The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-07-17
KANs4S TIE DIFFICULTIES AT EoRT scoyy


The undersigned committee, appointed to ACCOMPANY
Governor Denver 10 the Of troubles in Linn and
Bourbon countless and to cooperate with him restoring
order In those countless would take this method make
brief general report 70 those who appointed them
We found the people in the above named counties In
state of excitement aud general apprehension danger
one party from INVASION and the other from domestic
force Each party OF actors proslavery and State
charged the responsibility of a their operations upon the
other To arrive at the whole truth ON either side du
ring our short stay, impossible but some things
were generally conceded by members OF both parties
n 1906 these counties shared largely In the disturb
ahces OF the Territory Since that time claim diff
hculties have occurred between members OF the different
political PARTIES which involved or less the peace
OF the neghborood On the pro- slavery side some rob
berries committed some quarres had in Fort Scott
among themselves, If not with others incendiursm
countenanced by leading citizens and five men murdered
ia iendIsh manner in Linn county. These things
were generally conceded ut Fort Scott while innumer
able other crimes charged to the account of thu
pro slavery party by members OF the Strts party
On the other side, it is admitted that there was an or
ganization of from thirty to Ave hundred men, under
Captain Montgomery, outside of the law that these
approved of forcing their support from
citizens made il rule that all members in scryie.
should be mounted stolen prosay ry horse or mule
and that their leader might order from the Territory any
man he chose that these have forced contributions
from citizens OF Douglas Johnson aud Lykins conn.,
ties well in Linn and Bourbon attempted to burn
Fort Scott, and operated independent army en-
titled to levy their support upon their enemies generally
In addition to this organization there reported to
be several smaller bands who live in the same manner
although II should be stated that Captain Montgomery
dsclans all responsibility for their course and they for
his Zach band calls the other robbers while zach us
titles its own conduct These men have their sympa-
thizcrs among the people, well as opponents Some
regard them necessary for their defence while othery
| as the of all their troubles
Since the murders In Linn county, company of vol
unteers, under Major Weaver have been stationed on
the Missouri line act ON the defensive and 10 s,n
press all illegal acts They either support themseyes
or are supported by the contributions OF their friends
and they respect the property of all parties alike.
The counties Of Linn and bourbon were In partially
unorgenixed condition. election having been held for
township and county officers under the now law Tho
sheriff OF Bourbon county pro-slavery and did not
have the confidence of majority OF the people and was
consequently inefficient a. peace officer Tho sheriff Of
Linn county elected by tho free State prty Int for
some reason he permitted another act as reguor In
his coanty without authority of law The sheriff Of Ly
kins co ty &C promptly and efficiently against the rob
bers in his county and recovered the stolen property
The sheriff of Douglas county, with written directions
nom the governor persons engaged In the rob
berry at Willow Springs sup osed to he under the dec
ton Of one James Montgomery, proceeded to Bourbon
county procured writ from non-conmissoned justice
OF the peace purporng to be in township unknown to
the law and proceeded to Fort Scott to arrest other
parties charged with other crimes and had with him for
his posse James Montgomery and the men he was de.
sired to arrest by the governor After arresting O. W.
Clark the horse Of the county clerk was stoens and
presented to Capt. Montgomery who liz now ut large
| riding said horse.
Such appearing TO be the condition of the people,
Governor Denver urged the importance of thorough
organization of the townships and countless and the ne
cessity on the part OF the people, of sustaining their peace
officers and holding them to strict discharge of their
duty He promised to give the people all the aid in bis
power appoint such charmen of township supervisors az
the people should recommend, we'll suspend shef
on complaint, and appoint others, satisfactory to the
people, Also, he would commission Major Weaver and
authorize him, with his company to guard the Missouri
line, and aid the legal officers preserving pence in tho
counties long their assistance might bc necessary
The sheriff Of Bourbon county rendered his resignation
to the governor and Mr. Roberts, who was the choice Of
the free-S State men, will be commissioned in his stead
The people, everywhere promised to follow the advice
OF the governor and in future discouncnanco and put
down oil illegal proceedings, of whatever nature Capt
Montgomery expressed himself ready to retire from
the field and abide by the award Of jury of his cou
trymen
We believe the people of southern Kansas were univer-
sally satisfied with the action of Gov Denver and that
there will be serious difficulty in the most beau
tful and fertile portion of our Territory
The subjoined agreement between the governor and
the people Of Bourbon county will show the spirit Of the
people and the result of the governors visit.
c. ROBINSON.
Tho horse alluded
Aort0ooery stationed between Fort Scott
Captain Walker responsible for tho robbery
Of the above statement, liable whitney,
to 1t, which in
proper hdnd Is attached 10 the original which