The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-12-27

quate motives Tor every human action ana hence II IL
that we confess utter and complete establishment
at tho course which has been taken in opposition to
the Lecompton convention by some Of those whose
support of it the democratic party had right to
rely. What their motives are for this strange and
unexpected course we do not now inquire We con-
tent ourselves at present with pointing out to our
readers its most unhappy consequences.
The following letter, written by Chief Justice VIII
ams of Kansas was received in this city yesterday
LEcoxrros, December 49, 1857.
DEAR SIR Having understood that report of the re-
cent disturbances which have taken place in Bourbon
county in the vicinity Of Fort Scott is circulated and
assumed true by persons who, perhaps are interested
to give such complexion to them may best suit their
purposes in order to justify the yoato of law and dis
turbes of the public peace have deemed it proper that
mpart to yon and Others who should be correctly in
formed through you my knowledge of the facts as they
uhully exist in relation TO the of these dongs
In reference TO the that the disturbance arose
in consequence of an attempt made by Gen. George W.
Clarke to enforce by legal process the collection of taxes
in Bourbon county, confidently assert that it is
positively untrue There has been difficulty that
subject whatever Besides, Gen. Clarke has never had
anything to do with that matter. Since his arrival at
Fort Scott and residence there he has been quietly and
in the registers department of the land Office without
interfering with any other business except such might
appetain TO his domestic ooncenshimself undsturbed
and disturbing nobody. This know, having lived but
two doors from him in Fort Scott, and having seen him
overy day during the last summer and fall up to last
week. when left home to to this place to be in at
tendance upon the business of the Supreme Court
The matter which is seized upon by some lawess
persons for political purposes is as follows Last sum
party of men, from the neighborhood of
Lawrence or Leavenworth, appeared in the vicinity
of Fort Scott some on the valley of the Marmaton
river, and others of them on the Usage; and pre-
vious to the fall election others arrived and depot
of ready made clothing established at convenient
point for their benefit and The clothing was dealt
out by person who acted agent in the matter These
persons all seemed TO act in concert The first move
made by them of violent kind by force and arms,
with threats to drive from his cabin and claim aged
man of the name of Southwood, with his family. This
they did, warning hin to leave the Territory and at the
time appropratng his claim, house crops, &C., to
their own use. At the fall term of the court for the Sd
judicial district this matter presented to the grand
jury and Indictment found and presented by the grand
jury to the court whereupon the proper process of law
issued and six of the accused arrested and
brought before the Four them gave bail to
to the indictment at the next term of the court; the
others committed to the custody of the law These
being merely guarded and kept in ordinary dwelling
house. there being prison there made their
cape Since that time threats of violence to Witnesses
&C., were made, but not needed. These men are all
upon their representation advocates of the suprem
acy of James Lane, and supporters of the higher law
Soon after this first outrage, and during the month of
October, think, man, whose name is Curry and
puted leader of this association, met a Mr. Iettuman
who peaceaby riding the road to his home and
n1 10 nf
nan or proslavery man' Lettuman declined giving
him reply, when he swore he would shoot him, and
forthwith discharged the contents of his pistol at him. the
ball entering the head the cheek BONE and
passing through and out of the back part of his head
For this act Curry arrested and upon primary hear
ing before justice ofthe peace, he let CO. ball. to
answer at the next term of the district As the
did not die, but strange to say, has partly
ercd) the grand jury indicted Curry for assault and
battery with intent to commit murder. Curry fled the
country his rccognizance was forfeited aud a suit
brought thereon The property of compromising of
oxen cows corn in the ground, &c--was attached An
order of SALE under the provisions of the statute
issued to the marshal the keeping of the cattle until
the next term of the court would have consumed
than their value short time before the day Of sale
company of these men came in the night time to
the farm of Mr. Ponce, to whom the keeping of these
cattle had been committed by the marshal and drove
the whole Of them off. They pursued by the mar
sha and overtakcn nearly that they drove the cat
tie into an enclosure at stones place of residence
and escaped from the officer. The cattle taken
back to Fort Scott and the day of ale sold Threats
in writing and otherwise were made that Fort Scott
should be burned if these cattle sold But be-
eyed that they would be executed Notices to leave the
Territory were served Mr. WATSON, Mr.. Gourly, Mr.
Southwood IT,, and others, who were Witnesses as to
these proceedings.
Not until this time has there been any performance of
their threats. Authentic information, verified by the
oaths of most creditablc witnesses has been brought to-
day to Governor Stanton that a body of men, fully
armed and equipped with Sharpes rifles, and revolt
vers to the number OF hundred had appeared in the
vicinity of Fort Scott under the command Of Mont
gomery who was u member of the Topeka convention.
This company portion of it, proceeded to the houses
of Mr.. WATSON, Mr.. Goury, and Mr.. southwood and
violently seized Them tied them and took them away
Since which time nothing has been heard of them A
report is abroad that they murdered them This, how
ever think, lacks authenticity Complaint, in due form
of law having been made OF these acts before justice
the peace the proper process put into the hands of
the marshal to arrest the offenders He proceeded to their
rendezvous In Mr. Southwoods house found IL fortified
and he approached it fifty men, armed with Shapes
rifles and revolvers forth from the house in mill
tary order, commanded by Montgomery and demanded
of him an account of his business there Having inform
cd them that he the marshal and that he had
to arrest them Of Them by virtue of legal pro-
cess their reply WINS that they had received despatch
fhal