1918 KANSAS AND KANSANS |
Chapter 28 |
Part 3 |
THE BORDER-RUFFIANS
After he had lost his prisoner to the rescuers at Abbott's house, Sheriff Jones
went to the town of Franklin. Most of his posse lived in and about that town.
When it was told abroad that the Free-State men had rescued Branson, there was
considerable excitement among the Pro-Slavery settlers there. A Mr. Wallace was
engaged in mercantile business in Franklin and had been one of the posse. While
away from his store he had employed L. A. Prather to remain in charge. Prather
went to the store the morning after the rescue. He found Mr. Wallace there. They
went together to the hotel. To Prather, Wallace said that Jones intended to send
to Missouri for aid. In the hotel lobby, or common room, which was crowded with
men, they found Mr. Jones writing. Wallace remarked to Prather, "Mr. Jones is
now writing a despatch to send to Colonel Boone." Boone lived at Westport.
Prather inquired why the despatch was not sent to Governor Shannon. His question
was in a voice loud enough to be heard by Jones, who gave it no attention. When
Jones had completed his letter, he went to the door and gave it to either
Coleman, Hargis or Buckley. Mr. Prather heard the messenger called by all these
names, but not having any personal acquaintance with the gentlemen, he could not
say which one carried the letter to Colonel Boone. As he started away with the
despatch, Jones said, "That man is taking my despatch to Missouri, and by God, I
will have revenge before I see Missouri." About an hour later, Jones sent
another despatch, and Mr. Wallace informed Prather that it was directed to
Governor Shannon, requesting him to raise the militia for aid. Mr. Wallace also
said that the messenger to Governor Shannon was Josiah Hargis. The despatch to
Governor Shannon was as follows:
Sheriff Jones to Governor Shannon
DOUGLAS COUNTY, K. T., NOV. 27,
1855. |
Sir :
Last night I, with a posse of ten men, arrested one Jacob Bransom by
virtue of a peace-warrant regularly issued, who, on our return was rescued by a
party of forty armed men, who rushed upon us suddenly from behind a house upon
the road-side, all armed to the teeth with Sharpe's rifles.
You may consider an open rebellion as having already commenced, and I call upon
you for three thousand men to carry out the laws. Mr. Hargis (the bearer of the
letter), will give you more particularly the circumstances. |
Most Respectfully,
SAMUEL J. JONES,
Sheriff of Douglas County. |
To His Excellency,
WILSON SHANNON,
Governor of Kansas Territory. |
What Sheriff Jones intended to do was then known only to himself. The only
expression of his intentions being found in his general remark - "That man is
taking my despatch to Missouri, and by God, I will have revenge before I see
Missouri." The fact that he had called for three thousand men with which to
carry out the law, very clearly indicates that the rescue of Branson had been
seized upon by him as a pretext to make indiscriminate war on the Free-State
settlers of Kansas Territory. Governor Shannon made no investigation for himself
as to the conditions prevailing at Lawrence, Hickory Point, or any other place
in the Territory. In seeking to justify himself, later, he referred to the
Platform and Resolutions of the Free-State party at the Big Springs Convention.
In his statement he says:
I therefore deemed it incumbent upon me, as the chief executive of Kansas
Territory, to enforce the laws and protect the sheriff, and his prisoner
Coleman, from the violence and rescue which had been threatened and in part
carried out by, this mob, for I firmly believed (being in possession of the
facts), that the overt acts just committed by the Free State party were but the
commencement of a settled plan and determination to resist and bid defiance to
the Territorial laws, in accordance with the resolutions already
quoted. |
It will be noted that the Governor expressed the belief, "that the overt acts
just committed by the Free-State party, were but the commencement of settled
plan and determination to resist and bid defiance to the Territorial laws...."
The Governor issued an order to Major General William P. Richardson, of Doniphan
County, which he forwarded by special messenger, as follows:
HEAD QUARTERS, SHAWNEE MISSION, K. T.,
Nov. 27, 1855 |
MAJOR-GENERAL WILLIAM P. RICHARDSON.
Sir: Reliable information has reached me that an armed military force is now in
Lawrence, or in that vicinity, in open rebellion against the laws of this
Territory; and that they have determined that no process in the hands of the
sheriff of that county shall be executed. I have received a letter from S. J.
Jones, the sheriff of Douglas County, informing me that he had arrested a man
under a warrant placed in his hands; and while conveying him to Lecompton, he
was met by an armed force of some forty men, who rescued the prisoner from his
custody, and bid open defiance to the law. I am also duly informed that a band
of armed men have burned a number of houses, destroyed personal property, and
turned whole families out of doors. This has occurred in Douglas County;
warrants will be issued against these men and placed in the hands of Mr. Jones,
the sherift of that county, for execution; who has written to me, demanding
three thousand men to aid him in preserving the peace and carrying out the
process of the law.
You are hereby ordered to collect together as large a force as you can in your
division, and to repair without delay to Lecompton, and report yourself to S. J.
Jones, Sheriff of Douglas County. You will inform him of the number of men under
your control, and render him all the assistance in your power, should he require
your aid in the execution of any legal process in his hands.
The forces under your command are to be used for the sole purpose of aiding the
sheriff in executing the law, and for none other. |
I have the honor to be,
Your obt. servt.,
WILSON SHANNON. |
The Governor also issued the following order to General H. J. Strickler, of
Tecumseh, Shawnee County:
HEAD QUARTERS, SHAWNEE MISSION, K. T., Nov. 27, 1855 |
GEN. H. J. STRICKLER:
Sir: I am this moment advised by letter from S. J. Jones, sheriff of Douglas
County, that while conveying a prisoner to Lecompton, whom he had arrested by
virtue of a peace-warrant, he was met by a band of armed men, who took said
prisoner forcibly out of his possession, and bid open defiance to the execution
of law in this Territory. He has demanded of me three thousand men to aid him in
carrying out the legal process in his hands. As the Southern Division of the
Militia of this Territory is not yet organized, I can only request you to
collect together as large a force as you can, and at as early a day as
practicable, and report yourself, with the men you may raise, to S. J. Jones,
Sheriff of Douglas County, to whom you will give every assistance in your power
towards the execution of the legal process in his hands. Whatever forces you may
bring to his aid are to be used for the sole purpose of aiding the said
sheriff in the execution of the law, and none other.
It is expected that every good citizen will aid and assist the lawful
authorities in the execution of the laws of the Territory and the preservation
of good order. |
Your obt. servt.,
WILSON SHANNON. |
Governor Shannon later said that he presumed the forces of General Richardson
and General Strickler would be drawn from the citizens of Kansas Territory
subject to military duty, and that it had never for a moment occurred to him
that the citizens of Missouri would cross into Kansas and volunteer their aid to
carry out her laws.
The Missourians were quick to respond to the call of Sheriff Jones, and it is
necessary to note that Sheriff Jones had ignored Governor Shannon in the
beginning and made his appeal directly to the people of Missouri. The call on
Governor Shannon was a secondary matter. It was the intention to proceed against
the Free-State men whether that action was approved by Governor Shannon or not.
In his statement, justifying the action of the Missourians, Governor Shannon
said:
The men of Missouri heard that the Territorial laws were set at defiance; that
the sheriff of the county - a Virginian, well known and highly esteemed, and,
moreover, a strong Pro-Slavery man - was actually threatened with death by an
armed Abolition mob; they heard too (for when did rumor ever lose strength as it
flies?) that these outlaws were fortifying themselves, drilling day by day, were
sending to distant States for men, were amply supplied with the most deadly
weapons which modern skill has devised, and even provided with artillery. They
knew, too, that this was no disturbance born of a transient excitement, and
nurtured by the passions of an hour. On the contrary, it was understood to be a
cold-blooded, long-foreseen, and carefully prepared-for thing. And what was the
most natural result? The gathering in the camp at Wakarusa may best answer the
question. Missouri sent, not only her young men, but her grey-headed citizens
were there; the man of seventy winters stood shoulder to shoulder with the youth
of sixteen. There were volunteers in that camp who brought with them not only
their sons, but their grandsons, to join, if need be, in the expected fray.
Every hour added to the excitement, and brought new fuel to the flame. What
wonder, then, that my position was an embarrassing one! Those men came to the
Wakarusa camp to fight; they did not ask peace: it was war - war to the knife.
They would come; it was impossible to prevent them.
|
L. J. Eastin, at Leavenworth, wrote Governor Shannon the following letter:
LEAVENWORTH, K. T., Nov. 30th, 1855. |
GOVERNOR SHANNON:
Information had been received here direct from Lawrence, which I consider
reliable, that the outlaws of Douglas County are well fortified at Lawrence with
cannon and Sharpe's rifles, and number at least one thousand men. It will,
therefore, be difficult to dispossess them.
The militia in this portion of the State are entirely unorganized, and mostly
without arms.
I suggest the propriety of calling upon the military at Fort Leavenworth. If you
have the power to call out the Government troops, I think it would be best to do
so at once. It might overawe these outlaws and prevent
bloodshed. |
(Signed) L. J. EASTIN,
Brig. General, Northern Brigade, K. M. |
Governor Shannon, without making any further inquiry, proceeded to call upon the
military forces of the United States. He despatched a message to Colonel Sumner,
First Cavalry, U. S. A., at Fort Leavenworth, requesting him to hold himself in
readiness to move promptly in case he should receive instructions to do 80 from
Washington. To that message Colonel Sumner replied as follows:
HEAD QUARTERS, 1ST CAVALRY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, DECEMBER 1st,
1855. |
GOVERNOR:
I have just received your letter of this day. I do not feel that it would be
right in me to act in this important matter until orders are received from the
government. I shall be ready to move instantly whenever I receive them. I would
respectfully suggest that you make your application for aid to the government
extensively known at once, and I would countermand any orders that may have been
given for the movement of the militia until you receive the answer. I write this
in haste. |
With much respect, your obt. servt.,
(Signed) E. V. SUMNER,
Col. First Cavalry. |
His excellency,
GOVERNOR SHANNON. |
Upon receipt of the communication of Colonel Sumner, Governor Shannon wrote to
both General Richardson and Sheriff Jones, the communication to Richardson being
here set out.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, SHAWNEE MISSION, K. T., DECEMBER 2d, 1855. |
My Dear Sir:
I have written a letter to Sheriff Jones, informing him of what I have done, and
putting him in possession of the fact that I am in constant expectation of
receiving authority from Washington to call out the regular troops at Fort
Leavenworth. I have notified Colonel Sumner of this, and am in receipt of his
reply, assuring me that he will be ready at any moment to move with the whole
force at his command, so soon as the orders are received from the General
Government. These orders are confidently expected in a day or two. I am desirous
to employ the United States forces, as it would have a most salutary effect upon
these lawless men hereafter; for when they find that the regular troops can be
used to preserve the peace and execute the law in this Territory, they will not
be so ready to place themselves in a hostile attitude. In the meanwhile you will
remain with Sheriff Jones, and retain a sufficient force with you to protect
that officer, and secure the safety of his prisoner; the remainder of your men
will be kept at a distance, but be held in readiness to give their services
whenever they may be required to act. You will be careful in preserving order,
and in restraining your people from any illegal act. Let everything that is
done, be for the preservation of law and order. Your duties are to protect
the Sheriff, and enable him to serve the legal process in his hands; when these
objects are accomplished, your command will retire.
I shall accompany Colonel Sumner with the United States forces, when they
move. |
Yours, with great respect,
WILSON SHANNON. |
The instructions from Governor Shannon to Sheriff Jones were more explicit, as
is shown by the communication itself.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, SHAWNEE MISSION, K. T., DECEMBER 2d, 1855. |
Sir:
I am in receipt of Colonel Sumner's reply to my dispatch, in which he informs me
that he will he ready at a moment's warning to move with his whole force, if
desired, on the arrival of his orders from Washington. My telegraphic dispatch
to the President must have reached its destination by this time, and an answer
should soon come to hand. I have no doubt but that the authority which I have
requested - to call upon the United States troops - will be granted. Under these
circumstances, you will wait until I can obtain the desired orders before
attempting to execute your writs. This will save any effusion of blood, and may
have a moral influence hereafter, which would prevent any farther resistance to
the law; for when these lawless men find that the forces of the United States
can be used to preserve order, they will not be so ready to adopt an opposing
course. And if necessary, steps will be taken to station an adequate force in
the disturbed district to protect the people against mob violence, and to secure
the fulfillment of the laws.
You will retain a sufficient force to protect yourself and guard your prisoner;
anything beyond this had better remain at a distance, until it can be
ascertained whether their aid will or will not be needed. The known deficiency
in arms, and all the accoutrements of war which must necessarily characterize
the law-abiding citizens, who have rushed to your assistance in the maintenance
of order, will invite resistance from your opponents, who are well supplied with
arms; it would be wrong, therefore, to place your men in a position where their
lives would be endangered, when we shall in all probability have an ample force
from Fort Leavenworth in a few days.
Show this letter to Major-General Richardson, and also to General Eastin, who,
as I am advised, have gone to your aid. Their destination is Lecompton, but they
will join you wherever you are. Their forces are but small, and may be required
for your protection until advices are received from Washington.
I send you, with this, a communication to General Richardson, which you will
please deliver to him at as early a day as practicable. As I refer him to this
my letter to you, for my views, you will permit him to read it. Let me know what
number of warrants you have, and the names of the defendants. I shall probably
accompany Col. Sumner's command. |
Yours, with great respect,
WILSON SHANN0N. |
SHERIFF JONES, Lecompton. |
The attitude of the Governor was displeasing to Sheriff Jones. He immediately
informed the Governor that prompt action was necessary. He feared the melting
away of his Missouri forces. It was his desire to have the matter come to an
issue while the Border-Ruffians were armed and in the Territory, so he wrote
Governor Shannon the following letter:
CAMP, AT WAKARUSA, DEC. 4th, 1855. |
HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR WILSON SHANNON:
Sir: In reply to your communication of yesterday I have to inform you that the
volunteer forces, now at this place and at Lecompton, are getting weary of
inaction. They will not, I presume, remain but a very short time longer, unless
a demand for the prisoner is made. I think I shall have a sufficient force to
protect me by to-morrow morning. The force at Lawrence is not half so strong as
reported; I have this from a reliable source. If I am to wait for the Government
troops, more than two-thirds of the men now here will go away, very much
dissatisfied. They are leaving hourly as it is. I do not, by any means, wish to
violate your orders, but I really believe that if I have a sufficient force, it
would be better to make the demand.
It is reported that the people of Lawrence have run off those offenders from
that town, and, indeed, it is said that they are now all out of the way. I have
writs for sixteen persons, who were with the party that rescued my prisoner. S.
N. Wood, P. R. Brooks, and Saml. Tappan are of Lawrence, the balance from the
country round. Warrants will be placed in my hands to-day for the arrest of G.
W. Brown, and probably others in Lecompton. They say that they are willing to
obey the laws, but no confidence can be placed in any statements they may make.
No evidence sufficient to cause a warrant to issue has as yet been brought
against those lawless men who fired the houses.
I would give you the names of the defendants, but the writs are in my office at
Lecompton. |
Most respectfully yours,
SAML. J. JONES,
Sheriff of Douglas Co. |
General Richardson also wrote to Governor Shannon giving him information as to
what was taking place in the vicinity of Lawrence, as follows:
LECOMPTON, K. T., DEC. 3d, 1855, 12 O'CLOCK, P. M. |
HIS EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR WILSON SHANNON:
Dear Sir: I believe it to be essential to the peace and tranquillity of the
Territory that the outlaws at Lawrence and elsewhere should be required to
surrender their Sharpe's rifles. There can be no security for the future safety
of the lives and property of law-abiding citizens unless these unprincipled men
are (at least) deprived of the arms, which, as we all know, have been furnished
them for the purpose of resisting the law - in fact, peaceable citizens will be
obliged to leave the Territory, unless those who are now threatening them are
compelled to surrender their rifles, and artillery, if they have any.
I do not, however, feel authorized from the instructions which you have given
me, to make this demand. Should you concur with me in my opinion, please let me
know by express at once.
A fresh rider had better be sent up in lieu of the bearer of this, he will be
fatigued. I am diligently using every possible precaution to prevent the
effusion of blood and preserve the peace of the Territory. As the Sharpe's
rifles may be regarded as private property by some, I can give a receipt for
them, stating that they will be returned to their owners at the discretion of
the Governor. |
Very respectfully your obt. servt.,
WILLIAM P. RICHARDSON,
Major-General, commanding Kansas Territorial
Militia. |
On the 4th of December, Governor Shannon received a message from President
Pierce stating that the Executive would use all the power at his command to
preserve order in the Territory, and to enforce the execution of the laws as
soon as the War Department could make out the proper orders and transmit them to
Fort Leavenworth. Upon receipt of this despatch, Governor Shannon again urged
Colonel Sumner to march with his men to the Delaware crossing of the Kansas
River, about ten miles above its mouth, where Shannon would be found waiting for
him. To this message Colonel Sumner made the following reply:
HEAD QUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY, DEC. 5th, 1855, 1 O'CLOCK, A. M. |
GOVERNOR:
I have just received your letter of yesterday, with the telegraphic despatch
from the President. I will march with my regiment in a few hours, and will meet
you at the Delaware crossing of the Kansas this evening. |
With high respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed) E. V. SUMNER,
Col. First Cavalry. |
His Excellency,
WILSON SHANNON. |
Upon reflection Colonel Sumner concluded not to comply with the request of
Governor Shannon until he had received instructions from the War Department.
Thereupon he wrote the Governor as follows:
HEAD QUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY, DEC. 5th, 1855, 1 O'CLOCK, A. M. |
GOVERNOR:
On more mature reflection I think it will not be proper for me to move before I
receive the orders of the Government. I shall be all ready whenever I get them.
This decision will not delay our reaching the scene of the difficulties, for I
can move from this place to Lawrence as quickly (or nearly so) as I could from
the Delaware crossing, and we could not, of course, go beyond that place without
definite orders. |
With high respect, your obedient servant,
E. V. SUMNER,
Colonel First Cavalry. |
His Excellency,
WILSON SHANNON. |
Seeing the assembling of the Border-Ruffians, the people of Lawrence became
alarmed and assembled for their own protection. G. P. Lowry and C. W. Babcock
worked their way through the hostile lines and reached the Shawnee Mission for a
conference with Governor Shannon. Upon their representation of the state of
affairs at the mouth of the Wakarusa, the Governor thought best to change his
attitude. He went to Westport and enlisted the services of Colonel Boone to aid
in controlling the Border-Ruffians. Governor Shannon having secured the service
of Colonel Boone, the two set out on the 5th of December for the Border-Ruffian
camp,- arriving at Wakarusa shortly after midnight. Early in the morning of the
6th, Governor Shannon issued orders to have the commanders of the various bodies
of Ruffians beleaguering Lawrence meet him for consultation. At this conference,
Governor Shannon found but one person who was willing to have the matter settled
peaceably. All the others wished to attack the Free-State men. Many of them
wished to destroy Lawrence; some would be satisfied if the Free-State men would
surrender their arms and agree to obey the law. The meeting continued until
midnight. The Governor had expressed an intention of visiting Lawrence himself
on the following day. He was in despair of being able to prevent an assault on
the town before he could visit it. In this panic he wrote the following letter
to Colonel Sumner, which was to be forwarded by an express rider at day-break:
WAKARUSA, DECEMBER 6th, 1855 |
COL. SUMNER, 1st Cavalry, U. S. A.
Sir: I send you this special dispatch to ask you to come to Lawrence as soon as
you possibly can. My object is to secure the citizens of that place, as well as
all others, from a warfare which, if once commenced, there is no telling where
it will end. I doubt not that you have received orders from Washington, but if
you have not, the absolute pressure of this crisis is such as to justify you
with the President, and the world, in moving with your force to the scene of
difficulties.
It is hard to restrain the men here (they are beyond my power, or at least
soon will be), from making an attack upon Lawrence, which, if once made,
there is no telling where it may terminate. The presence of a portion of the
United States troops at Lawrence would prevent an attack - save bloodshed - and
enable us to get matters arranged in a satisfactory way, and at the same time
secure the execution of the laws. It is peace, not war, that we want, and
you have the power to secure peace. Time is precious - fear not but that you
will be sustained. |
With great respect,
WILSON SHANNON. |
N. B. - Be pleased to send me a dispatch. |
Colonel Sumner had not yet received any instructions from Washington and
declined to move without them, replying to Governor Shannon's letter to the
following effect:
HEAD QUARTERS FIRST CAVALRY, FORT LEAVENWORTH, DEC. 7th,
1855. |
GOVERNOR:
I have received your two letters of the 5th and 6th inst. I regret extremely to
disappoint you, but the more I reflect on it the more I am convinced that I
ought not to interpose my command between the two hostile parties in this
territory until I receive orders from the Government. We know that the whole
matter is now in the hands of the Executive, and it is an affair of too much
importance for any one to anticipate the action of the Government. I am
momentarily expecting to receive orders, and whenever they come I shall move
instantly, by night or by day. If you find those people bent on attacking the
town, I would respectfully suggest that they might be induced to pause for a
time on being told that the orders of the General Government were expected every
moment, and that there was no doubt but that these orders, framed from an
enlarged view of the whole difficulty, would give general satisfaction, and
settle the matter honorably for both parties.
I am Governor, with much respect, your obedient servant, |
E. V. SUMNER,
Colonel 1st Cavalry, Commanding. |
HIS EXCELLENCY WILSON SHANNON,
Governor of Kansas. |
General Strickler, at 2 P. M. reported to Governor Shannon, that the
Border-Ruffians, upon being appraised of the plan to have the military at Fort
Leavenworth act as a force to protect Lawrence and hold back the Missourians,
had determined to intercept his messenger to Colonel Sumner at Kaw River
crossing. The messenger was started immediately and directed to cross the Kansas
River at a different ford. As showing the feeling in the Border-Ruffian camps at
that time, the following letter of J. C. Anderson to William P. Richardson is
given:
MAJOR GENERAL WILLIAM P. RICHARDSON:
Sir: I have reason to believe from rumors in camp that before tomorrow morning
the black flag will be hoisted, when nine out of ten will rally round it,
and march without orders upon Lawrence. The forces at the Lecompton camp fully
understand the plot, and will fight under the same banner.
If Governor Shannon will pledge himself not to allow any United States officer
to interfere with the arms belonging to the United States now in their
possession, and, in case there is no battle, order the United States forces off
at once, and retain the militia, provided any force is retained - all will be
well, and all will obey to the end, and commit no depredation upon private
property in Lawrence.
I fear a collision between the United States soldiers, and the volunteers, which
would he dreadful.
Speedy measures should be taken. Let the men know at once - to-night -
and I fear that it will even then be too late to stay the rashness of our
people. |
Respectfully your obedt. servt.,
J. C. ANDERSON. |
The largest body of the Missouri invaders were stationed in the timber along the
Wakarusa, southeast of Franklin. This body threw out pickets as far up the
stream as Blanton's bridge. A considerable force held the Blue-Jacket crossing.
The encampment of this contingent was known as Camp Wakarusa. The men there came
principally from Jackson, Cass, and Lafayette counties, Missouri. They had come
over the Westport Road - really the old Oregon Trail. Their local commanders
were Shaw, Lucas, Bledsoe, Woodson, and others. Colonel Boone had roused the
people of those counties by starting rumors which grew with each recitation of
the messengers bearing them. To arouse the Missourians, what was afterwards said
to have been a forged letter signed by Daniel Woodson, was circulated. Copies of
this letter were found among the Border-Ruffians in Camp Wakarusa, and it was
doubtless in evidence at other places.
DEAR GENERAL - The Governor having called out the militia, this is to inform you
to order out your division and proceed forthwith to Lecompton. The Governor not
having the power, you can call out the Platte County Rifle Company, as our
neighbors are always ready to help us. Do not implicate the Governor, whatever
you do. |
DANIEL WOODSON. |
The Ruffians came into Kansas with wagons loaded with supplies. Many were
mounted, but some were on foot. There were good citizens among them - plenty of
them - but they were in favor of forcing slavery on Kansas. On all other matters
they were honorable men - kind husbands, good neighbors, liberal, men of
property. There were among them many irresponsible, drunken, low-down, mean men.
They robbed dwellings, stole horses and cattle, burned houses, laid waste
fields. In Kansas they were subject to the Territorial Militia officers in all
general movements, and to Sheriff Jones. The only Kansas troops with this body
of Missourians, except a company of Franklin Militia commanded by one Leek, a
roving gambler, were of those of Brigadier-General L. J. Eastin, from
Leavenworth. Quite a number of the Wyandot Indians, as well as some Shawnees and
Delawares, had responded to the call. One Ruffian gave an Indian a handful of
bullets, saying he wanted a Yankee scalp for each bullet. He then took the
Indian's bottle and had it filled with whiskey. It seems that this Indian
contingent was not to be relied upon. After the Indian had secured his whiskey,
he said to Mr. Prather, "Me no kill Yankee; me want get whisk."
D. R. Atchison led his Platte County Rifles, numbering more than one hundred,
into Kansas. He stationed his men on the present site of North Lawrence. Other
Border-Ruffians joined his command, and he was at the head of one of the most
violent and lawless bands of invaders in the Territory.
Another body of the Ruffians, from the Missouri counties north and east of the
Missouri River, numbering seven hundred at its maximum, was stationed at
Lecompton. Some of these went later to the town of Douglas, lower down the
river. All these were under command of Richardson and Strickler.
But all this horde - more than fifteen hundred men, Missourians, non-residents -
were subject to the orders of Sheriff Samuel J. Jones.
A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans , written and
compiled by William E. Connelley, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, 1998.