Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-11-24
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i Acorresponden Of the L~eavenworth Times
writes the following letter, which gives some
light upon the civil war IN Kansas:


Aoorresponden Of the ~Leavenworth Times
writes the following letter, which gives some
light upon the civil war IN Kansas:
TRADING Posi-, X. T., Nov. II, 1860.
MEssRs. EDIToRs-You are probably aware
that this fair country has been infested by a
set of fends from Missouri, and some from
this Territory. They have been endeavoring
TO kidnap several Of our citizens, and TO as
sassinate Others. The tree State settlers
lives arc in jeopardy as long rs this hellish
business is allowed or tolerated. q
During the last three weeks there have
been several companies OF armed p~ro-slaYery
rufians from Missouri and Kansas, prowling
around our part Of the Territory, making
their threats and cursing the "Abolitionists,"
and swearing eternal vengence on all who
sympathize with them. They have made
two attempts to kidnap negroes, but have
failed in both. They have made different
attempts to assassihate our most honored cit
liens, and ordered Off others continually in
tact they have had the settlers in a general
state of excitement for the last three weeks.
They say that Missouri is ready TO back them.
There was a company Of these fellows who
met at JOrdonE about two miles from this
place, and held a meeting, and there they
agreed to continue the business until they
caught and captured the negro who is at or
near Mound City, and one also st Montgom-
ery's; but l think they will fail in both cas-
os. They proceeded to Capt. Montgomerys,
but the Captains dog frightened them so
that they thought they would not make the
attack; so they returned without accom-
plishing anything.
On Saturday last the citizens met and de-
termined to put this thing down. They or
ganized and appointed DR.. @. R. JamisOn to
act as commander in the case. By his order
they proceeded to the residences Of those
who resided in the Territory, that had been
engaged in that business, and took them all
prisoners that were at home, some being away.
They then proceeded to the house of R. Kinds,
one who had been the foremost of all, and has
made it his business to continually harrass
the Free State settlers since the year OF SO,
and they also arrested him. This man Kinds
was driven out of this country in the spring
Of $50, by the free State settlers, but has re-
turned again. He resided o~ne-quarter of "A
mile from the State line, so handy that he
could make his escape into the State upon
committing any depreciation, and De protected
by them.
The citizens, after arresting them all, APP
pointed a gang of twelve men, and proceed
ed 70 try them according to vigilance court
order. After swearing the jury, they pro-
ceeded to trial, in the presence of all. The
evidence was all taken, and, after hearing all
the facts made public the jury retired and
returned the following verdict 1--WE, the
jury, after considering all the testimony, and
consulting together, agree that all the per-
sons, with the exception of Mr.. Russell
Kinds, shall be discharged from custody, on
condition that they leave the Territory with
in seven days; that this being their first Of
tense as kidnappers, they will be discharged
on the above conditions; further, as clear
proof, and also his confessions, show that he
has at different times been engaged in this
unhallowed business since be was driven
from the Territory, that the said Russell
Kinds merits death, and that he shall be hung
by the neck until he is dead deadll dead ~
The assembly then proceeded to execute the
criminal according to the verdict, which was
done by an unexcited but determined people.
The execution took place at 9 o'clock A. NJ,
on the 18th of November, on the premises OF
Mr.. Campbell, one of the criminals that was
discharged. Notice was also given on the
ground thall all who engaged in that kind Of
business would be dealt with likewise.
The company then disbanded and then re-
turned home to attend to their business.