The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-09-22

to go on a foraging raid over to Okmulgee,
the Council Ground of the Creek Nation:
on Deep Fork, about 30 miles west of
Honey Springs.
Some fields of corn in that vicinity had
been reported by our scouts as being about
ripe and for fear that the rebels, who
were still at North Fork Town, would get
ahead of us, we slipped over there (about
80 miles from Fort GibsOn). gathered the
corn, loading about 100 wagons, and got
back before the rebels knew anything
about it.
On this trip the whole outfit of trains
was put under my charge. the escort con-
sisting of about Is Indians and one com
pany of the 9th Kans Cav. the whole
under command of Capt. Dobbins, of the
18th Kans.
If the rebs had only known that we
were out stealing corn so near them they
could have easily played a nice joke on US
by cutting us off and taking in the whole
outfit.
On our return from this foraging trip
we got the news of Quantrell's RAID on
the city of Lawrence. Hans. whlch
created quite an excitement among the 9TH
GERS of the Indian brigade and the
soldiers and officers of the Kansas troops
who were with us. as many of them were
from Lawrence and vicinity.
Quantrell, the rebel guerrilla cnle1;
whose real name was Charles Hart, had
lived and taught school in Lawrence pre-
yious TO the war; and consequently was
we'll acquainted with the place and its peo-
ple. He seems to have imbibed bitter
hatred for many of the most prominent
citizens of Lawrence.
While I was a soldier in the Regular
Arm. in Utah. on the Mormon Expedition
IN IS. under command of Bvt. Brig.-Gen
Albert Sidney Johnston, / used frequently
to see this young man, Charley Hart as
thew called him. who was hanger-on
with the Army at that time. and he was
there noted as being one of the most reck-
less and successful gamblers in our camp.
One of his big gambling exploits L saw
myself. at Fort Bridger. as | have related
in Rough Riding on the Plains
THE LAWRENCE MASSACRE.
/ lived in Lawrence after the war, and
have often heard the citizens there tell of
the raid of Quantrell and his murderous
bushwhackers.
Taking advantage of time when there
were few of our soldiers in Kansas to OPP
pose him, with about 800 of his despera-
does, whom he had gathered in the Dor
ders of Missouri for the purpose, he made
a dash for Lawrence, 5O miles away.
Starting from the Missouri line about sun
down. making an all-night ride, they
reached the suburbs of Lawrence at day
light on Aug. 81, '63.
A citizen of Lawrence. who lived in the
outskirts of the town, told me afterwards
that the rebels halted that morning just IN
front of his holse, and seemed to be hest.
tating and arguing as to the prudence OF
advancing into the city, for it was then
broad daylight. Some of them seemed to
be fearful that the Federal forces might
have got wind of their movements, and
were probably prepared and waiting to give
them a warm reception.
At this juncture Quantrell decided the
hxy III in of
and proclaiming, "All towards can turn
back! I'm going into Lawrence. Who'll
follow me!' And without waiting to see
how many would go with him he put spurs
to his horse and went charging into the
town with every one of his miscreants at
his heels.
But the citizens of Lawrence had had
no warning of their danger. and were
completely surprised, many Of them being
shot down by the murderous rebels before
they had time to realize the situation. No
resistance was made whatever. by the citi-
zens, for they were so astonished at the
sudden attack they seemed bewildered ;
and with no opportunity to get together
and organize for defense, opposition Was
hopeless.
A detachment of the 9Th Kans. was
camped on the north side of kaw River,
just opposite the town, but was powerless
TO render any aid, as a squad of the rebels
the place, and prevented their crossing.
There were no other soldiers nearer than
Leavenworth, 81 miles distant. and no
railroad communication. At this time
don't think there was foot of railroad IN
Kansas.
The enemy soon had complete posses
sion of the city, and dividing UP into
squads oyerran the place hunting out the
most prominent citizens, robbing and muir
dering them without mercy: compelling the
bankers and business men to open their
safes. and, after taking their money.
shooting them down in the most cruel man
ner; visiting private residences, shooting
down the men if any were found, footing
the buildings of all money and jewelry, in
many instances Outraging the women, ana
then setting the houses afre. and standing
guard over them with pistols in hand till
the flames were so far advanced as to
make sure of the destruction of the prop
erty before leaving Many of the bush
whackers were provided with a pair of
saddlebags each to carry off the money and
jewelry captured.
AFTER SENATOR LANE.
When the citizens began to realize the
situation many of those who had not come
in contact with the enemy escaped by run
ming away or hiding. Among these was
Senator Jim Lane. QuantreIl sought anx.
iously for Jim, to kill him, as he, Lane.
q
Iilla chiefs, but Lane skipped out through
a field of corn back of his house, and es-
capped i believe the Senator's house was
burned with all its contents.
Another narrow escape was that of tn,
Rev. III. ID. Fisher. He also, it seemed
had been marked for a sacrifice by thu
rebels. A squad of them, by Quantrel
direction. surrounded Fishers house be
fore he realized the danger. and cut off al
chance of his escaping by running away
Ills wife succeeded in hiding him amongsi
some old rubbish in one of the closets. TIL,
rebels came into the house and searched
il thoroughly for Fisher, but could not fine
him. They then announced to Mrs. Fishet
their determination TO burn the house, Sh.
asked them for permission TO take on
some of her carpets and furniture. The,
answered, Yes. YOU may save what yol
can get ont of the house while we ar,
starting the fire, but We won't wait OF
YOU"
As soon As they had gone out of In.
room she tore up the carpet off the floor
had Fisher come out of the closet, la,
down on the carpet and be rolled UP i'm Tn,
bundle. which she then dragged out inn.
the yard; and to ward off the suspicion o
the bushwhackers she left the roll O
carpet lying near the door while she re
turned into the house and threw out SOM
.hatr