Freeman's champion., 1858-06-17
Letter from Mr.. Blood.
LAWRENCE. June IL, 1858.


have read your article in your paper
Of the 10th inst, in relation to the
feadish murder of Col. Jenkins by
j. IL. Lane JAMES BLOOD.
1t grieves us to think we have
caused displeasure to so estimable a
man and one whom we have always
esteemed SO highly as Mayor BLOOD;
yet we trust he will give us credit of
honestly viewing the affair which he
calls " fiendish murder" in differ
ent light from himself. The article
which incurred his displeasure was
occasioned by what to us seemed
"fendish " attacks on an unfortunate
man. 1t seemed as if certain men in
the Free State party who ought here
tofore to have been co-laborers with
Gen. LANE and friendly to him, but
owing to jealousy, envy, &c., hated
him with Border-Rufian-like acerb-
ity, took occasion to gloat over the
deplorable tragedy in which, alas,
Gen. LANE bore too unfortunate
part, with "fendish" glee, and fear
full that justice might perhaps be
rendered in the courts of justice should
public opinion be freed from preju-
diced and poisoned influences, resort
ed to every dcspicable measure ina
ginable to create false impressions
concerning the ARRAY, against the
General.
No man in Kanzas Territory, prob
ably, has more unscrupulous enemies
than Gen. LANE. The old clear
quill" Border Rufians the northern
doughface democracy; the leading
conservative Free State " deina-
gogues; the Minncola Harmoneans;
all, or nearly all, despise him.
For months they have resorted to
every conceivable expedient to kill
him-politically, we mean. Their
efforts were unavailing. He had done
and was performing too many good
acts for the freedom of Kan1as. His
good deeds overbalanced his faults.
The result of his unfortunate alterca'
ton with Col. JENKINS was glorious
news to the most of his enemies
Th9y Immediately had within their
grasp, as they supposed, the. means
of crushing him, and joyfully availed
themselves of it.
We said in the article that occa-
stoned Mr.. BLooD's communication
that from the evidence then in our
possession we believed Gen. LANE
would exculpate himself from all CEN
sure. We believe so yet. We are
unable to discern what motives could
impel Con. LANE to commit SO des-
perate an act save from extreme ag-
gravation. LANE md JENKINS were
not political enemies their difficult
ties arose from o claim dispute.
Had Mr.. JENKINS been q political
rival, or something Of that nature,
the aspect might appear different, as
it would, even, if the death of Mr.,
JENKINS would in anywise affect the
result of the decision in Gen. LANES
favor in regard to the disputed claim
1t can be attributed to neither OF
these causes. Gen. LANE must have
been perfectly aware, had he antici-
pated or premeditated the result, what
7 effect it would have upon his future
political prospects. We believe
that nothing but sheer aggrava-
tion ever impelled the General to shoot
Col. JENKINS. We believe that tes-
timony will establish that view, yet.
We have confidence, however, in
the law. IL tho trial Of Gen. bANE
can bc conducted without biassed
} influence surrounding, wo believe JUS
tice will be rendered. If the guilt of
Gen. LANE is established, we think
there will thenbe ample time for CEN
sure. If he ishonorably discharged,
will not our friend Mr.. BLOOD think
his expression Of "fendi@ murder"
rather out of character M
.---------------------------------- al
Work Resumed.