The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-06-26


zens of Lawrence to accompany Gov.
DENVER to the south part of the Territory,
and report their observation of the condi-
ton of things in that quarter. The fol-
lowing is a copy of theirreport, which has
been kindly placed in our hands for pub
LEGATION, and which, we have no doubt.
presents the true condition of things in
that quarter. 1t will be read and circu
lated with interest as the facts in the case.
We copy
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.
The undersigned committee appointed
to accompany Gov. Denver to the scene of
troubles in Linn and Bourbon counties, and
to cooperate with him in restoring order in
those counties, would take this method to
make brief general report to those who
appointed them.
We found the people in the above named
counties, in state of excitment and gen.
eral apprehension of danger, one party
from an invasion, and the other from q
domestic force. Each party of actors
Pro-Slavery and Free State-charged the
responsibility of all their operations upon
the other. To arrive at the whole truth
on either side, during our short stay, was
impossible; but some things were generally
conceded by members of both parties.
In 1855 these counties shared largely in
the disturbances of the Territory. Since
hat IL =
occurred between members of the differ
ent political parties, which involved, more
or less, the peace of the neighborhood.-
On the Pro-Slavery side, some robberies
were committed, some quarrels had in
Fort Scott among themselves, if not with
others; incendiarism countenanced by lead
ing citizens; and five men murdered in a
fiendish manner in Linn county. These
things were generally conceded at Fort
Scott, while innumerable other crimes
were charged to the account of the Pro-
Slavery party by members of the Free
State party.
On the other side, it is admitted that
there was an organization of from thirty
to five hundred men, under Capt. Mont
gomery, outside of the law; that these
men approved of forcing their support
from pro-slayery citizens; made it rule
that all members in service should be
mounted on q stolen pro-slavery horse or
mule, and that their leader might order
from the Territory any man he chose;
that these men have forced contributions
from citizens of Douglas, johnson and
Lykins counties, as well as in Linn and
Bourbon; attempted to burn Fort Scott,
and operated as an independent army
entitled to levy their support upon their
enemies generally.
In addition to this organization, there
are reported to be several smaller bands,
who live in the same manner, although it
should be stated that Capt. Montgomery
disclaims all responsibility for their course,
and they for his. Each band calls the
other robbers, while each justi6es its own
conduct These men have their sympa-
thizers among the people, as well as oppo-
nents. Some regard them as necessary for
their defence, while others, as the cause of
all their troubles.
Since the murders in Linn county, COM
pany of volunteers, under Major Weaver,
have been stationed on the Missouri line,
to act on the defensive and to suppress all
illegal acts. They either support them
selves or are supported by the contribu-
tons of their friends, and they respect the
property of all parties alike.
The counties of Linn and Bourbon were
in partially unorganized condition, no
election having been held for township and
county officers under the new law. The
sheriff of Bourbon county was pro-slavery,
and did not have the confidence of ma
jority of the people, and was consequently
inefficient as peace officer The sheriff
of Linn county was elected by the Free
State party, but, for some reason, he per-
mitted another to act as "regulator" in his
county, without authority of law. The
sheriff of Lykins county acted promptly
and efficiently against the robbers in his
county, and recovered the stolen property.
The sheriff of Douglas county, with writ
ten directions from the Governor to arrest
persons engaged in the robbery at Willow
Springs, supposed to be under the direc-
ton of one James Montgomery, proceeded
to Bourbon county, procured writ from
noD- commissioned justice of the peace,
purporting 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
desired to arrest BY the Governor. After
arresting G. w. Clark, the horse of the
county clerk was stolen* and presented to
Capt Montgomery, who is now at large,
riding said horse.
Such appearing to be the condition of
the people, Gov. Denver urged the i'm
portance of thorough organization of the
townships and counties, and the necessity.
on the part of the people, of sustaining their
peace officers and holding them to astrict
discharge Of their duty. He promised to
give the people all the aid in his power,
appoint such charm en- of township super
visors as the people should recommend,
as we'll as suspend sherifs on complaint,
and appoint others, satisfactory to the peo-
pie. Also, ne would commission Major
Weaver, and authorize him, with his CON-
pany, to guard the Missouri line, and aid
the legal officers in preserving peace in
the counties, SO long as their assistance
might be necessary. The sheriff of Bour-
bon county rendered his resignation to the
Governor, and Mr.. Roberts, who was the
choice of the Free State men, will be COM
missioned in his stead. The people, every
where, promised to follow the advice of
the Governor, and, in future. discounte-
nance and put down all illegal proceed
ings, of whatever nature. Capt. Mont
gomery expressed himself as ready to
retire from the field and abide by the
award of a jury of his eountrymen.
We believe the people of Southern Ran
sas were universally satisfied with the ae-
ton of Gov. Denver, and that there will
be no more serious difficulty in the most
beautiful and fertile portion of our Ter
ritory.
The subjoined agreement, between the
Governor and the people of Bourbon
conptv will shosy the snirit of the reny,le