The Kansas herald of freedom., 1858-01-16

oil the COMMITTEE. railing that day 10
accomplish his purposes he followed it up
with civil posse and military escort until
he at length succeeded in getting shoe in
the back, as you have mentioned in a
former chapter. Then came the formal
declaration by Oliver, the Missouri MEM
Der of the Committee, Whitfield and
StringfeIlow and others, that their lives
were in danger, and Mr.. Oliver, himself,
moved that the Committee close its labors
and return to Washington or TO that
effect.
But Sheriff Jones would not die, and
the Committee would not adjouxn. s.
A new efror: must be made and on a
different tack. Gov. Reeder had accom-
panied the Committee to the Territory,
to assist them in their work and to con-
duct his own case. But as the preced-
ing chapter prepared by yourself, has Civ
en- the correct account Of these proceed
ings. l will pass over the intermediate pc
rod, and proceed to narrate the events
more Immediately connected with the de-
structon of the Hotel and Presses and
sacking of the town, pausing on the way to
consider some matters leading to the adop-
ton of the policy that was pursued and
the construction of Safety Committees,
and their subsequent action.
Reeder thought it advisable to leave be-
tween two days and escaped down the
Missouri river, as you have related in a
previous chapter. DIR. Robinson also left
about the same time May the 9Th or 9th,
as was said by the advice of the Investi-
eating Committee, lest the next onset
should be upon him. The people, howev-
er, were unwilling he should 60. A num-
Der of the prominent citizens hearing of his
plans, waited upon him the night previous
to his departure and with one voice en-
treated him not to leave the people with
out head. For he possessed their con-
fidence more than any other man, and he
alone Of all men then in the Territory, could
unite and lead them. Other counsels
prevailed, and Reeder and Robinson, the
two Governors, who had made themselves
obnoxious were gone. For time anar-
chy and discord seemed to reign in the
Free State ranks. Some counseled re-
sistance to the United States authorities,
Others advised submission. From the
time of the appearance of Marshal DON
aldson's Proclamation, to the final catas-
trophe, a running negotiation was kept
up between the people of Lawrence,
through the Safety Committees, and Gov.
Shannon and Marshal Donaldson-but as
will be seen with but little effect.
| have said that the negotiations were
conducted through Committee of Safe
ty. As these Committees occupied a
prominent position, and have been supposed
to bear all the responsibility; and that
whatever errors were committed, the Com
mittee or its prominent members were
alone responsible, will go little into
detail in regard to them.
a Committee of Safety, the remnants
of one chosen during the preceding Win
ter, was still in existence; it was enlarg-
ed by invitation, and assumed TO consult
for the public safety After the departure
of Robinson it was decided that without
leader it would be folly to attempt re-
sistance even were it policy to do so un-
der any circumstances, and the non-resist-
ance policy was proclaimed. This excl
ted some opposition and at length matters
reached such pass that the Committee
resigned. A mass meeting of the citizens
was Immediately called to be held in the
street.
A short time previous to the meeting,
Gen. PoMERoY arrived in town from the
East. He had heard of the approaching
difficulties and had fastened back. The
news of his arrival soon spread through
town. and the citizens who had gathered
/ around the Cincinnati House greeted hi:
arrival with three hearty cheers. At the
subsequent meeting, held ] think the
same evening, a new and larger Safety
Committee was chosen and Gen. Peme'
roy by acclamation appointed its Chair
man.
i This Committeeimmediately convened
and after full and mature deiiberatiol
unanimously reafirmed the decisions 0
the former Committee.
j The ground distinctly assumed was, tha
in this first movement Of the Federal au,
thorities to espouse the cause of tn
Southern Rufians, they should have
clear field to show their hands. In Con
gress it had been confidently asserted h,
Douglas and others, that the people Q
the Territory were in open resistance t
( the Federal authority ty-rebels and traitors
J They would not at she first opportunit
verify the slanderous charge. If the
5 should proceed, as We felt confident the
: would, to commit outrases, the Jaite
i States Government would be responsible
n When the decision of this Committee Wa
/ made known, murmuring was agal
e heard in the streets. By many. the oplI
d ion was held that the Marshal should !
allowed to enter town, but his posse shouI
: be kept out This policy was strong
E urged upon the Committee by several il
r rbdividnals, but without success. III
$ voice of discomfort again prevailed. u
n the people. srita fau kaiosleagse The q
e pgopoatioas, were again convened, the d