excuse to the territorial authori-
ties to attack them. At their earnest request
he left and went back to the States. They al
SO sent a messenger to the commandant at
Fort Leavenworth, asking for an escort across
the border.
Such was the actual condition OF this emil
grafton on the last day of July. They would
wait the week out, and if no answer came to
their application for escort, or if the answer
should be unfavorable, then they would march
forward and protect themselves as we'll as they
could.
The resolutions adopted in solemn conclave
of the leaders we've that, if opposed by the
Missourians, they would fight their way for
ward; that, if met by United States troops,
they would persist in their clear right Of adj
vancing, arms in hand if opposed by force.
they would not use their arms, yet would not
yield them, but retire upon free soil and wait
the action of the several States whose citizens
they are, and whose protection they win
claim.
Later accounts say that one of the conaan-
les which composed this encampment had for
ced its way across the border, and had aIri-
we'd at Topeka. Definite accounts of the fate
of the whole company will be looked for with
interest.