The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1856-01-19
The War Renewed.

IfoW AcdsenHoftns ofiuSiHy suc intSih
genee that WAR had broken ont in that
vicinity. From Whist we can gather j.
seems that the Council of Leavenworth
passed an ordinance prohibiting the
opening of polls in the city for the elec-
ton Of State officers on the l5th inst,
under the new Constitution. Mr. SLo-
Gun. the Free State mayor, either had
or did resign, and a pro-slsvsry mayor
was substituted by the Council. The
new mayor issued proclamation in ae-
eordancs with the direction of the Coun-
} oil forbidding an election. The judges.
as provided for in the Constitution, adj
burned the election to the house OF I.
a. MIxARD, in Eastou,. some IL miles
northwest from. Lesyenworth, on the
military road towards Fort Riley. Thess
were opened on Thursday last, and the
people of the district assembled to exer-
else their rights as citizens.
The night previous an attempt was
made to get possession Of the house,
probably designing, if they could do so.
to control the election as on former occa-
sions ; but they were prevented from do
ing this they then attempted to take
the principal Free State men in the vicin-
isy. and blocked up the highway leading
to the place of election. In all these
movements they we're frustrated by the
indomintable energies of the friends of
freedom. All day Thursday parties of
pro-slayery men were seen flying through
the country, and watching apparently
the movements Of Free State men.
80 The polls were closed just at dark, and
the ballot-box was sent away under an
escort several miles distant. In the edge
Of the evening a charge was made upon
the house, by party Of probably thirty
men, or upwards. who had resolved to
take the ballot boxes at whatever saeri-
fee; but they we're repulsed, and re-
treated under the influence of superior
numbers whoweTe convened in the house
for its protection. ~ .''.e
Anticipating that the difficulties were
over, our friends disbanded and started
for home about one o'clock on Friday
morning. STEPHEN SPARKS, formerly
of Rush Co., Indiana, candidate for
the Legislature. while on his way home
with his son and nephew. were pursued,
: and finally surrounded by party of a
dozen or more brigands. who demanded
their unconditional surrender. This
they resolutelY refused to do. and the
three backed up against the fence, and
held the enemy at bay, who, with cooked
revolvers, threatened them constantly
with instant destruction.
Information having been conveyed to
Eassin. Mr.. az P. BRows, of Leaven-
worth---a gentleman who signalized him
self for his courage in the late war at
Lawrence, and who remained with US to
its close. member of Col. Blood regi-
ment Of cavalry--came to the aid of our
three friends and rescued them. Imme-
diately after. firing commenced between
the parties, the pro-slavery party in the
meantime having been augmented to
about thirty and there we're about ff-
teen with Mr.. Brown. The fire was
kept up for several minutes, each party
finally taking their position behind build
ings in the vicinity. One Free State
man. with Sharp's rifle. dropped be-
hind snow drift, and from this breast
work fred upon the enemy as they ex-
posed themselves. One of the enemy
was MORALLY wounded. and another Sc
verely injured.
Mr. Sparks son received two balls.
one severely cutting his scalp, and the
other in his arm. He was stunned at
first, and fell to the earth, but inmedi-
sselr rauained his feet and continued