The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1858-07-22
KANSAS.
The Difficulties at Fort Southport of tn,
Committee.

The Difficulties at Fort Scott-Report of the
Committee.
The undersigned committee, appointed to
accompany Governor Denver to the scene of
troubles in Linn and Bourbon counties, and to
cooperate with him in restoring order in those
countless would take this method to make a
brief general report TO those who appointed
them.
We found the people in the above named
counties in a state of excitement and general
apprehension of danger-one party from an
invasion, and the other from domestic force.
Each party Of actors-Pro- Slavery and Free.
Stste-cbargedthe responsibility of all their ope-
rstions 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 1896, these counties shared largely in the
disturbances of the Territory. Since that time,
some claim difficulties have occurred between
members of the different political parties, which
involved, more or less, the peace of the neigh
bOrhood. On the ProSlavery side some rob-
beries were committed, some quarrels had in
Fort Scott among themselves, if not with others,
Incendiarism countenanced by leading citizens
and five men murdered iu 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 hun.
bred men, under Captain Montgomery, outside
OF the law; that these men approved of forcing
their support from Pro Slavery citizens; made
At rule that all members in service should be
mounted on 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 Captain Montgomery disclaims all
responsibility for their course and they for bis.
Each band calls the other robbers, while each
lustihes its own conduct. These men have
their sympathizers among the people, as well
as opponents. Some regard them as necessary
Tor their defence, while others as the cause of
all their troubles.
Since the murders in Linn county, q com.
psny 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 themselves OF are sup
ported by the contributions of their friends, and
they respect the property of ali parties alike
The counties of Linn and Bourbon we're in q
partially unorganized condition, no election
having been held for township aud county off
Gers under the new law. The sheriff of Bour
bon county was Pro.Slavery, and did not have the
confidence OF a majority of the people, and va,
gso.o L.
sheriff of Linn county was elected by the Free
State party, but, for some reason, he permitted
another to act As "regulator" in his county
without authority Of Law. The sheriff of Lykini
county acted promptly and efficiently against
tne robbers in his county, and recovered the
stolen property. The sheriff of Douglas county
win written directions from the Cove rnor to
arrest persons engaged in the robbery at Viii
low springs, supposed to be under the direction
VI one james Montgomery, proceeded to Bour
"oh county, procured a writ from non com.
miss'oned justice of the peace, purporting to be
ID township unknown to the law, and pro-
eeeded to Fort Scott to arrest other parties
charged with other crimes aud had with him
,Or his posse James Montgomery aud the men
ne was desired to arrest by the Governor. After
arresting q. w. Clark, the horse of the county
clerk was stolenf and presented to Capt. Mont.
gomery, who is now at large, riding said horse.
Snch appearing to be the condition of the
people, Governor Denver urged the Importance
thorough organization of the townships
ana counties, and the necessity, on the part OF
.ne people, of sustaining their peace officers.
Sna holding them to strict discharge of their
uoly. he promised to give the people all the
mar me morse al nded to, understand was taken hv
80! which Montgomery stationed between For, Sco,,
e missouri line, and Captain Walker was M yyav
for the robbery. eeause of The above s,a,s
name v uaDe 70 transportation, MIR Whitney whose
Was attached TO the report has seen 6i 10 rennes
70 "a press II, which have cone bn, h;s Ua =:
gbct PIots7 hdid, is attached 10 The orienaI from
"Neh we have copIed.-Ed II of r e""'' i'o"