The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-09-26
IcorYR1GHr sEcURED.i
Erisses esprssty for TIE Herald Of Freedom
COMPLETE
HISTORY OF x KANSAS,
First Discovery by tiae French. 10
the Close Of the Year 1851.
BIZ THE EDITORS.
CHAPTER XVI


FENCE or LAWRENCE.
The murderer of Dow, with his accom-
piices, Hargis, Buckley, Moody and Wag-
oner, went Immediately to Jones, after
the murder, and arranged the plan OF ac-
ton. Buckley went to Franklin with
Jones, to get ont a writ for the arrest of
Jacob Branson, swearing his life was in
danger. As there was no proper officer,
the County Commissioners were called
together and appointed Hugh Cameron, a
reputed Free State lnan, of Lawrence,
Justice of the Peace. The writ was is
sued, and Jones, with his posse, including
the accessories to the murder, went to the
house of Branson at midnight, broke in
and carried him of. The day after his
rescue he appeared at a public meeting in
Lawrence, and spoke calmly, yet feeling
ly, of his friend Mr.. Dow, who had been
murdered in cold blood, without any pro-
vocation-and his offence consisted in
knowing who the murderers were He
knew he was singled out for destruction,
for he hadr eceived threatening letters ad-
visiDg him TO leave the country, and warn
nings of danger if he did not comply
But, he continued, wish to involve no
one with me. If it is thought best for
the good of the cause, or if the safety of
the people of Lawrence demands it, Twill
go home and die in my own defense and
find a grave by the side of my friend.
If a process had issued from Court
which the people could recognise as hav-
ing legal existance, they would have ad-
vised Mr.. Branson TO have delivered him.
self up, or to have given bail for his good
behavior; but they felt that they could
not consistently with their oft repeated
resolves sanction any movement coming
from that body, any more than the fathers
of the revolution could consent to pay a
trivial tax on tea 1t was the principle
involved, not the extent of personal injury,
which would accrue
However, Mr. Branson and his rescuers
left Lawrence, so that no prejudice might
be created, or excuse made for harrassing
that town.
The citizens and the usurpers now stood
face to face. The one surprised and en-
ragged at the bold resistance to their power,
the other angered>>to madness by the
murders and aggresSions perpetrated upon
them.
Samuel j. Jones, who claimed to be the
Sheriff of Douglas County, was at that
time Post Master at Westport and aeas
tka. acting IN that capacity. He is a
middle aged man about thirty years old
six feet high, light complexion, gentleman
ly in his manners, and highly esteemed
by his friends as man of energy ant
courage. He was entrusted by them will
the most difficult and dangerous Office ii
Kansas, on account of his pro-slaver,
zeal, and the confidence reposed in him b,
the party. lie has done the Free State set
tiers more injury than any other man.
The rescue of Branson stimulated hin
to deeds of vengeance. Although hi
whole proceeding in arresting this ma
was cowardlv and Illegal, and would nc
have been sanctioned in any upright court
yet he made the impression that Branso
was legally prisoner and had been lille
gally rescued.
In this case the proper way was to ob
tain writs and arrest the rescuers. Thi
was thought of as the means to an enc
but was not attempted. No officer cam
to Hickory Point with writs or made ali
attempt to arrest the guilty parties. \
officer came to Lawrence to arrest S. \
Wood, or made any demand upon tn
citizens for aid to arrest him. No sue
small game was thought of. Nothing les
than the destruction of the entire town-o
Lawrence and the expulsion of the Who'll
Free-State party would satisfy the Borde
Ruffian demand for vengeance; and fc
this Jones prepared.
After his discomforture he went {
franklin and remained sufficiently long
dispatch messengers to Col A. 6. Boo
of West port, for all the aid that could b
sent from Missouri, to /" destroy Lawrenc
and clean out the abolitionists from tn
Territory" Jones did not tconceal his pun
pose, for he understood his power, an
knew. with what ayidity the occasio
would be siezed by the Blue Lodge, i
Missouri to rush to the accomplishment
of so long desired an object as the de
truction of Lawrence. This invasion ha,
long been premeditated and plausibl
excuse had been created to commence tn
work of destruction The pro-slaver,
press had abotnded for long time with
threats of annihilation; but it was Difficult
to believe them base enuogh TO be sincere
They saw power departing and all thei
hopes of making Kansas slave Stat,
frustrated, notwithstanding their bluste
anu gasconade. This now appeared tht
last grand stroke to regain their departin.
power. They believed the people of thu
Free States SO craven hearted that they
would quietly yield them the Territory
if they could only demolish two OF three
towns, drown few more printing presse:
and murder the principal citizens. Nevel
were persons more infatuated.
The Free State men, who became fully
aware of what was going on, Immediately
organized for defence. The instincts o.
self preservation drove them together
not only to save the townof Lawrence bui
Also To save themselves and their families