The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-09-06
Brevet Brig. Gen. P. F. SMITH,
United States Army.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST,
Fort Leavenworth, X t., August %, 1856

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT THE WEST,
Fort Leavenworth k. T., August 22 1856.
CoIoNEL: Late in the evening of the 18th instant re-
ceived from Major Sedgwick and from Gov. Shannon the
letters enclosed.
had heard previously various of outrages
mtted by bands of about the neighborhoUd Of
Lawrence and had handbs published in other towns
purporng to give an account OF them and messengers
two occasions to relate what they had
of an attack Lecompton the morning Of the 10th
instant but all this have happened of
Major sedgwicks posts and received no information
from him. and much of the information had received
knew to be false placed confidence in 1t whatever,
especially learning that up to the 18th attack at all
had even been made on Lecompton Major sedgwck al
udes in his despatch enclosed to attack Franklin.
This is all the information have yet the subject that
is authentic the date and particulars yet unknown.
But the assurance of both the governor and Major
Sedgwick that there 800 armed assembled in Law
renee who be increased in twelve hours to twelve hum
dred and that it is expected they would attack and de-
stroy the capital of the Territory Lecompon have
dered Lieut. Col Johnstons second cavalry go there
with all the troops at this post except small company
and have ordered all the from Fort Riley except
small garrison, to the place. have sent down to
have all the troops recruits and Others at Jefferson bar
racks TO be sent here and will send them and compa
MES of the 9th that arrive to reinforce the command
on the Kansas, if necessary large force may prevent
oft '''> O' ~ '' ''''''''A
enclose my instructions to the officer who may have
command of the troops He TO coufne his action to the
specified in the constitution and provided for by the
acts of Congress of February 49, 1885, and March 1901
could not tell that Congress had this session restricted
the action of the troops far in their powerthat
is, TO the constitutional provision.
enclose also communication from officer of the mi
ta the northern border of the Territory showing how
contradictory and inconsistent the spread
the country for the party that Lane brought from
Iowa the northern border and the Kansas the
same time.
Col. Summers regiment cannot muster 400 men, in
Guiding Capt Steuarts company its Fort Lara
mic and detachment under Lieut. Wheaton for
Fort Kearny with the Sioux prisoners Lieut. Col Cookies
six companies have little than loo horses
With respect your obedient servant
PERSIFER f. SMITH,
Bvt Major General Comd'g Dept
Colonel s. CooPER,
AdjutaHt General of the Army
Enclosure No.
CANT LEcopProK, X t.
August H. 1855.
MAJOR As the governor wishes to communicate with the
general commanding the department avail mvpir ~ he
Opportunity to report that within The ast few dsTs
of armed have been assembling in various paces
committing many depredatons and have now ecome az
ood as 70 attack house within two of the troops
After the attack on Frennn by the free-soilers tbey
attacked cap said contain about forty who had
Dahae- themselves together for protection After dis
perng them and burning the house they marched on this
town The governor requested on with all the
dsposabe force had, which amounted to only thirty
men. Alter remaining In town till after daylight re-
turned to my camp and had just reached II when heard
the report Of sixpounder and ascerained that the
house of Col Titus in which he had twenty men, was the
place attacked placed my command between the house
and town; and the governor after joining US we
moved in the direction OF the place attacked By this time
the osse had been destroyed, killed Col Titus
and one other dangerously wounded the Others carried
OF prisoners
This morning received from the governor n oommun-
cation directing proceed TO Lawrence and demand
the prisoners and In Of refusal to take them by
force firing upon the resisting party Immediately called
upon the governors and at the suggestion Of Dr. Rodrque
gentleman Of high standing proceeded TO Lawrence
and had interview with the persons holding the prison
After long consultation, lin which took no part y
the made arrangement exchange some that
he hold, and some other stipulatons.
believe that there eight hundred men larmed) In
Lawrence which be increased In twelve hours to
twelve hundred they in a state Of high excitement
almost uncomfortable and believe they viii attack this
town and destroy IL every part Of the agreement not
carried ont which fear cannot be done think II any
troops are needed IL will be larger number than have
a. my DISPOSAL At the rfquost OF the governor have
ordered Captain Andersou company from the Wakaruss,
and Captain Newbys from Palmyra TO this camp; hey
arrived yesterday This increases my effective force 10
about ninety.
should very much like 10 have the advice Of Colonel
Johnston for days would also say that have re-
oeived instructions how to act In conflict with cit-
zens when officer Is authorized to FIRE upon them
except the Presidents proclamation Of February 49, 1885,
am, very respectfully, your obedient servant
JOHN SEDGW1CK,
Major First Cavalry.
Major GEORGE DnAs
agns. norI nnuTl - a. w