The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-08-24

edition of the history of "Doniphan's
Expedition" and, by the way. 1 was
well acquainted with Colonel John T:
Hughes and now 1 have just finished
reading, with renewed interest, your
very fine reproduction of that history
with it's many valuable notes and adj
ditions. L was personally well ae-
quainted with several members of that
expedition-with Dan Nichols. a pri-
vate in Captain Waldo's company;
with Lachlan Allan MacLean, Hi Bled-
soc. Captain Thomas Hudson, John w.
Reid, M. M. Parsons. John W. Steph-
enson, r. H. Weightman, and some
others. 1 had two (older) brothers in
the Mexican war: and l crossed the
plains when but boy. to California.
and few years later went to Santa Fe
over the old trail Hence. 1t is not sur
prsing that now-in the evening Of my
life, your book is to me as charming
as any romance.
A native OF Illinois, moved. for con-
siderations of health. to southwest Mis-
souri, in 1853. bought three house SER
Democrat, by inheritance. was, of
course, identified with the south In
sentiment. l was one of Captain John
w Reds mob of $500 Missourians
Kan, when in less than a mile of that
place we found. drawn up in line
Colonel Philip st. George Cookies 30
United States Dragons, with the result
our visit to Lawrence and return to our
homes.
was associated for several weeks
with Major Weightman when, in 1851.
we were both members of General Jim
Rains division of General Prices mob.
And 1 saw Weightman die. Ordinarily
he was very quiet, genial and pleasant
companion, but he had a fiery temper.
easily provoked. and when trritated ne
was violent and "swore like a trooper.
Near the close of the battle Of Wilson
Creek, August 10, 1851, he was fatally
from Bloody Hill to the fiat near the
creek and laid him an an extempor-
lied bed of straw in a little wedge tent
with it's sides raised all around Tor
ventilation. While knew him he ap-
peared, Notwithstanding his fits Of rage
and his profanity. to be q very devout
man. I never knew him to lie down 20
sleep at night without first reading, or
pal litany and then offering up silent
prayer. This. some surmised. was the
result of remorse for his coWard.ys
inexcusable murder of Aubrey. Inc
battle was over. the Federal iorces
where Weightman fell. and the DAY
was excessively hot and suitry:
Weightman knew he was dying sara
very clear. We covered him with
blankets and gave him water. A Meth
odist minister was kneeling by his side
Offering him spiritual solace. To a
question by the preacher Weightman
answered.: Eyes, / rely for the for
giving of my sins and final salvation
upon the Infinite mercy of Jesus
Christ" Just then General Rains
about half drunk. in bungling way
b11t through excess of kindness ana
affectionate sympathy, attempted to
change the position of the dying SOL
1ier's head to make him mora COM
Portable; but by SO doing caused him
sharp pain. Weightman, turning his
ewes from the preacher to Rains. IN his
oid-time style snapped out. - -
II. let me alonei" and in a few minutes
expired. Please pardon this reminis-
cence, revived wildly by reading OF my
comrade of other. days in your admir-
able book. With sincere respect. am
yours. etc., J. F. SNYDER