The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1857-11-14

SIX ShOtS IN our room without relOadiuo
and that our walls were of brick, and of
course impervious to bullets. We had re-
solved never to be taken alive, unless by
a legal process. 1t was supposed that the
design was to pass me into the hands of
a mob, and lynch me.
Abogt two o'clock Wednesday morn
ing a gentleman entered the room / was
still occupying with my friends, and stated
that 'the coast was clear" He said the
guard had been Withdrawn, and the gen.
eral impression was that had gone down
the river.
This friend informed me that Mr.. JEN-
KINs, of Lawrence, was about returning
home on horseback, and he thought i.
advisable for me to go with him. This
concluded to do. and procured a horse
and saddle for that purpose. We took
the usually travelled road, and had Jour-
neyed only about mile, when a black
object was seen few feet in advance of
US, and the command 'Halt, and give
an account of yourselves was given in a
stern voice. My horse sprang, and wheel
ed and was nearly two rods away, when
[ wheeled it about, and rode by the side
of Mr.. Jenkins, expecting each moment
he would fire. Instead of this l heard the
following colloquy
''Who are you 2"
"My name is Gaius Jenkins
"Where are you going"
''To Lawrence"
"Mr. Jenkins, these are critical times
We shall require you to stop with us un-
til morning"
''But my business is urgent, and
must 90 home Immediately"
"My orders are positive. You must
stop with us until morning. Who is that
with you?''
HE can answer for himself" said Mr.
jenkins.
l gave a fictitious name, and stated 1
was going to Westport.
Long ere this two Others, with double
barrel shot guns, had made their appear
ance, one at my back and the other at
my horses head. The brides of each of
Our horses had been caught, and escape
seemed impossible. Indeed we were not
expecting any attempt to arrest Us, and
our weapons were buttoned under
our clothes, beyond our reach for the mo-
ment. We thought prudence the better
part of valor, and followed. Thought as
l rode along, with the demons leading my
horse, that if any violence was offered me
would then sell my life as dearly as
possible.
Arriving at the door of Milton McGee's
house, one mile south of Kansas City, we
were ordered to dismount, and marched
into the house. Here We had short con.
versation; an express was sent for other
members of the party who were guarding
the various roads, who soon after returned
and resented quite formidable appear
ance.
In due time we were conducted to a
small bed room on the second floor of the
house, at the entrance ola long piazza
Several persons, armed, followed us, Nc
Gee, who was our captor, leading the way.
Entering the room we were commanded
to give up our arms. Mr. Jenkins COM
menced unstrapping his belt. / remon-
strated, and told them we required our
arms for protection against personal vio-
lenee. Several persons sprang into the
room with cooked pistols in hand, and
'by Cd give up your arms id
quick, or l will blow your brains out" ]
thought it prudent to obey, since Mr..
jenkins joined in the request. He had
already placed pair of Colts Navy revol-
vers in McGee's hands. l took Robbins
shooter from my pocket, and a bowie knife
from my bosom and passed them to
MeGee. McGee hoped We would have
good nights rest, and stated that we
should be carried to We4port in the
morning.
The door was bolted, and guard plae-
ed around it. Mr.. j. and myself got into
bed. But few moments elapsed and he
was sound asleep, and continued thus un-
til called in the morning. Icould not
avoid thinking of the incidents of the past
few days, of the killing of my namesake
at Easton, in February previous, under
the supposition that it was me-; of the ar
rest and fortunate escape of O. C. Brown,
Esq, on the Monday previous, and OF
the probable position matters would as
sumo at Westport when | should be tax
en- there. Suffice it to say, the short period
to morning was spent in wakefulness.
In due time We were called to break
fast. Previous to setting down to the ia
BILE, requested Mr. MCGEE to walk with
me, which he consented to do. l soon
learned that he was an Odd Fellow. He
| promised me full protection, and said no
violence should come to me if he could
avoid it After receiving repeated assur-
ances that he would defend NE to the
last extremity, l drew from my pocket an
Aliens revolver, ard remarked that had
saved it shet the night previous, resol-
we'd to take the life of any person who at
tempted to harm me, but as felt thst was
safer under his protection, than relying on
my own arm, would place the weapon in
his hands, which did. He gave renewed
assurances of my safety. We ate breakfast
at the public table, were Hospitality treat