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


marched to the residence of Mr. Chase,
where we were favored with very good
breakfast.
After resting for short time, we re-
turned to the carriage and took cur seat
again. We had been seated but short
time when blood Thirsty locking fellow,
about thirty-ive years of age made his
appearance on horseback, and introduced
himself as Coleman, whom we recognized as
the murderer of Dow. After few words,
he disappeared and soon brought forward
Eargzs and Buckley. whom he introduced,
and whom we remembered as the accom-
plites Of Calensaa in that bloody tragedy
which inaugurated the difficulties at Law
renee last Autumn. We felt cold chill
run over us as we recalled their transac-
tions, and were truly glad when they left
us.
In due time we were again under way
with about forty armed and mounted
horsemen as guards, and were on the road
towards Leeompton. Coleman seemed
an important functionary during the day,
and carried. we believe, Captains COM
mission. DIR. Slaughter, whose acquaint-
ance we made the night previous, at
Behan's, held the post of Surgeon, and
his friend, Mr.. johnson, oficiated as his
assistant.
Scouts were sent out on each side of the
highway to reeonnoiter, and all persons
seen on the prairie within shooting dis
tance, were approached, and apparently
examined to see if they were fighting
men. They showed great alarm as they
approached Lawrence, which was about
mile at our right, but in full view. As.
they neared the hill still greater precau-
tions were taken to prevent surprise, and
as they approached it the horses were
whipped into gallop, and in this condi-
ton they soon rose the high and steep
assent from the plain to the elevated
prairie, over the rocks, seemingly appre-
hensive that mine would explode under
them, or that charge Of well directed
grape would sweep them into eternity.
They gave evidence that they were afraid
of God Of Justice, and that they saw
His flaming sword at every step, until they
had passed far beyond the reach OF bomb
or canister, when they saw asolitary horse
man riding on the prairie, about mile
from Lawrence. DR.. Bratton, one of our
Westport guards, and several Others, ap-
preached him, and ordered him to dis
mount. They Learned he was in search
of some stray cattle on the prairie. SO they
pressed his horse into their service, end
allowed the owner, who proved to be our
friend Mr.. WILDEB, to depart. From this
time on, every horsenan we met was
compelled to surrender his animal and
pursue his journey on foot. Mr.. SiMPsoS,
consumptive, who had visited Kansas
with the hope of prolonging his life. and
who had recently purchased horse that
he might take horseback exercise. was
compelled to submit to the law of might,
and yield possession of his fayorite which
chanced to be saddled at his door ready
for his accustomed morning exercise
But seed not particularize, for hundreds,
during the few days which followed, were
compelled to submit to similar outrages,
and bear it in silence.
Some few miles west of Lawrence our
party of horsemen were reinforced by a
company of footmen who we learned were
from Atchison, and of which Kelley, the
Erare, of the SYwatter Sovereign, was prin-
ciple fugleman. They were mostly young
men, or boys, dressed in red hickory shirts,
and carrying United States muskets, with
revolvers strapped to their sides, and
usually bowie or butcher knife in front.
They seemed very anxious to get sight
Of the prisoners, and were particularly
desirous of knowing which was Brown.
! We kept the curtains down, and felt con-
siderably relieved when Capt Pate gave
the command to hurry up the teams,
which compelled the rufian footnlen TO
fall into the rear. iZ
About eleven o'clock, of Monday, the
9th of May, we came in sight of mill
lkary' camp, some eightmiles west of Law.
renee, at place known as Coon Point
Over this camp was waving blood red
flag, with single white star in the center
| We learned it was commanded by Col
j. H. Strngfslloao. the partner of RO6e1
S. Kelley, who were the publishers of the
j SguaHer Sovereign.
i We were conducted into the camp, aIld
placed, in charge OF the commandment
The ladies asked of Col. Stringfellow th'
!, privilege Of remaining with their hus'
bands. This he peremptorily refused
|, He finally consented that they might visi
US Just at night for short time. Mrs
. Brown asked if the prisoners would b
safe, and expressed her fears in regard q
them. "Do you take US for rufians?
inquired the aoJk and high souled String
fellow. The only assurance" said he
that shall give you is that If an atsemp
! is made at rescue my orders are To shoo
them, which win be obeyed." ."
}. aBut, if the prisoners are not privy {
!. such an attempt it would be wrong {
!. make them suffer for the folly Of the
, friends"
MADAM, / have no words 70 band
with you. The prisoners are under N
charce and I shall do vvitI them as