Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1863-08-28
OF LAuRENCE. X AN.
SAS.
Eienatsh Cruelty of Quantrelrs en-.
erI;laR.

Etena1Sh Cruelty Of Quantrell,s Gu.
eriilas.
On The evening Of August Goth, Quantrell
with force about 500 strong crossed from
Missouri into Kansas, and attacked the city
of Lawrence. The citizens were murdered
in cold blood, and the town burned. The
loss of personal property is estimated at
100000. From the telegraphic accounts
we condense the following particulars:
The list of killed and wounded number
about 1870; the majority of whom were kill
ed instantly. The names cannot all be given
now however
The houses that remain standing are filed
with killed and wounded of all classes. In
the remains Of burned houses, the charred
remains of other victims are being found -
But one hotel is left standing, Quantrell hav-
ing spared it in consequence of his having
made his home there some years since, but
its proprietor was shot.
A majority of the prominent men of the
place were killed, and most of them in their
own houses, with their wives and children
cnging to them while the murderers placed
pistols to their bodies and shot them a.. .
In one case the guerrillas drove two men
into one house and shot them, and then burn
ed the building The inhabitants left, run
ming into ravines and bushes, and the fiends
stood on the banks and fred into them kill
ing and wounding scores. twenty-five ne
gro recruits were shot s,s..,.,
They took all money that could be.found
in the pockets of the citizens, or in houses.
and stole the ladies' jewelry, even taking
rings from their fingers
Jim Lane escaped on horseback, rallied
about 200 men, aud with his little army fol.
lowed and overlook Qaanrell twelve miles
south of Lawrence, where fight occurred,
the result of which is unknown.
Quantre'I is now retreating towards Mis-
souri,, burning everything in his route. tt is
not expected that he will be intercepted bv
our forces, and he vii! probably get away
without much loss. .,.-
No resistance was made at Lawrence, the
people beng shot down as they ran through
the streets in their night clothes and their
bodies thrown into wells and cisterns. The
citizens having expected such q raid from
threats Qnantrel had made, had organized
military companies for defence. Parties had
been under arms constantly, but from assur.
ances that Quantrell would not invade Kan
sas, these organizations were abandoned, and
the guerrlas found the citizens entirely de-
ienceless. A large train left here this even
ing with supplies, clothing. provisions, &c,
for the sufferers, and citizens of Leaven-
worth have opened their doors to all who
choose to come. Many have availed them
selves of the profered hospiaitles The
feeling amongst the citizens here is very bit
ter against the commander of this Depart
ment. lie was absent from headquarters and
did not know Of the invasion until the des
truction Of Lawrence was complete. Every
thing was done, however, in regard to troops
to intercept Quantrell but too late.
Our State authorities have now taken the
matter in their own hands, and Col. Jenni-
son has been reinstatcd in command OF a new
Kansas reg ment, and is about starting down
the border with sufficient troops to overcome
any force the enemy can bring against him,
and if he is not intcrfered with by his com
handing officer, raids into Kansas will end
at present. The men conn rising Quantrell's
force, are principally those bands of guerrl-
las who have been robbing and numbering
along the border for six months with bat it,
tie opposition, and have had ample time to
prepare everything that would insure success.
They are now at home in Missouri with their
plumber.