The Davenport daily gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1869, 1856-09-30
THE DAILY GAZETTE.
KANSAS CORRESPONDENCE.

LAWRENCE, IL. L., sept. II, 1856.
To tie E0stor Of the Alton Courier:
We have had stirring times for the
last few days.
Expresses arrived on Friday last,
stating that a large body of armed
men were making towards Lawrence
from the north Of the Kansas river,
Gen. Lane, with small detachment,
went out to meet them. The parties
met near Grasshopper Falls, and had
a brisk contest, which lasted for sever
al hours. The enemy finally sought
refuge in a block house, from which
Gen. Lane could not dispossess them
without cannon. He sent an express
to Lawrence for aid. Col Harvey.
with detachment Of between two and
three hundred, went TO his relief on
Saturday night with the ordinance ta-
ken from the Rufians at Franklin.
! Report says that Gen Lane retreat
ed, and returned towards Iowa via
Iowa Point. His relief was captured
BY the United States troops, and they
are now held as prisoners by them.
The MissourianS were gathering III
large force at Wcstport, where it Is
said they have thrown up intrench
ments. An express was sent to them
from this city by spy, member OF
5ulord's party, who had professed to
have abandoned the Pro Slavery party
and joined that Of freedom.
On Sunday noon couriers arrived
constantly from eight OF ten miles East
stating that q large body Of armed
men. variously estimated from seven
hundred to a thousand, were moving
with great speed towards Lawrence
Preparations were Immediately made
to receive them. At the same time
messengers were sent to Governor
Geary, at Lecompton, with the facts,
and asking his interposition in our be-
half.
The party continued to advance, and
at about four o'clock, P. NJ, arrived at
Franklin, four miles distant. CLOUDS
Of dense smoke soon told that Attila
was there with his Vandal horde
Families began to arrive in Lawrence
who had narrowly escaped from the
advancing army.
The town, or rather that portion
which belonged to the Free State set
tiers was soon consumed. A few OF
the residents formed line and fired
upon them as long as they thought
it prudent to do so. when they retreat
ed to Lawrence. Two valuable horses
were captured by few of the brave
defenders ofFranklin, and their riders
were slain.
About five o'clock decoy, several
hundred strong. was sent ont towards
Lawrence. Some fifty Young mon
with Sharpe's rifles went to meet them
and when within the reach OF THEN
guns brisk fire was opened upon the
enemy, which lasted for several min
ntes. until the invaders sought safety
in flight. Our boys pursued them
short distance. and returned.
The motions Of the enemy were
watched with great interest from the
house tops until night closed upon us.
Every preparation was made for
giving them proper reception should
they return. We could only number
about two hundred fighting men, but
all were cool, and resolved todie game.
Several ladies were in the street with
arms.
In the evening it was reported that
Secretary Wodson. Gen. Strickland
and couple United States troops, had
passed and gone down to prevail upon
the ruffians 10 turn back About nine
o'clock in the evening, some three
hundred and fifty United States troops
arrived under the command OF Col
Cook. They encamped between Law
renee and Franklin, and but a hundred
rods or SO from the former place.
On Monday morning Gov. Geary
arrived, and with Il strong escort visit
ell the camp of the enemy. Hefound
them with from four hundred to six
hundred tents, and is confident there
were not less than $500 ofthe rutfians
collected there, They had a large
herd of cattle. consisting of sewers,
hundred cows and oxen which they
had robbed from the Free State settlers
After parleying with them for long
time, they finally agreed to disband
and return to Missouri.
Between five and six o'clock this
evening, several hundred OF the enemy
passed up the California road to the
West, bearingtwo aohite flags. Their
destination is uncertain. Our people
believe they intend descent on Law
renee, and are holding themselves in
readiness for an attack.
1t is now nine o'clock Monday even
ing. The United States troops still
maintain their position, Our citizens
are occupying the several tortificatlons
as they did all last night, and will con
tinue to do so unless the enemy has re-
tired, or duty prompts them to go in
pursuit. The general opinion is,
when they leave here they will break
up into guerilla parties and scour the
whole country. The troops are not
adequate to the contin gency.
Yours truly, b.