The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-07-28

An Eys-Witness' Story of a Rencountes
with Pro-siavery Men.

with Pro-Siayery Men.
Editor National Tribune: In Tho
American Conflict it was told how John
Brown IN Kansas was pursued by so
pfo-slavery men from Lec0mpton, and
took possession of two deserted log cabins
IN the wilderness, etc.
John Brown left Topeka, Feb. 7, 1889.
Stevens and kagi were with him some
other man did not know and 10 negroes.
Brown and his party travelled north from
Tope ka, expecting to cross the Missouri
River at Nebraska City, as he afterward
did.
Brown crossed Bills Creek south OF
Holton on the night of the 7th in a heavy
snowstorn, and coming to where the
roads forked Just north OF BilI's Creek he
wanted to take the left hand fork over
onto Groomer Creek, TO the house Of Asa
Reynard; but on account of the snow ha
missed his road and went on. crossing
droomer creek, passing through HOltOn,
crossing ELK Creek and going on over to
Straight Creek, few miles from HoltOn.
TO Albert Fulier's. This man lived in a
little log cabin in the edge OF the timber
on the creek, and kept what was called
IN those days one OF the stations on the
underground railroad"
Brown and his party stopped knoUins
full well they were being pursued Inv a
large force, and could not go any further
without help. Brown sent one OF his men
as messenger to Topeka for reinforce
mentS Feb. 8; also sent word to nv father
on Groomer Creek that he wanted to see
him.
Early on the morning of the 9th nv father
and Il was but Is years old went tn
straight IN sleigh TO see Brown. When
we arrived we found him, Stevens and
Nag. They had taken possession of Albert
rulers house. About 100 feet north
stood a little log cabin used by Fuller as
shop. In this the negroes were ouar-
tered, and he prepared to defend himself
until endorsements could reach him.
On the morning of the eth IS men. we'll
mounted and well armed surrounded the
CABIN. Stevens stepped out of the door
and asked them what they wanted.
we want Brown" they answered
stevens said: "All right; you can see
him. Stepping inside he seized a
Shapes r1fie and stepping out again
leVeled II on one OF the mounted men
close to the door, and informed them that
If any attempted resistance he would kill
the man his gun then covered
Brown and kagi had their guns at an
aim, as they had moved the Climbing
rom between the logs, giving each a
negroes in the other cabin close by were
armed with double barreled sEtotgrIns
loaded with buckshot.
The negro-hunters saw the situation.
and left without getting to see Brown.
Stevens took prisoner the man he had
leveled his rifle on, took horse watch and
money, and after two days and one NIGHT
sent hIm to HoltOn, telling him to stay
there at the hotel a week and his hoard
would be paid. He stayed the full week.
lie was a shoemaker from the old town OF
Lecompton, on the Kansas River.
On the morning of Feb. 10. abont . m
the reinforeements of IS men for Brown
They all needed rest. At
O'Clock p. m. Brown and his party started.
We crossed Straight Creek. going north
and as we assembled high ridge between
the Straight and Spring Creeks / saw
ABOUT ~ men drawn up in line across the
road IN front of US, on the ridge.
Brown halted us, Gismounted from
line horse he was riding, and turned the
command over to Stevens, telling him to
Ire on them as soon as he got in good range.
Necessary orders being given, the com
mand started, but before they reached
shooting distance the pro-slavery COM
Spring Creek, Browns command follow
ng them up close, capturing several and
taking them along for some DAYS
My father and | returned home.
heard John Browns plans at that time
rs he stated them to my father. He was to
20 to virginia, arm the slaves, and march
hem out in q body to freedom. After he
lad told my father his plans. the latter
said to Brown, 1t would be suicide to
attempt that" / shall never forget the
eply Brown made u am an old man, and
hey can't cheat mo out of many days"
L remember young slave to whom /
;arrled food IN the brush at neon one
lay As | came out on the road in the
lmber his master and two men rode I'D
md asked me if had seen a negro boy
about. He would give $500 to anyone to
ind him. | hope God will forgive me for
ying for that black boy He got his
reedom.-John Reynard. Hastings, Neb.