Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/773

 crossed from Fort Leavenworth with an escort furnished me by General Smith. On the road, T witnessed numerous evidences of the atrocities that are being committed by the bauds of marauders that infest the country. In this place everything is quiet; which is attributable to the presence of a large force of United States troops. The trial of the United States prisoners was to have taken place on the day of my arrival; but in consequence of the absence of the district attorney, and the non-appearance of witnesses, it was deferred until the next regular term of court, Judge Lecompte admitting the prisoners to bail in the sum of five thousand dollars each. They departed on the same day for Lawrence, where Lane still continues in force.

"Accompanying this you will find printed copies of my inaugural address, and my first proclamations, which will exhibit the policy I have thus far thought proper to pursue.

" I have determined to dismiss the present organized militia, after consultation with and by the advice of General Smith; and for the reasons that they were not enrolled in accordance with the laws; that many of them are not citizens of the territory; that some of them were committing outrages under the pretence of serving the public; and that they were unquestionably perpetuating, rather than diminishing, the troubles with which the territory is agitated.

"I have also, as you will see, taken the proper steps to enroll the militia of the territory, agreeably to the act of assembly, and to your instructions o* September 2d. I trust that the militia, thus organized, may be rendered serviceable to the government. It is probable also that these proclamations may have the tendency to disband the free state organizations at Lawrence.

"Nothing of material importance has occurred, or come under my notice, since I last addressed you. I shall continue to keep you apprised of all matters that I may deem of sufficient interest to communicate.

"As there is no telegraphic communication nearer than Boonville, I am compelled to trust my dispatches to the mails, which are now in this region somewhat uncertain.

""

At the time of writing the above, the strength, movements and designs of the Missouri army were unknown to Governor Geary; but soon afterwards their plans and operations began to be developed. Shortly after midnight, on the morning of September 13th, the governor received a messenger bearing the following dispatch:

"Governor of Kansas Territory.

" In obedience to the call of Acting-Governor Woodson, I have organized a militia force of about eight hundred men who are now in the field, wady for duty, and impatient to act. Hearing of your arrival, I beg leave to