The Kansas herald of freedom., 1857-09-26
general rendezvous on the Wakarusa, five

renee which took place ten miles distant
and of which they had no knowledge un-
til after the incidents had transpired.-
Nevertheless they thought it prudent to
organize with a view strictly to self-de-
fense, as Jones' threats were constantly
rife that he would visit the town in few
days and entirely destroy If.
For the purpose of defense committee
of public safety was appointed consisting
of G. P. Lowrey, G. W. Hutchinson, C.
/ Robinson, G. W. Deitzler, c. w. Babcock,
G. W. Brown, r. Morrow, j. Miller, 4. H.
Mallory, j s.. Emery with full powers in the
premises; but with the express understand
! ing as enuDciated by the mover for the
committee, G. P. Lowrey, who was sub
sequently appointed its chairman, that it
was not for the purpose of aggression, OR
TO shield any person from deserved pun
| ishment, or toresist the legally constituted
authorities; but simply to resist the action
of mob from Missouri, now assembling
against Lawrence.
| The Committee appointed DIR. Charles
/ Robinson, Commander-in Chief of the Pa
triot forces Col. Jas. II. Lane arrived
from Topeka soon after and was appoint
ed second in command.
/ There were two military companies al
ready engaged in Lawrence and armed with
Sharp's rihcs. Three companies were Or
ganized Immediately after the March
election, for the defence of the ballot box,
and had sent an agent east to procure arms,
in order to be in readiness at the May
election if another invasion should be at
tempted. These companies had had regu-
lar drills, and were now ready for action.
One of these was the famous Stubs, COM
manded by Capt Lyman Allen Compa-
nies came into Lawrence, from Bloomington
commanded by Capt. Walker, from Walk
arusa, commanded by Capt Abbott; from
Ottawa Creek commanded by Capt. Shore,
from Topeka, commanded by Capt. Dickey,
from Palmyra, commanded by Capt.
Mewhinney;'from Potawatamie Creek, old
Capt. John Brown and his four sons came
with arms and ammunition.
Many citizens came in not belonging to
any company-numbering in all 1000
men, 800 ofwhom were enrolled and un-
der drill. Every house in Lawrence was
full to overlooking. The Free State Ho-
tel was opened freely for public quarters
and several hundred were fed and shelter
ed there. Mr.. Eli Huddleston, with his
two SONS and Dir. Rufus Swaine, Quakers
from near Bloomington, volunteered to
cook at the Hotel during the war. Their
labors were incessant.
Apprehensions were entertained ola scar
city of provisions Oh account of the large
numbers collected, with the fact that the
besiegers had cut off all opportunities Of
procuring supplies from Missouri. Al
this crisis G.. w. Hutchison & Co. came
forward and literally furnished the Com.
Hlissary department, with flour and grocer.
les to a heavy extent. Gen. Rbinsol
pledged them to refund their advances
from the first public fund collected fo
the relief or defense of Kansas. But they
remain unsettled to this date.
The Commanders, in arranging the sys
tenn of defense, directed that redoubts b
thrown up in the most exposed parts of tn
. town. General Lane had the general SUI
u perintendence of these Notifications, ant
u gave directions as to the manner of con
y structing them; while A. D. Searl, cit,
Il Surveyor, oficiated as engineer
The first and largest was erected OF
Massachusetts street, near the crossing o
: Pinkney street. This was designed as
. retreat for the women and childrenin cas-
u of attack. In the center was erected tai
C staff over which fIoated our National fias
J during the continuance of the troubles
This redoubt was constructed under tn
= immediate direction of Judge G. "
e Smith who held a commission from th
IL General, as Colonel for the defense of Law
3 renee This fortifcation was erected G
u hewed timber against which was thrown u
stroug earth embankment with dee
il entrenchment surrounding it.
II The second was constructed under tn
immediate direction of Judge j. w
o Wakefield who also held a commiSsio
q from the General, as Colonel for the de
II fense of Lawrence. 1t was ON MasSachu
&c setts Street, near the corner of Henr
Street. This had bastions, and it was tn
e design to have planted the cannon here,
: having good range of the open prairie i
u every direction.
Il The third was circulr redoubt erecte
L on the elevation little north of Henr
u Street, between Massachusetts, and Ne,
I, Hampshire Streets, under the direction G
Col Morris Hunt
The fourth was also circular cart
redoubt erected under the superintendent
ofCol. C. r. Holiday near Vermont Street
and few rods further south than For
Wakefield. This was designed to mec
: an attack from Mt Dread, should one b,
attempted. and was withinrange of Sharp
rifles. Three shots out five, discharged
at target from this Fort took effect, ant
was sufficiently near to the point to hav,
killed an enemy.