Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1856-12-26


RxcaxArIoIs on 4 BORDER RuFFIAH
- - yUDax,
Fren Phlnips' coaqaest Of Kansas.
Il was about noon of the 9th Of
December when Mr.. Thomas w. Bar
Der, with his brother Robert. and an
other relative. Mr.. Pierson, left Law
renee to return home. They lived in
North-westerly direction from Law
renee, about seven miles off. At this
time, while the Missourians had inves-
ted Lawrence. they found il difficult
10 keep Il closely guarded to the Soui'i
and West. There was q distance OF
twenty miles between the camp at Lee
compton and Wskerusa. Gen Ateh-
isoE he'd force on the North side OF
the Kaw Iriver, opposite Lawrence;
but. while il was thus guarded on
three sides, the only means Of proven
ting persons from leaving Lawrence
for the south Of the Territory was by
horse patrols which secured the coun-
try. Up to this time the citizens Of
Lawrence had been guilty Of no ag-
gressive act; neither had they resorted
to violence in their defence when at
tackled.
When Mr.. Barber and his friends
left Lawrence, they went up the raw
inc that penetrates Mount Dread. and
GOT upon the California road. While
riding up this road, and when four
miles from town, they observed par
81 Of horsemen, fourteen in number,
riding to the right Of the road. The
party was led by Major General Rich
srdson. and. beside other persons Of
less note, there was in that patrol
Judge Cato, one Of the Federal Judges
appointed by !. the ;. President for the
Territory Judge Wood. a local bogus
Judge, formerly Free State man,
and physician IN Lawrence. now
traitor and informer); Major Clarke.
Government Indian Agent; and Col.
Burns,.a merchant of Westport. Mis-
souri,.
When Barber and bis friends saw
the party in question; they left the
road, and took path to the left. They
did this becauee the road was shorter,
and because they desired to avoid the
other party. Mr.. Barber was totally
unarmed, without even knife; his two
friends had, each Of them, revolver.
As soon as Gen. Richardson's par
ty saw the others leave the road, two
Of their number. Major Clark and Col.
Burns, were detailed to stop them, or
bring them back prisoners, the remain
der Of the company halting. As this
party was ahead Of Mr.. Barber and
bis friends, Clarke and Burns had
merely to ride into the prairie TO the
right in order to intercept them. The
BARRIERS. when they saw they were to
be attacked, neither attempted to run.
nor did they hasten their gait beyond
q walk, when the others rode up and
halted before them. Richardson, Ca
to and the others were in full sight,
and within gun-shot.
The two BARRIERS were riding first,
Thomas to the right. Pierson was
behind them. Major Clark gave the
order 10 "halt', at which all the party
halted.
"where are you going?" demanded
Clark.
1--WE are going home" said Thorn
as Barber.
"Where are you from?"
1--WE are from Lawrence"
what is going on in Lawrence just
now?~
"Well. nothing in particular" said
Barber.
Nothing in particular. hey 2"
said CLARK, who then added. ave
have orders from the Governor to see
the laws executed In this Territory
We arrest you"
"What laws have We broken or dis
obsysd?~ asked Mr.. Barber. "Or
what laws have the people Of Law
renee broken?"
Clarke here raised his hand, and,
pointing to the horseman upon the
California road, said:
s4"Turn yorr horses heads. and go
with u.s."
I'VE WON'T do lit," said one Of the
Barbers.
At this, Clarke spurred his horse,
and rode to the right Of Thomas Bar
Der, who partly turned his horse and
looked q Clarke Is II be did not know
what he was going to do. The latter.
having got into the position referred
10, pulled out his revolver, and. say
ing, "You won't, won't your" fred.
At the same instant, Col. Burns, who
had also drawn his revolver, fred
Robert Barber pulled out his pistol
and fred three shots ct them, but with.
out hitting either of them. They rode
. few ysrds off, Clarke said some
thinQ to Burns, and then they started
back for their comrades. Mr.. Pierson
had been unable to get his pistol out
ofthe holster in time to fire. As Clark
and Burns rode of, Thomas Barber
said 10 his friend. LET US be off -
and they started at . gsllop.
Al they rode along. Thomas Bar
Der turned to his brother with . sickly
smile. and. pressing his hand upon hi
aide. said:
THAT fellow shot me-"
"Whsrs-where are you sho n" ask
ed Robert.
Here" said Barber, still pressing
his hand upon his side. And he gave
another sad smile.
at Il not possible, Thomasl"
The wounded man shook his head,
and said:
eyes, IL Is"
He then dropped the reins and rode
unstsadily. He would have fallen
had not his brother caught him. Al
this time, Gen. Richardson's party
were In full pursuit Of them. 1t wai
terrible ride Of life or death. FOL
Robert Barber held the body Of his
dying brother until the nerves began