Page:The History of Slavery and the Slave Trade.djvu/782

 with all possible dispatch to the encampment, assembled the officers of the militia, and in the name of the President of the United States, demanded suspension of hostilities. I had sent in advance, the secretary and adjutant-general of the territory, with orders to carry out the spirit and letter of my proclamations; but up to the time of my arrival, these orders had been unheeded, and I could discover but little disposition to obey them. I addressed the officers in council at considerable length, setting forth the disastrous consequences of such a demonstration as was contemplated, and the absolute necessity of more lawful and conciliatory measures to restore peace, tranquility, and prosperity to the country. I read my instructions from the president, and convinced them that my whole course of procedure was in accordance therewith, and called upon them to aid me in my efforts, not only to carry out those instructions, but to support and enforce the laws, and the constitution of the United States. I am happy to say that a more ready concurrence in my views was met, than I had at first any good reason to expect. It was agreed that the terms of my proclamation should be carried out by the disbandment of the militia; whereupon the camp was broken up, and the different commands separated, to repair to their respective homes.

"The occurrences, thus related, are already exerting a beneficent influence; and although the work is not yet accomplished, I do not despair of success in my efforts to satisfy the government that I am worthy of the high trust which has been reposed in me. As soon as circumstances will permit, I shall visit, in person, every section of the territory, where I feel assured that my presence will tend to give confidence and security to the people.

"In closing, I have merely to add, that unless I am more fully sustained hereafter by the civil authorities, and serious difficulties and disturbances continue to agitate the territory, my only recourse will be to martial law, which I must needs proclaim and enforce.

"Very respectfully, &c., "Governor of Kansas Territory."

The dismissal of the Missouri invaders, the arrest of Harvey's party, and the departure of Col. Lane (which took place about this time) from the territory, were followed with the most beneficial effects. The prompt, bold, rapid, and decisive movements of the governor struck the numerous predatory bands with terror, and they either dispersed, or fled the country; and a happier condition of things began to be apparent on every hand.

The management of the judicial affairs of the territory now merit some notice. A portion of the disbanded army, called the Kickapoo Rangers, took the road to Lecompton, and when within a few miles of that place they halted by a field where a poor lame man by the name of David C. Euffum was at work. Some of the party entered the field, and after robbing the man of his horses, one of them shot him in the abdomen, from which wound he afterwards died. Almost immediately after the commission of this crime, Governor Geary, accompanied by Judge Cato, arrived on the spot, and found the wounded man