The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-12-05
Letter from Rev. Mr.. Nuts.
We are permitted to make some extracts
from private letter from Rev. E. Mute, Jr.
which will be read with interest -


We are permitted to make some extracts
from private letter from Rev. E. Mute, Jr.
which will be read with interest -
LlwRKyck, X. I. Nov. Is, 1885.
NV hens have acquired dangerous noto-
riety. Ii may surprise you that 30 much h
made of them since their first introduction
% public life. In New England think IL
would not be considered avery noteworthy
item that some poor country parson had
reared a large flock Of chickens, or that he
had mentioned tho fact Of his success IN that
line in letter TO tho "old folks ut home.
But | assure you it is quite remarkable
achievement Tor the last season in kansas,
and those among you in closest sympathy
with the marauders here will OF course be
frs. to perceive it. IL has boon On occasion
of surprise to my neiShbors who have been
less fortunate in this respect. Almost the
frs, remark Of one who called on me within
the last two days was, slow have you
raised such fine lot Of fowl? Mine were
nil stolen by the ruthins long ago." The
fact is their security thus Ear has been quite
expensive. Every night they have been
closely confined in coops, and my hired man
has slept near an open window having ono OF
Sharpes rifles ut his side for the protection
of this and more valuable stock. Three
horses have been taken from me during the
last eight months, one by the U 5. Marshals
posse, and two by an officer Of the militia,
under the authority Of U. S. official;
with the latter, wagon and double har-
ness which cost Sis. My nearest neighbor
has also lost two horses in the same way,
another within mile Of us has received yet
more attention in this way, having no less
than six excellent horses and q good wagon
stolen from him by the invaders since the
sack of Lawrence last May can enume-
rate losses of this kind IN this imnie,liate
vicinity, amounting to over ten thousand
dollars. The whole amount taken from the
territory over into Missouri, on the three
general lnyasions has probably exceeded ten
times tha, sum. The whole loss to our pco-
plo occasioned by this maraudins has been
more than three times that, !. e. $500 600.
Hundreds of acres Of corn have been des-
troyed by the cattle which range tho prairies
for tho want of fencing, which tho settlers
were prevented from building by the neccssi.
ty of being in arms and away from their
homes TO repel these invasions. Much Of
the crops will be lost for the want Of sccur'
ing them. About one half Of my potatoes
are frozen in the ground because my cellar
was not in readiness to receive them until
within the last ~ hours the balance may
DO lost before can secure them. II had
not been kept for two weeks prisoner in
tn, rutiian camp this would not have occur.
cd. Many families are tonight shivering
in half built houses who have been hindered
in their work of building by the same cause.
The thermometer has indicated q for the
two days already.
My room was finally plastered day before
yesterday, but We fear the mortar will freeze
for all We do, and in the mean timo we are
in the most uncomfortable quarters We have
yet had in Kansas, in u sort Of back shed
built of green lumber through which tho
gusts Of North wind sweep aaring my can
die 80 that have difficulty to sce the traces
lett by my pen | write this bundled up
with coats and shawl rs though on sleigh
ride, and shiyering at that.
Alas for those who must liyo in no better
quarters the whole winter long. If our
p.astcring ever gets dry we shall have one
room comparatively comfortable and will be
resigned IN the ridlcule of such prints as the
Boston Post for our luxurious living
Would that al our people were as well pro
ylded for. ridicule and all,
should write moro and have tho deccncy
to give Il fine copy Of this scrawl II wasn't
half froze and with half a dozen more let
tiers that must be written for tomorrow
mail,
Yours afIcctionately,