The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-01-16
LAWRENCE, KANSAS, JANUARY. .l6, 1858.

arms he said they must be given up, either
to him or Marshal Donaldson, as the
only thing that would satisfy the South
Carolinians. To this proposition Col.
Eldridge replied that the people wonld
fight first. Then it was that Shannon
uttered the cold blooded, heartless declara-
ton, "War then by Cd" and left the
room.
Scarcely had the gentlemen returned to
Lawrence with the terrific message, when
messenger rode into town from Blan-
toms bridge, announcing that one of their
citizens by the name of Jones, a young
man from Iowa, had just been brusssy
shot by a detachm ent Of the Government
posse at Franklin. Drs. Prentiss & Tolles
Immediately left for the scene, and the
writer of this soon after followed them.
The report was found to be too true
The young man had been mortallywound-
ed, and in cold blood. After a delay of
an hour we returned on our way to Law
renee il company. When within mile
of the town, at the crossing of the Cali
fornia and Blanton road, there lay welter-
ing in his gore one of our own citizens,
by the name of Stewart. He had started
in company with two Others to visit the
scene of Jones' murder, and at this point
eneountering two of the Lecompton posse
on their way to Franklin, some words
passed between them, and Stewart was
shot. When the body of Stewartiwas
borne into town, and the report of Jones'
murder was confirmed, the excitement
was intense. The streets were full of
armed men and boys-the women were
in tears. For while it seemed as if
nothing could control the fury of the peo-
pie. A party Immediately started for
Franklin with the determination to make
every one Of that posse bite the dust. In
this new crisis the committee of safety,
hoping against hope, but entrusted with
the faithful execution Of peace
policy, resolved to make another appeal
for military protection It had been re-
ported that Col. Sumner had said that in
case of an actual collision he should not
wait for orders but would take there
sponsibility of separating the com batants.
A most earnest. appeal was at once drawn
up. 1t was represented that actual col
lision and bloodshed had taken place
and his presence as peace maker was
again invited. The same messenger.
though worn out with days hard riding,
was second time despatched to the fort.
Under cover of night he reached the fort
in safety. When Col. Sumner was as
sured that the people had undoubtedly
attacked and destroyed that posse at
franklin, his reply was, "Then the d.
will be to pay" lie was told that human
nature could endure no more; that u. S.
posse or not, the people could no longerstand
stillto be hotdownlike dogs, but woulddie
if die they must, fighting like men. The
conference lasted nearly through the fore
noon, but without success. Whatever
his feelings as man prompted him to do,
his duty rs soldier compelled him to
remain at his quarters until Shannon
should order him out. At the conclusion
| of the interview the messenger returned
to Lawrence the same day to announce
the failure of all negotiations. This was
on Tuesday, the 20th. On Wednesday
the 2lst, the forces of the Marshal, which
| for several days had been drawing nearer,
and more closely encircling the devoted
| place were seen to be drawn up on the
! heights overlooking the city. All COM
munication with the country was cut off.
The grave digger on his way to dig the
grave for Stewart, was arrested and de-
tained on his way. ia sa
The hour of trial had now arrived
The policy of the people had been de-
lberately formed and carefully defined
The people, and not the committee or any
member of it, were responsible for the
decision-yet upon the committee devolv-
ed the duty of performing the hardest
task ever imposed upon men. All de-
mands made in the name of the Fedora
1 Authorities, not absurd or manifessly un.
constitutional, were to be complied will
! without resistance. This was the pro
gramme-and to those who adopted O.
confirmed il, should attach any odium tha
might arise in consequence of the perform
ance of any Of the details.
For the first time the people were d
. come in contact with Federal officials
Contrary to the generally received opinion
the u. s. authorities, officers and posse
were on duty as such, the entire day, am
every act committed during that day. ex
cept the burning of DR.. Robinscn's house
was an act performed under orders an
under force Of Federal law and authority
At eleven O'Clock, q. S. Deputy Ma'
shal Fain came from the heights TO tow
accompanied by eight men, unarmed ez
cept with side arms. After summoning Co
Eldridge and Msssfs. Topliff and Perry
|, act as his posse, he arrested without resis
s ance Judge Smith, who, oa learning Il
crisis Of affairs, had also hastened to Il
scene, G. w. Deitzier, who had steadil
remained at his post. and Gaius Jenkiu
: who had only the day before been rclea
ed from illegal custody--all ona charge
= high treason. The prisoners were Sc
:. upon the hill in charge Of the Lawren
e wing Of the posse. After dinner. q
as Deputy Marshal returned TO the hill al