Lincoln County, Missouri - Chapter 6, 1888 (part 2 of 4)

" After this, slight shocks were felt at intervals, until January 7, 1812, when the region was again visited by an earthquake equal to the first in violence, and characterized by the same frightful results." Mr. Lesieur says further that upon this second visitation, the inhabitants, excepting two families, fled from the country in dismay, leaving behind their stock, and even many of their household goods, all of which were appropriated by adventurers and carried away in flat-boats. The last violent shock occurred on the 17 th of February, 1812.

During these terrible earthquakes, but two among the settlers were killed, both of whom were women, but many of the boatmen on the river must have perished. An act of Congress for the relief of the New Madrid sufferers was passed in 1817. By its provisions, persons whose lands had been seriously damaged by the earthquakes were allowed to locate a like quantity upon any of the public lands of the State, provided that no claims should exceed 640 acres. This was the origin of the " New Madrid Claims," of which speculators and sharpers gained the chief benefit, the people many of them being uninformed as to their exact privileges.

Missouri A Territory

The Territory of Missouri was organized by Congress, June 4, 1812, the first Council consisting of nine members, and the House of thirteen.* Its real boundaries were the same as those of the "Territory of Louisiana," but practically it consisted of only the settled parts of Missouri, comprising four districts, as follows : Cape Girardeau, embracing the territory between Ty wappity Bottom and Apple Creek; Ste. Genevieve, extending from Apple Creek to the Meramec Biyer; St. Louis, including that part of the State between the Meramec and Missouri Rivers, and St. Charles, comprising the settled country between the Missouri and Mississippi.

* These members were as follows: House: St Charlos County - John Pitman and Robert Spencer; St. Louis County - David Music, Bernard G. larrar, William C. Carr and Richard Caulk; Ste. Genevieve County - George Buliett, Richard S Thomas and Isaac McGready; Cape Girardeau - George F. Bollinger and Stephen Byrd; New Madrid - John Shrader and Samuel Phillips. W. C. Carr became speaker and Andrew Scott clerk. Council: St. Charles County - James Flaugherty and Benjamin Emmons; St. Louis County - Auguste Chouteau, Sr., and Samuel Hammond; Ste Genevieve - John Scott and James Maxwell; Cape Girardeau - William Neeley and George Cavener; New Madrid - Joseph Hunter.

ernor, Legislative Council and House of ^Representatives. By the Bame act the Territory was authorized to send one delegate to Congress. In October of the same year the four districts, by proclamation of Gov. Howard, were reorganized into five counties, the fifth being called New Madrid, and included Arkansas. An election of a delegate to Congress, and members of the Territorial House of Eepresentatives was held in the following November. Capt. William Clark, the associate explorer of Capt. Lewis, was appointed by the President as Governor, and entered upon his duties in 1813. He continued to occupy the gubernatorial chair until the admission of the State into the Union, and died in St. Louis in 1838.

Edward Hempstead was chosen the first delegate to Congress. It was mainly owing to his efforts that an act was passed by that body confirming to the people of Missouri the titles of their lands derived from Spanish grants, and also providing that " all village lots, out lots, or common field lots " held by them at the time of the cession of Louisiana to the United States, should be retained for school purposes. The real estate thus secured to the city of St. Louis alone, for educational purposes, was valued at $1,252,- 895.79. Col. Thomas F. Riddick, who first originated the proposition, rode to Washington on horseback to aid Mr. Hempstead in obtaining the ratification of Congress.

War With Great Britain In 1812

Although the inhabitants of Missouri were far distant from the principal scenes of conflict during the War of 1812, they participated in many engagements with the Indians, and were obliged to exercise ceaseless vigilance against their insidious foe. For several years British traders had incited the savages against the settlers, and had supplied the former with arms and ammunition. In July, 1810, W. I. Cole and two other men at Loutre Island, were killed while attempting to rescue property stolen by the Pottawattomies. In 1815 the Sac and Fox Indians, who had stolen horses from the same settlement, were followed by a party of " rangers," with Capt. James Callaway, a grandson of Daniel Boone, in command. Four of the pursuers, including Capt. Callaway, were killed.

In 1813 Fort Madison, Iowa, was abandoned by its garrison, and burned, to save it from Indian occupation. During the same year the scattered settlements in the present counties of Montgomery, Lincoln and Pike were often plundered by the Indians, under the renowed Black Hawk and other noted chiefs. In St. Charles County there were many massacres, but at length a number of forts were erected, which proved a sufficient protection against further outrages. The Boone's Lick country was constantly harassed by tribes, who stole horses and murdered the inhabitants. Living beyond the jurisdiction of any organized county, these pioneers built forts, and defended themselves. Sentinels kept guard while the fields were plowed, sown and harvested, and upon the appearance of danger the people were notified by means of signals, and hastened to the shelter of the forts.

At Cote Sans Dessein (now Barkersville), on the Missouri River in Callaway County, three men and two women successfully withstood a protracted and determined siege of the Indians.

Of all the murders committed by the savages, none aroused more indignation than that of Capt. Sarshell Cooper, who was shot while sitting at his own fireside in Cooper's Fort, in the Boone's Lick country, in 1814. An Indian crept to the wall of Cooper's cabin, which also formed one side of the fort, and made a small opening between the logs, ^hrough which the fatal shot was fired.

Daniel Boone, famous in the annals of Kentucky and the West, came to Louisiana about the year 1797. He renounced his allegiance to the United States, became a Spanish subject, and was appointed by Delassus commandant of the Femme Osage District. When the province was transferred to the United States, he again became an American citizen. At some time between the years 1804 and 1808 he may very probably have hunted through Howard County, and discovered the salt springs there. During the summer of 1807, Boone's sons, Nathan and Daniel M., visited these springs and manufactured salt there, but there is no evidence that the elder Boone ever resided, even temporarily, at the place. The settlement afterward made was called Boone's Lick and a

Enterprise And Advancement

In 1814 the population of the Territory was about 25,000. The country was rapidly settled and new counties were organized. The Legislature of 1816-17 incorporated a board of trustees for superintending schools in the " Town of St. Louis,'1 the beginning of the school system of that city. At the same session the old " Bank of Missouri " was chartered, and in the fall of 1817 the two banks, "St. Louis" and "Missouri," were issuing bills, the former having gone into operation in 1814.

The first newspaper west of the Mississippi was published at St. Louis, July 12, 1808. It was called the Missouri Gazette, and was a diminutive sheet, measuring 12x16 inches. Although this paper has undergone several changes of title it still lives and flourishes as the Missouri Republican. The first newspaper west of St. Louis was the Missouri Intelligencer, established at Old Franklin, by Nathaniel Patton, in 1819, and subsequently removed to Fayette. In 1818 a cathedral was commenced at St. Louis, on the site of the old log church which had been erected by the early French inhabitants, and in the same year the first Protestant Church (Baptist) was built.

The first steamboat which ascended the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Ohio, was the "Gen. Pike," Capt. Jacob Head, which landed in St. Louis at the foot of Market Street August 2, 1817, and was received with every demonstration of delight. The next was the "Constitution," Capt. B.T. Guyard, which arrived in the October following. In 1819 the " Independence," Capt. Nelson, from Louisville, Ky., navigated the Missouri as far as Old Chariton, an abandoned town a short distance above Glasgow, and returning to Franklin took freight for Louisville. The first steamboat on the Upper Mississippi wasthe,"Gen. Putnam," Moses D. Bates, captain, which made several trips between St. Louis, and Galena, 111., during the summer of 1825.

In 1818 the Government of the United States projected the celebrated Yellowstone expedition, the objects of which were to ascertain whether the Missouri was navigable by steamboats? and to establish a line of forts from its mouth to the Yellowstone. This expedition left St. Louis in June, 1819. In the same year Arkansas was formed into a separate Territory.

For convenience of reference a short table is appended of the early settlements of Missouri, with the date of the establishment of each in cases where it has been determined.

State Organization

In 1818, John Scott being delegate to Congress, the inhabitants of Missouri petitioned for admission into the Union of States. The House of Representatives passed a bill to admit the State without slavery, but, as the Senate refused to concur in this anti-slavery clause, the bill failed. Subsequently the measure was amended so as to provide for the gradual restriction of involuntary servitude, but the Senate refusing to endorse any anti-slavery proviso whatever, and the House insisting on that provision, the bill again failed. In 1820, while the matter was still under discussion, Jesse B. Thomas, of Illinois, presented an amendment, which settled for the time all differences between the two Houses, and allowed Missouri to enter the Union with

Q J History Of Missouri

Sf.c. 8. And be it further enacted, That in all that territory ceded by France to the United States, under the name of Louisiana, which lies north of thirtysix degrees and thirty minutes north latitude, not included within the limits of the State contemplated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the parties shall have been duly convicted, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited. Provided always, That any person escaping into the same, from'whom labor or service is lawfully claimed, in any State or Territory of the United States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid.

Such was the " Missouri Compromise," one of the most important acts of American legislation. The pro-slavery senators consented to this measure because they saw by the determination of the House that they would be unable otherwise to secure the admission of Missouri.

State Convention

Under the act of Congress, the people of the Territory of Missouri, then organized into fifteen counties, were authorized to hold an election in May, 1820, to choose representatives to a State convention whose object should be the framing of a constitution. Accordingly, forty-one representatives thus chosen convened at St. Louis on June 12. The following are the names of the members of the convention, together with the counties which they represented:

The constitution which the convention formed took effect from the authority of the body itself, no provision having been made to submit it to the vote of the people. It withstood the mutations of parties and all efforts at material amendment from the time of its adoption till the convention of 1865.

The Clay Compromise

On the 16th of November, Mr. Scott laid before the House of Representatives at Washington a copy of the constitution of the new State, whereupon a fresh debate arose, first, because the constitution sanctioned slavery and, second, because one of its articles especially enjoined that such laws should be passed as might be necessary to prevent free mulattoes and negroes from coming to or settling in the new State, under any pretext whatsoever.

The perils of the political situation becoming imminent, Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, moved that twenty-three representatives, one from each State, be appointed to act jointly with the Senate committee, in an attempt to adjust the difficulty. Such a committee was chosen with Mr. Clay as its chairman. The Senate also appointed seven of its members on the joint committee, which, on February 26, 1821, reported to each House the following:

I 'urica, in Congress Assembled, That Missouri shall be admitted into this Union on an equal footing with the original States, in all respects whatever, upon the fundamental condition that the fourth clause of the twenty-sixth section of the third article of the constitution, submitted on the part of said State to Congress, shall never be construed to authorize the passage of any law, and that no law shall be passed in conformity thereto, by which any citizen of either of the States in this Union shall be excluded from the enjoyment of an}r of the privileges and immunities to which such citizen is entitled under the constitution of the United States. Provided, That the Legislature of said State, by a solemn public act, shall declare the assent of the said State to the said fundamental condition, and shall transmit to the President of the United States, on or before the fourth Monday in November next, an authentic copy of the said act; upon the receipt whereof the President, by proclamation, shall announce the fact; whereupon, and without any further proceeding on the part of Congress, the admission of the said State into the Union shall be considered as complete.

The resolution was soon adopted by both Houses, and on the 26th of the following June the Legislature of Missouri adopted an act declaring the assent of the State to the conditions of admission, and transmitted to the President a copy of the same. August 10, 1821, after a struggle of two years and a half, the admission of Missouri into the Union was announced by the proclamation of President Monroe, and the State from that day took rank as the twenty-fourth of the American Republic.

The Fikst General Assembly

In anticipation of the admission of the State into the Union a general election had been held on August 28, 1820. Alexander McNair was chosen Governor ; William H. Ashley, lieutenantgovernor, and John Scott, representative to Congress. Senators and representatives to the General Assembly (fourteen of the former and forty-three of the latter) were also elected. This body convened at St. Louis in September, and elected David Barton and Thomas H. Benton United States senators, although, as the State was not formally admitted into the Union until the following August, they were not allowed to take their places until December, 1821. Mr. Benton held the position of United States senator for thirty consecutive years.

At this session of the Legislature were organized the counties of Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lillard (afterward La Fayette), Perry, Ralls, Ray and Saline. The Beat of government was fixed at St. Charles, but was moved, in 1826, to

Black Hawk War

In 1804 a treaty was concluded between the United States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. One old warrior of the Sacs, however, called Black Hawk, who had fought with great bravery in the service of Great Britain during the War of 1812, had always taken exception to this treaty, pronouncing it void. In 1831 he established himself with a chosen band of braves upon the disputed territory in Illinois, ordering the whites to leave the country at once. Fifteen hundred volunteers from that State, aided by Gen. Gaines, with a company of regulars, surprised the Indians, and forced them into another treaty, by which they ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi, and agreed to remain upon the other side of the river. Soon, however, a band of these same Indians attacked a party of friendly Menominies encamped at Prairie du Chien, murdering twenty-five and wounding many others. Brig. -Gen. Atkinson, with a large detachment of regular troops from Jefferson Barracks, was sent to chastise the murderers who had thus flagrantly violated their treaty- Upon this Black Hawk, with his adherents, recrossed the Mississippi and established himself at Rock River. Keokuk was the rightful chief of the Sacs and Foxes, and with the majority of his tribes remained true to their agreement with the United States, but Black Hawk's followers were bent upon revenge and pluuder. May 14, 1832, a bloody engagement occurred near Dixon's Ferry. On account of the proximity of these hostilities to the Missouri border, and fearing an Indian invasion, Gov. Miller ordered Maj.-Gen. Richard Gentry, of Columbia, this State, to raise 1,000 volunteers, prepared to start for the frontier at a moment's warning.

Accordingly on May 29, 1832, orders were issued by Gen. Gentry to Brig. -Gens. Benjamin Means, commanding the Seventh ; Jonathan Riggs, the Eighth, and Jesse T. Wood, the Ninth Brigade, Third Division, to raise, the first named 400 and each of the last 300 men. Each man was " to keep in readiness a horse with the necessary equipment, and a rifle in good order, with an ample supply of ammunition.'" Five companies were at once raised in Boone County, and others in Callaway, Montgomery, St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike, Marion, Ralls, Clay and Monroe. Two of them, Capt. John Jamison's, of Callaway, and Capt. David M. Hickman's, of Boone, in July, 1832, were mustered into service for thirty days, and placed under command of Maj. Thomas Conyers. This detachment, accompanied by Gen. Gentry in person, arrived at Palmyra, July 10, and at Fort Pike, which was situated on the Des Moines, at the present site of St. Francisville, in Clark County, five days afterward. Finding that no hostile Indians had entered Missouri, Gen. Gentry ordered work to be discontinued on Fort Matson, in the northern part of Adair County, sixty-five miles from Fort Pike, and within eight miles of the Chariton, and left for Columbia, where he arrived on July 19. Maj. Conyers' command was left at Fort Pike. On August 5, this detachment was relieved by two other companies, under Capts. Sinclair Kirtley, of Boone, and Patrick Ewing, of Callaway. Maj. Conyers remained in command of the fort. In September, the Indian troubles having apparently subsided, the troops on the northern frontier of Missouri were mustered out of service.

For nearly a year afterward, the war was continued at various points in Illinois and Iowa, until, at the decisive battle of the Bad Axe, Black Hawk was entirely defeated, and a great number of his followers killed. He himself escaped, but was soon captured and delivered to the United States officers. He was carried in triumph through a great part of the States, after which, shorn of his power, if not his ambition, he was permitted to return to his tribe. Black Hawk died at the village of his people, on the Des Moines River, in Davis County, Iowa, in 1838, aged about seventy years.

The Seminole War

Florida originally belonged to Spain. Among its aboriginal inhabitants was a humane and romantic tribe of Indians, called the Seminoles. Their manners were gentle, and their language soft; but the wrongs they suffered are as deep and wicked as mhj ever inflicted by a civilized nation upon a weak and defenseless people. Escaping slaves found refuge in the Spanish Territory, formed settlements along the Appalachicola and Suwannee Rivers, and became members of the Seminole and Creek nations, holding lands and enjoying the fruits of their labors. Spain refused to deliver up the fugitives who had thus intermarried with the Indians, and whose descendants soon became an almost indistinguishable part of the tribe. The slave holders of Georgia were furious, and the Government of that State, on several occasions, sent troops into the Creek country and laid waste villages, burned huts, and killed innocent members of the tribe. Spain resented these piratical raids, and the President of the United States was compelled to disavow any responsibility for such outrages, which nevertheless continued.

On July 27, 1816, an old fort situated on the Appalachicola, which had been built by the British during the War of 1812, and subsequently occupied by the blacks and their descendants, was blown up by forces under command of Gen. Gaines. There were in the fort 334 persons, mostly women and children, and 270 of these unfortunate creatures were instantly torn in pieces.

The Seminoles, goaded from their placid ways, attempted to retaliate; but their efforts, though gallant, were feeble. The raids upon the Seminole country and its citizens continued, and the state of affairs became a matter of serious perplexity to the general Government.

In 1835, during President Jackson's administration, renewed hostilities arose from an attempt to remove the Seminoles and Creeks to lands west of the Mississippi. The chief of the former tribe was Osceola, a half breed of great talents and audacity, who, driven to desperation by personal wrongs, as well as those inflicted upon his people, formed a conspiracy to slaughter the whites and devastate the country. The Creeks were soon conquered and set beyond the Mississippi. In 1837 Osceola was captured and soon after died, but the war continued.

In the fall of 1837 the Secretary of War issued a requisition on Gov. Boggs, of Missouri, for two regiments of mounted volunteers for the Seminole War.

The first regiment was raised chiefly in Boone and neighboring counties by Col. Gentry, and was composed of eight companies. Four companies of the second regiment were also raised

^countered a Bevere storm, and several of the vessels were Handed. Many horses were lost but no men, and on the loth \ ember the troops disembarked at their destination. On the 1st of December they received orders from Gen. Zachary \li>r. then commanding in Florida, to march to Okeechobee Lake, in the vicinity of which the whole force of the Seminoles w as -aid to have collected. Having reached the Kissemme River, iventy miles distant, the cavalry scouts captured several Indians, from whom Col. Gentry* learned that their main forces wrere near at hand, and immediately crossing the river he formed the Missouri volunteers in front, and, supporting them at a proper distance by the regular army on either flank, advanced to meet the attack. The Indians had chosen a fine position, and continued the battle with a pertinacity seldom exhibited in their method of warfare. Col. Gentry fought on foot, as did all his command, and had repulsed the enemy after several hours of severe fighting. He was gradually pushing them across a swamp, and had nearly reached the dry soil, when a bullet pierced his abdomen, inflicting a fatal wound. He knew its serious nature, yet stood erect an hour afterward, and cheered his men to victory, until, at last, being compelled to desist, he was borne from the field, and expired the same night. The Missourians continued to fight several hours after the fall of their leader, until the Indians were entirely vanquished. The loss of the whites in killed and wounded was 138, most of whom were Missourians.

The forces from this State being no longer needed, they returned to their homes early in 1838. The remains of Col. Gentry, as well as those of: Capt. Vanswearingen and Lieuts. Brooke and Center, of the Sixth Regular United States Infantry, were afterward brought to Jefferson Barracks and buried, the Government of the United States erecting over them a suitable monument. The county of Gentry was named in memory of the gallant commander.

After a war of eight years, during which nearly $40,000,000 had been expended, several hundred persons seized and enslaved, and hundreds of lives lost, the Seminoles and their colored kindred were removed as far as the Cherokee country, and subsequently to that of the Creeks. After persistent attempts of the latter to reduce them to a state of servitude, and after many of the exiles had been actually seized and sold into perpetual bondage, the remainder of the blacks, excepting 200 who were supposed to be so intermarried with the Seminoles as to render them safe, abandoned the country and fled to Mexico.

The Mormons And The Mormon War

The origin, rapid development and prosperity of tbe religious sect, commonly called the Mormons, are among the most remarkable and instructive historical events of the present century. That an obscure individual, without money, education or elevated position in society, should persuade people to believe him inspired of God, and cause a book, insignificant as a literary production, to be received as a continuation of the sacred revelation, appears almost incredible. Yet in less than half a century, the disciples of this personage have increased to hundreds of thousands; have founded a State in the distant wilderness, and compelled the Government of the United States to practically recognize them as an independent people.

The founder of Mormonism was Joseph Smith, a native of Vermont, who emigrated, while quite young, with his father's family to western New York. The story of the finding of the golden plates in the "Hill of Cumarah," their transcription, the printing of the Mormon Bible, the organization of the first church of the new faith, are themes not important to be considered here. It may be well to state in passing that the believers in Mormonism claim that their Bible gives a history of the peopling of the Western Continent, as the common Bible narrates the origin of the human race on the Eastern, and the Mormons accept both volumes as of Divine inspiration, calling themselves "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." The common name by which they are knpwn is that given to one of the writers of the Mormon Bible.

Bibtobt Of Hissoubi

Having Drained a Dumber of converts. Smith, in 1831, moved to g m,i. Ohio, and, during the same year, made a visit to Missouri in Bearoh of b location for "Zion." He found it at Independence, Jackson County, named the place " The New Jerusa- 1, in." and returned t<> ELirtland.

In L882 Smith established himself with many followers in Jackson Counts. Here the new church acquired several thousand acres of land, which the members professed to hold in common, and published a paper called Hie Morning and Evening Shir, in which were printed promises of boundless prosperity to the "Saints," andfrightful denunciations against the "Gentiles." The result was a series of trifling encounters between the two I .aities. until, October 31, 1833, an engagement occurred near West port, in which two citizens and one Mormon were killed.

The Gentile citizens of Jackson County now rose in arms in considerable numbers, and committed a series of acts of violence toward the Mormons. The bishop was tarred and feathered, the printing press thrown into the river, the storehouse plundered, and the " Saints" were forced to leave the county without any compensation whatever for the lands they were compelled to abandon.

The Mormons next located in Clay, Carroll and Caldwell Counties, but principally in the latter, which was organized for their benefit. They established headquarters at Far West, which was founded in 1836, and which Smith assured his followers would soon become one of the great cities of the world. As the result of the preaching of missionaries in the Eastern States, converts flocked into the country and their settlements soon spread into Daviess and Clinton Counties, but Far West was their chief town and commercial center. Some of the Mormon settlers were good and industrious people, but many were violent and lawless, and considered that they had a right to take anything they chose from the Gentiles. As the latter were in the minority in Caldwell County, and as most of the county offices were held by "Saints," there was considerable dissatisfaction among the Gentiles, and violent deeds were committed on either side.

that they must leave the county. Mormon recruits poured into the town, and an engagement took place on the 21st of September, 1838, but no serious casualty occurred. The attacking party was now increased by reinforcements to 400 or 500 men, but before renewing the battle, they demanded once more that the obnoxious settlers should leave the county.

Although the terms of this proposition were quite stringent, it was acceded to, and the Saints loaded their property on wagons and removed to Far West.

October 25 a skirmish took place at Crooked River in the southwestern part of Caldwell County, where one Gentile was killed, several others wounded, and David Patten, the leader of the Danite Band or United Brothers of Gideon, and two other Mormons, were killed. The Gentiles were commanded by Capt. Sam. Bogart.

The people of Missouri now determined to be rid of the Mormons, and in 1838 Gov. Boggs issued an order to Maj.- Gen. David R. Atchison to call out the militia of his division and proceed against the Mormons and expel them from the State or "extenuate them." A part of the First Brigade of the Missouri State Militia, under command of Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan, at once proceeded to the seat of war. Upon receipt of Gov Boggs' exterminating order, Gen. Atchison left the field, and the command of the forces was turned over to Maj.-Gen. S. D. Lucas, of Independence, pending the arrival of Gen. John B. Clark, of Howard County. The Mormon forces numbering about 600 men were led by Col. George W. Hinkle.

The principal event was the massacre at Haun's mills, five miles south of the present site of Breckinridge, Caldwell County. Three militiamen were wounded and seventeen of the Mormons, two of them little boys, killed - some of them after their surrender - and their bodies were thrown into a half finished welL This massacre, for it was nothing else, was perpetrated by 250 men from Livingston and Daviess Counties, under Col. Thomas Jennings.

When the militia appeared at Far West where the principal Mormon forces were gathered, the Mormons surrendered, agreeing to Gen. Lucas' conditions, viz. : That they should deliver up rms, j- iv the expenses of the war, surrender their promit leaders for trial, and the remainder of the Mormons should, prith their families, leave the State.

I'h,. Leaders were taken before a court of inquiry at Richmond. Judge Austin A. King presiding. He remanded them to D riess Cuinty to await the action of the grand jury on a charge of treason against the State. The Daviess County jail being poor, they were confined at Liberty. Indictments for various offenses - treason, murder, robbery, receiving stolen goods, arson, resisting legal process, etc., - were found against Joseph Smith, Hiram Smith, Sidney Rigdon, G. W. Hinkle, Parley P. Pratt and a number of others. Sidney Rigdon was released on a writ of habeas corpus. The others requested a change of venue, and Judge King sent their cases to Boone I unty for trial. On their way to Columbia, under a military guard, Joe Smith effected his escape. It is generally believed that the guard was bribed, subsequently, P. P. Pratt and others also escaped; some of the prisoners were acquitted, and the indictments dismissed against all the others. In connection with the removal of the Mormons, and according to the terms of their surrender, there were many terrible scenes. Numbers of them were poor, and had invested their all in lands from which they were about to be driven. Valuable farms were traded for an old wagon, a horse, a yoke of oxen, or anything that would furnish means of transportation. In many instances, conveyances of lands were demanded and enforced at the muzzle of the pistol or the rifle. Nearly 4,000 Mormons removed from Caldwell County to Nauvoo, 111.

Constitutional Convention Of 1845

At the August election of 1845, sixty-six members were chosen by the people to remodel the constitution. Representation under the old constitution, which allowed each county at least one representative, and limited the whole number to 100 members in the lower branch of the General Assembly, had become very unequal. Chiefly to remedy this irregularity, but at the same time for other purposes, the convention was called.

organized by the election of Kobert W. Wells as president; Claiborne F. Jackson, vice-president, and R. Walker, secretary. Some of the most able and distinguished men of the State were members of this body. The whole organic law was reviewed, and, in many material respects, remodeled. The convention adopted (ayes, forty-nine, nays, thirteen) a new constitution, and submitted it to the people, and adjourned sine die January 14, 1846. During the canvass the constitution was very generally discussed by the newspapers and candidates, and finally, at the August election, rejected by about 9,000 majority, the whole number of votes cast being about 60,000.

The Mexican War

From 1821 to 1836 the vast territory lying between Louisiana and Mexico had been a province of the latter country. It had been the policy of Spain and Mexico to keep Texas uninhabited, in order that the vigorous race of Americans might not encroach on the Mexican borders. At last, however, a large land grant was made to Moses Austin, of Connecticut, on condition that he would settle 300 American families within the limits of his domain. Afterward the grant was confirmed to his son Stephen, with the privilege of establishing 500 additional families of immigrants. Thus the foundation of Texas was laid by people of the English race.

Owing to the oppressive policy adopted by Mexico, the Texans, in 1835, raised the standard of rebellion. Many adventurers and some heroes from the United States flocked to their aid. In the first battle fought at Gonzales, 1,000 Mexicans were defeated by a Texan force numbering 500. On March 6, 1836, a Texan fort, called the Alamo, was surrounded by a Mexican army, commanded by Pres. Santa Anna. The feeble garrison was overpowered and massacred under circumstances of great atrocity. David Crocket, an ex-congressman of Tennessee, and a famous hunter, was one of the victims of the butchery. In the next month was fought the decisive battle of San Jacinto, which gave to Texas her freedom. The independence of the new State was acknowledged by the United States, Great Britain and France.

On the 1st of March, 1844, Texas was admitted into the American Union as a sovereign State, and on the 4th of July, 1845, the Texan Legislature ratified the act of annexation. Knowing the warlike attitude of Mexico, the authorities of Texas sent an immediate and urgent request to the President to dispatch an army for their protection. Accordingly, Gen. Zachary Taylor was ordered to occupy Texas. The real issue between that State and .Mexico was concerning boundaries. Texas claimed the Eio Grande as her Western limit, while Mexico was determined to have the Nueces as the separating line. The territory between the two rivers was in dispute. Having made an unsuccessful attempt to settle the difficulty by negotiation, the American Government sent Gen. Taylor to Corpus Christi, at the mouth of the Nueces, where, by the beginning of November, 1845, he had concentrated a force of 4,000 or 5,000 men. In the following January Gen. Taylor was ordered to advance to the Rio Grande. He took his station opposite Matamoras and hastily erected a fortress, afterward named Fort Brown.

In April, 1846, Mexico declared war against the United States, and this was promptly followed by a counter declaration, on the part of the American Congress, against Mexico. Soon after this exchange of challenges, the Mexicans crossed the Rio Grande in strong force, headed by their famous generals, Arista and Ampudia, and, on the 8th and 9th of May, at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Pal ma, were met and repulsed with great slaughter by Gen. Taylor.

When the news of the battles on the Rio Grande was borne through the Union, the national spirit was everywhere aroused, and party dissensions were hushed into silence. A call was made for 50,000 volunteers, and Missouri was not backward among her sister States in responding to the appeal. The St. Louis Legion, a military organization under command of Col. A. R. Easton, quickly prepared for the field of action. Supplies were raised for them by liberal subscriptions on the part of the citizens, and in a few days they departed for the seat of war. The American forces were organized in three divisions: the Army of the West, under Gen. Kearney, to cross the Rocky Mountains and conquer the northern Mexican provinces ; the Army of the Center, under Gen. Scott as commander-in-chief, to march from the Gulf coast into the heart of the enemy's country; and the Army of Occupation, commanded by Gen. Taylor, to subdue and hold the districts on the Rio Grande. About the middle of May, 1846, Gov. Edwards, of Missouri, called for mounted volunteers to join the first of these divisions, which was about to undertake an expedition to Santa Fe. By the 18th of June the full complement of companies to compose the First Regiment had arrived at Fort Leavenworth, the appointed rendezvous. These volunteers were from the counties of Jackson, Lafayette, Clay, Saline, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway. Alexander W. Doniphan, of Clay, was elected colonel; C. F. Ruff, lieutenantcolonel, and William Gilpin, major. The battalion of light artillery, from St. Louis, was commanded by Capts. R. H. Weightman and A. W. Fischer, with Maj. M. L. Clark as its field officer. Battalions of infantry from Platte and Cole Counties were commanded by Capts. Murphy and W. Z. Augney, respectively. The Laclede Rangers, from St. Louis, were led by Capt. Thomas B. Henderson.

In all, Gen. Kearney had 1,658 men and sixteen pieces of ordnance. After a long and wearisome march he reached Santa Fe, and on the 18th of August captured and garrisoned the city. The whole of New Mexico submitted without resistance. With a body of 400 dragoons Kearney then continued his march toward the Pacific coast, leaving Col. Doniphan in command of New Mexico.

With a body of 700 fearless men, this latter officer made one of the most brilliant movements of the war. He undertook a march through the enemy's country, from Santa Fe to Saltillo, a distance of more than 800 miles. Reaching the Rio Grande on Christmas day, he fought and gained the battle of Bracito; then crossing the river, captured El Paso, and in two months pressed his way to within twenty miles of Chihuahua. On the banks of Sacramento Creek he met the Mexicans in overwhelming numbers, and on the 28th of February completely routed them. He then marched unopposed into Chihuahua, a city of more than 40,000 inhabitants, and finally reached the division of Gen. Wool in safety.

of Congress from Missouri, resigned, and was appointed by President Polk to command another regiment of Missouri volunteers to reinforce fche Army of the West. This force consisted of a full mounted regiment, one mounted extra battalion, and one extra battalion of Mormon infantry. These troops were raised in the Counties of Boone, Benton, Carroll, Chariton, Linn, Livingston, Monroe, Kandolph, Ste. Genevieve and St. Louis, with Lieut, -Col. David Willock's extra battalion from Marion, Bay and Platte.

Col. Price's command took up the line of march for Santa Fe, over the same route pursued by Doniphan and Kearney, and arrived on September 28, three days after Kearney's departure for California.

In the winter of 1847 an insurrection against the American authority broke out in New Mexico, and on the 24th of January Col. Price met the enemy, numbering about 2,000 men, at Canada, and repulsed them with a slight loss on both sides. He totally routed them at El Embudo, on January 29. On February 3 he found the Mexicans and Indians strongly fortified at Taos, and engaged them on the following day with shot and shell. The battle raged all day, and at night the Mexicans surrendered. Price's loss in these three engagements was but fifteen killed and forty - seven wounded. Afterward, by order of Gen. Price, twenty-one of the Mexican leaders were hung.

In August, 1847, Gov. Edwards made another requisition for 1,000 infantry to follow Col. Price's command. The regiment was organized immediately, and Maj. John Dougherty, of Clay County, was chosen colonel, but before it inarched the President countermanded the order under which it was raised.

Another regiment of mounted volunteers (the Third Missouri Eegiment) was formed to serve during the Mexican War. It was commanded by Col. John Kails, of Balls County, and was mustered into service about May, 1847. A portion of this regiment went as far as El Paso, Chihuahua and Santa Cruz De Bosales, and at the latter place participated in a battle against the Mexicans under Gen. Trias. The enemy were in the town and sheltered by breastworks, but after fighting all day were obliged to surrender with their arms, ammunition, wagons and teams, he Americans were commanded by Gen. Sterling Price.

The war was now drawing to a close. Everywhere the arms of the United States had been victorious, and on February 2, 1848, a treaty was concluded between the two belligerent nations. By the terms of settlement the boundary line between Mexico and the United States was fixed as follows: The Rio Grande from its mouth to the southern limit of New Mexico; thence westward along the southern, and northward along the western boundary of that Territory to the river Gila; thence down that river to the Colorado; thence westward to the Pacific. The whole of New Mexico and Upper California was relinquished to the United States. Mexico guaranteed the free navigation of the Gulf of California, and the Colorado River from its mouth to the confluence of the Gila. In consideration of these territorial acquisitions and privileges, the United States agreed to surrender all places held by military occupation in Mexico; to pay into the treasury of that country $15,000,000, and to assume all debts due from the Mexican Government to American citizens, said debts not to exceed $3,500,000. Thus, at last, was the territory of the United States spread out in one broad belt from ocean to ocean.

The Great Fire At St. Louis

"On the evening of the 19th of that month a fire broke out on the steamer 'White Cloud,' lying at the wharf between Vine and Cherry Streets, and set at defiance every effort to arrest its progress. The flames very soon communicated to four other boats lying contiguous. By the action of the fire, the 'White Cloud' became loosened from her fastenings, and drifted out into the stream and among the other steamers in port. In a short time the spectacle of twenty-three boats on fire presented itself. The immense conflagration was a mile in length. The levee being covered with combustible materials, bales, barrels, boxes, etc., the fire reached the city and whole blocks were swept away. The area of the burnt district will be understood by the statement that Front Street, from Locust to Market, was entirely destroyed, with the exception of two or three houses on Commercial Street. Between Commercial and the levee, there was not one left. In this immense conflagration there were twenty-three steamboats, three barges and one canal boat destroyed, whose total value with fcheir cargoes was estimated at $439,000. The whole value of property destroyed amounted to over $3,000,000.'"

The Jackson Resolutions

The sixteenth General Assembly of the State of Missouri, which convened at Jefferson City, December 25, 1848, will ever be remembered on account of its passage of the famous "Jackson Resolutions." The occasion of these was a bill called the "Wilniot-Anti-Slavery Proviso," which had been introduced into the preceding Congress by Hon. David Wilmot of Pennsylvania, prohibiting the extension of slavery into the recently acquired Territories. Slave holders throughout the Southern States were exceedingly agitated over this measure, seeing that it must effectually put an end to the formation of new pro-slavery States, thus giving the majority of members in Congress to the anti-slavery party, and insuring the final triumph of the Free Soilers. As a result of the excitement in Missouri, Carty Wells, a Democratic State senator from Lincoln County, introduced into the Upper House of the Legislature a series of resolutions on various subjects suggested by the Wilmot Proviso, which was referred to the Senate Committee on Federal Relations. On January 15, 1849, Claiborne F. Jackson, senator from Howard County, reported from this committee to the Senate the following modification of Mr. Wells' resolutions:

Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri. That the Federal constitution was the result of a compromise between the conflicting interests of the State which formed it, and in no part of that instrument is to be found any delegation of power to Congress to legislate on the subject of slavery, excepting 3ome special provisions, having in view the prospective abolition of the African slave trade, made for the securing the recovery of fugitive slaves; any attempt, therefore, on the part of Congress to legislate on the subject, so as to affect the institution of slavery in the States, in the District of Columbia, or in the Territories, is, to say the least, a violation of the principles upon which that instrument was founded.

2. That the Territories acquired by the blood and treasure of the whole nation ought to be governed for the common benefit of the people of all the States, and any organization of the Territorial Governments, excluding the citizens of any part of the Union from removing to such Territories with their property, would be an exercise of power, by Congress, inconsistent with the spirit upon which our Federal compact was based, insulting to the sovereignty

3. That the General Assembly regard the conduct of the Northern States on the subject of Slavery as releasing the slave-holding States from all further adherence to the basis of compromise fixed on by the act of Congress of March 6, 1820, even if such act ever did impose any obligation upon the slave-holding" States, and authorizes them to insist upon their rights under the constitution; but for the sake of harmony, and for the preservation of our Federal Union, they will sanction the application of the principles of the Missouri Compromise to the recent territorial acquisitions, if by such concession future aggressions upon the equal rights of the States may be arrested and the spirit of anti-slavery fanaticism be extinguished.

4. The right to prohibit slavery in any Territory belongs exclusively to the people thereof, and can only be exercised by them in forming their constitution for a State government, or in their sovereign capacity as an independent State.

5. That in the event of the passage of any act of Congress conflicting with the principles herein expressed, Missouri will be found in hearty co-operation with the slave-holding States, in such measures as may be deemed necessary for our mutual protection against the encroachments of Northern fanaticism.

The scope of this work forbids a detailed account of the discussion which followed the introduction of these resolutions into the General Assembly, as wrell as the names of the many distinguished men who took opposing sides upon the question of their adoption. The Jackson resolutions were finally adopted after much opposition, particularly in the Lower House, where a strong but unsuccessful attempt was made to modify them.

Perhaps the chief object in the introduction and passage of the resolutions was the retirement of Senator Thomas H. Benton. His course in and out of the Senate had become obnoxious to many of the Democratic politicians of the State, who determined to get rid of him. They knew he would not obey the instructions contained in the resolutions, and this would furnish an excuse for a refusal to return him for another term. There was much excitement throughout the State, and the feeling was still farther intensified by the course of Senator Benton, who appealed from the Legislature to the people, and prosecuted a canvass against the resolutions, denouncing them in powerful and passionate speeches, as tending to the dismemberment of the Union.

That Col. Benton was right in his position, although, perhaps, intemperate in its defense, is perfectly apparent in the light of subsequent events; but his crusade against the " Jackson Resolutions" resulted in his defeat at the next election, when, after thirty years of loyal service toward his State and Nation, he was succeeded in 1851 by the Whig candidate, Henry S. Geyer, an eminent lawyer of St. Louis, who was chosen by Democratic votes.

Organization Of Kansas And Nebraska

Missouri was admitted as a slave State in 1820, only upon the terms of the Missouri Compromise, which forever prohibited involuntary servitude in territory north of 36° 30 ' , now constituting Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and a portion of Minnesota. And now this great domain was to be organized into territorial governments. Already into these vast regions the tide of immigration was pouring, and it became necessary to provide for the future. In December, 1852, Hon. Willard P. Hall, of Missouri, introduced a bill into the United States House of Representatives, to organize the Territorv of Platte, which was designed to embrace the country above mentioned. Having been referred to the Committee on Territories, that committee, in February, 1853, reported a bill to establish a territorial government in the Territory of Nebraska. As this bill did not contemplate a repeal of the Missouri Compromise, it was opposed in the House by all the Southern delegations. The only senators from the South who voted for it were David R. Atchison and Henry S. Geyer, of Missouri. On January 16, 1854, when the subject again oame before the Senate, Senator Dixon, of Kentucky, gave notice that whenever the Nebraska bill should be called up, he would move an amendment to the effect that the Missouri Compromise, drawing the line of 36° 30' north latitude, and forever prohibiting slavery or involuntary servitude north of said line, should not be so construed as to apply to the Territory contemplated by the act, or to any other Territory of the United States, but that the citi- zeris of the several States or Territories should be at liberty to take and hold their slaves within any of the Territories or States to be founded therefrom. That is to say, in plain language, that the Missouri Compromise should be made null and void. The announcement of this amendment in Congress was immediately followed by the most intense excitement throughout the country, Indeed, the introduction, in 1848, of the Wilmot Proviso, did not rouse the people in a greater degree.

On January 23, 1854, Senator Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois, reported from the Committee on Territories a bill which provided for the organization of the region of country embraced by Mr. Hall's bill, known as the Platte country, from the Platte Hiver, which flows through it into two Territories, namely, Kansas and Nebraska. As Senator Douglas' bill must always be an important document in history, we transcribe some part of it. **********

Sec. 21. And be it further enacted, That, in order to avoid misconstruction, it is hereby declared to be the true intent and meaning of this act, so far as the question of slavery is concerned, to carry into practical operation the following propositions and principles, established by the compromise measures of 1850, to wit :

First. That all questions pertaining to slavery in the Territories, and in the new States to be formed therefrom, are to be left to the decision of the people residing therein, through their Appropriate representatives.

Second. That all cases involving title to slaves and questions of personal freedom, are referred to the adjudication of the local tribunals, with the right of appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Third. That the provisions of the constitution and laws of the United States, in respect to fugitives from service, are to be carried into faithful execution in all the organized Territories, the same as in the States.

the constitution and laws of the United States, which are not locally applicable, shall have the same force and effect within the said Territory of Kansas as elsewhere within the United States, except the eight sections of the act preparatory to the admission of Missouri into the Union, approved March 6, 1820, which was superseded by the principles of the legislation of 1850, commonly called the compromise measures, and is declared inoperative.

The debate which ensued upon the introduction of this bill, known as the " Kansas-Nebraska Bill," was conducted with great ability, and lasted several weeks. On February 6 Hon. S.

P. Chase, a senator from Ohio, who was afterward Secretary of the Treasury under Lincoln's administration, and finally chief justice of the United States, moved to strike out so much of the bill as declared the Missouri Compromise " superseded " by the compromise of 1850, but the motion was defeated. On February 15 Mr. Douglas moved to strike out the clause objected to by Mr. Chase, and insert the following :

" Which being inconsistent with the principle of non-intervention by Congress with slavery in the States and Territories, as recognized by the legislation of 1850 (commonly called the compromise measures) is hereby declared inoperative and void; it being the true intent and meaning of this act not to legislate slavery into any Territory or State nor to exclude it therefrom, but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to form and regulate their domestic institutions in their own way, subject only to the constitution of the United States."

This amendment embodied what was afterward known as the doctrine of "squatter sovereignty.'1 It was at once adopted by the Senate; but Mr. Chase and others, not having full confidence that it was not the true intent and meaning of the act "to legislate slavery into any Territory or St.it moved to add, after the words " United States," the follow ing:

"Under which the people of the Territories, through their appropriate representatives, may, if they Bee tit. prohibit the existence of slavery therein."

Mr. Chase's amendment was vott'd down. From January until May, Mr. Douglas' report was debated in Congres !>\ the Kansas- Nebraska bill the Missouri Compromise was virtually repealed, and the old settlement of the slavery question overthrown at a single blow. All the bitter sectional animosities of the past were aroused in full force, The bill * i violently opposed by a majority of the representatives from the Easl and North; but the minority, uniting with the c tngressmeD of the South, enabled Douglas to carry his measure through Congress, and in May, 1854, the bill received the sanction of the President

Kansas itself now became a battlefield for th< attending parties; whether the new State should admit slaver] 01 D depended upon the vote of the people. Both tactions made l rush for the Territory in order to secure a majority. The people of Missouri were especially interested in the situation. Apprehensive that Kansas would become a free State, and that Missouri would in the future occupy the position of a slave-holding peninsula, jutting out into a sea of free soil, with Illinois and Iowa at the east and north, and Kansas and Nebraska on the west, many of her citizens, especially on the Kansas border, became seriously alarmed for the safety of their slaves, and in the excitement of the conflict were induced without authority of law to cross over into Kansas, and. carrying ballots in one hand and arms in the other, to coerce the new State into the Union with a pro-slavery constitution.

The Btruggle between the hostile parties in Kansas and on the Missouri border resulted in a series of desultory but bloody encounters, >.>in.><.|' which assumed the proportions of battles.

Largo and fiercely excited public meetings were held in Missouri, and at times in some Localities a reign of intolerance and proscription prevailed. This was intensified in that portion of the,

An election held in the new State in November of 1854 resulted in the choice of a pro-slavery delegate to Congress, and, in the general territorial election of the following year, the same party was triumphant. The State Legislature thus chosen assembled at Lecompton, organized the government, and framed a constitution permitting slavery. The Free Soil party declaring the general election to have been illegal, on account of fraudgg HISTORY OF MISSOURI.

ulent voting, assembled in convention at Topeka, September 25, 1855, framed a constitution excluding slavery, and organized a rival o-overnment. Civil war broke out between the factions.

From the autumn of 1855 until the following summer the Territory was the scene of constant turmoil and violence. The people of the North held meetings to enlist additional settlers, cash poured into the Tribune fund, and food, clothing, seeds, arms and money were sent in quantities to the Free Soil settlers.

On September 8, 1856, John W. Geary, of Pennsylvania, was appointed governor. He issued a proclamation of peace, and promised the settlers protection in their persons, pursuits and property. They therefore laid down their arms. This was no sooner done than an army from the Southern States attacked Lawrence, which had before been the scene of much violence; but Gov. Geary, calling out the United States troops. finally induced the invaders to retire. On January 26, L857, the free legislature met at Topeka, but was dispersed by the Tinted States marshal, who captured several members and threw them into jail at Tecumseh. The pro-slavery people qow met in Legislature at Lecompton and adopted a resolution calling a convention to frame another State constitution.

Gov. Geary resigned because the pro-slavery United States Senate refused to uphold some of his measures, and Robert J. Walker, of Mississippi, was appointed to BUOOeed him. Gk>V. Walker guaranteed protection to the settlers on election day, rejected fraudulent returns, condemned both the LecomptoD constitution and the methods of promulgation, and Btarted Cor Washington to prevent Congress from accepting it. The President had officially signed the instrument before the arrival of Gov, Walker, and the latter promptly resigned. .J. W. Denver ^( California was appointed to succeed him.

An election was held for the rejection or adoption of the pro-slavery clauses of the Lecompton constitution, December 21, 1856. The Free-State men did not go to the polls, and the fraudulent instrument was therefore adopted bj a Note of 6,1 13 to 5! B The pro-slavery legislature ordered a vote for State officers und< the Lecompton constitution, January !. L858 The settle] legislature then submitted that constitution to the peopl a

-whole, to be accepted or rejected, this election also to take place on January 4, 1858. It was rejected by a majority of 10,226. Congress, after a long discussion, again sent the Lecompton constitution to a v<>t^ of the people, and again it was rejected by a majority of 10,000 votes, on August 3, 1858. Gov. Denver then resigned, and Samuel Medary, of Ohio, succeeded him.

The settlers* legislature submitted another constitution, which was adopted. & >me portions of it proving unsatisfactory, another convention was called, and at last the new constitution, forever prohibiting slavery, was promulgated at Wyandotte, July 4, 1859, and was adopted in October by a 4,000 majority. On December

6, 1859, a State election was held under the new constitution, and Charles Robinson, who had been chosen governor under the first Topeka constitution, in L856, was once more elected to that offii

The fact- thus briefly Btated constitute the civil history of the struggle in Kansas. A fratricidal war raged over her rich plains for three rears. Bloodshed, robbery, devastation and tire Bpread like a pestilence through her humble settlements, ami but a faint shadow of the tearful events <<i thai period is oast upon these pages.

played a prominent part. Senator Green opposed the views of Mr, Douglas, and, as the acknowledged leader of the pro-slavery party, maintained Ids ground with rare ability and eloquence. Coining into the Senate, in L857, during the discussion of the question of the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton constitution, he supported the policy of the administration in speeches distinguished not only by perspicuity of style, hut by powers of argument which called forth commendations, even from those who did not share his convictions.

A few days after the inauguration of President Buchanan (1857), the Supreme court of the United States delivered the celebrated opinion known in American history as "The Dred Scott Decision."

Dred Scott was a negro slave belonging to Dr. Emerson, who was a surgeon in the army of the United States. In 1834 Dr. Emerson took Scott from the State of Missouri to the military post at Kock Island, 111., and held him there as a slave until April or May, 1836. At the time last mentioned, Dr. Emerson removed Scott to Fort Snelling, Minn., and there held him until 1838. At the latter place Scott was married to a colored woman who had been taken to Fort Snelling by her master in 1835, and had been subsequently sold there to Dr. Emerson. Two children were born of this marriage, and then the whole family were taken back to St. Louis and sold. Dred thereupon brought a complaint of assault and battery against John F. A. Sandford, the purchaser of himself, his wife and children, which was tried in the United States Circuit court for the District of Missouri.

Before beginning this suit Scott had brought another in the State courts of Missouri for his freedom, on the ground that having been a resident of a free State and a free Territory, he thereby relieved himself from the chains of bondage and became a citizen of the United States. The inferior court gave judgment in his favor, but on a writ of error to the Supreme court of the State the judgment was reversed and the case remanded for a new trial. By consent this action was continued to await decision on the suit for assault and battery against Sandford, brought in the Federal court.

At the conclusion of the trial Scott's attorney asked the court to charge the jury, on the agreed statement of facts, to find for the plaintiff. This was refused, and the jury being instructed that the law was with the defendant, was ordered so to find. The verdict accordingly was that the plaintiff, bis wife and children were slaves, as alleged by Sandford, and thai therefore they had no rights in the court, and no redress against their master for personal violence.

Scott's attorney filed a bill of exception to the charge of the court, and thereupon carried the case by writ of error to the United States Supreme court. After a delay of Dearly three years a decision was finally reached in March, L857. Chief Justice Taney, speaking for the court, decided that negroes, whether free or slave, were not citizens of the United States, and that they could not become such by any process known to the constitution; that under the laws of the United States a negro could neither sue nor be sued, and that therefore the court had no jurisdiction of Dred Scott's cause; that a slave was to be regarded in the light of a personal chattel, and that he might be removed from place to place by his owner as any other piece of property ; that the constitution gave to every slave holder the right of removing to or through any State or Territory with his slaves, and of returning with them, at will, to a State where slavery was recognized by law; and that therefore the Missouri Compromise of 1820, as well as the compromise measures of 1850, was unconstitutional and void. In these opinions six of the associate justices of the Supreme bench - Wayne, Nelson, Grier, Daniel, Campbell and Catron - concurred; while two associates - Judges McLean and Curtis - dissented The decision of the majority, which was accepted as fche opinion of the court, gave great satisfaction to the ultra slave-holding people of the South. Observing that the control of Congress and the Government was slowly passing out of their hands by the tremendous expansion of the North, and the growth of the spirit of freedom, they hoped, before it was too Late, to so wall in and hedge about their peculiar institution, that future Congresses would be unable and would not dare attempt to reach it by legislative enactments.

At the North, on the contrary, the decision excited thousands of indignant comments, and much bitter opposition. This indignation could not be expended in mere words, but crystallized into a well-grounded determination to resist in the free States the enforcement of the laws of the slave States which contravened or were repugnant to their own.

Events Preceding The Civil War

The presidential campaign of 1860 must ever be regarded as one of the most important in the history of the republic, as the canvass of that year was one of the most exciting. Four candidates were in the field. The Republican party nominated Abraham Lincoln, on a platform in which opposition to the further extension of slavery was declared to be the vital issue. The Democratic convention, assembled at Charleston, divided on the question of slavery in the Territories, and, after a long and stormy session, the party was disrupted, and the "Southern Rights" delegates withdrew from the convention. They met first at Kichmond and afterward at Baltimore, where they nominated for president John C. Breckinridge, of Kentucky. The squatter sovereignty Democrats nominated Stephen A. Douglas the apostle of popular sovereignty. Still another - the "American" party, or Constitutional Unionists - chose John Bell, of Tennessee, as their candidate.

The contest resulted in the election of Mr. Lincoln. The leaders of the South had declared that his election would be considered as a just cause for the dissolution of the Union. The Government was under the control of the Douglas Democrats, but a majority of the cabinet and a large number of members of Congress in both Houses were supporters of Mr. Breckinridge, and the advocates of disunion. It was now evident that under the new administration all the departments of the Government must pass into the power of the Republican party. Disunion was now possible, but the opportunity would shortly be past. The attitude of President Buchanan favored the measure. He was not himself a disunionist, but he did not consider that he had the constitutional right to coerce a sovereign State. The interval, therefore, between the presidential election of November, 1860, and the inauguration of the following March was improved to its full extent by the political leaders of the South.

Secession

On the 17th of December, I860, a convention assembled at Charleston, S. C, passed a resolution declaring that the union hitherto existing between that State and others, under the name of the United States of America, was dissolved. The cotton-growing States were almost unanimous in support of the measure. By the 1st of February, 1861, six other States - Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas - had withdrawn from the Union. Nearly all the senators and representatives of those States resigned their Beats in Congress, and joined the disunion cause.

movement, although in some instances a large minority vote was cast. A few of the speakers denounced disunion as wrong in principle and tending to certain rain. Alexander H. Stevens, afterward vice-president of the Confederate States, while advocating the doctrine of State sovereignty and the right of secession, spoke against the latter as a practical measure on the ground that it was impolitic and disastrous. Not a few prominent men at the South held similar views, and yet were governed by the opinion of the majority.

On the 4th day of February, 1861, delegates from six of the seceded States met at Montgomery, Ala., and formed a new government under the name of the Confederate States of America. On the 8th of the same month, the government was organized by the election of Jefferson Davis, of Mississippi, as provisional president, and Alexander H. Stevens as vice-president.

clared in Congress, that, unless California should be admitted as a slave State, they would break up the Union, albeit they would doit " calmly and peaceably." Daniel Webster arose in his majesty and uttered this remarkable and prophetic warning : -

"I hear with pain, anguish and distress the words secession; peaceable secession! Sir. your eyes and mine are never destined to see that miracle - the dismemberment of this vast country - without convulsion! The breaking up of the fountains of the great deep without ruffling the surface! Who is so foolish as to expect to see such a thing P Sir, he who sees these States now revolving in harmony around a common center, and expects to see them quit their places and fly off without convulsion, may look the next hour to see the heavenly bodies rush from their spheres and jostle against each other in realms of space, without producing the crash of the universe. There can be no such thing as peaceable secession. Peaceable secession is an utter impossibility. Is the great constitution under which we live here, cov ering the whole country, is it to be thawed and melted away by secession, as the snows of the mountains melt under the influence of the vernal sun, disappear almost unobserved and die off? No sir! No sir! I see it as plainly as I see the sun in heaven. I see disruption must produce such a war as I will not describe in its two-fold character."

The Beginning Of Hostilities

The American nation seemed on the verge of ruin. The Government was for the time being paralyzed. The army was stationed in scattered detachments on remote frontiers. The fleet was dispersed in distant seas. President Buchanan was distracted with hesitancy and the contradictory counsels of his friends. With the exception of Forts Sumter and Moultrie in Charleston Harbor, Fort Pickens near Pensacola, and Fortress Monroe in the Chesapeake, all the important posts in the seceded States had been seized and occupied by the Confederates, even before the organization of their government.

In vain had Gen. Scott, lieutenant-general of the United States army, observing the energy of the Secessionists, repeatedly urged upon the President that strong garrisons be sent to the imperiled fortresses, some of which were indifferently occupied and some not at all. Scott was not allowed to do anything to save the United States forts, or even to send a warning to tho handfuls of soldiers who garrisoned them, until it was too Late to avail. Early in January, 1861, the President mad.' a feeble effort t<> reinforce and provision the garrison at Fort Sumter. The steamer " Star of the West" was sent with m»Mi and supplies, bni upon approaching Charleston harbor it was fired upon by a Confederate battery, and was obliged to return without performing itmission.

In March Abraham Lincoln was Inaugurated as President of the United States, and entered upon the duties of his offioe. William H. Seward, of New York. was chosen - rotary of State; Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; Simon Cameron, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of War, succeeded in the following January by Edwin M. Stanton, and Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy. Lincoln declared, both in bis inaugural address and in his early official papers, thai the efforts of the new administration would be directed to the n covery of the forts, arsenals and other public property which had been seized by the Confederate authorities, and it was with this intention that the first mili tar y preparations were made, With the second attempt of the Government to reinforce Fori Sumter came the actual beginning of hostilities.

The defenses of Charleston Harbor were held by Maj. Robert Anderson with only seventy-nine men. He had deemed it prudent to evacuate Fort Moultrie and retire to Sumter, which was situated on an island in front of the city but at some distance. That occupancy having been decided to be " a menace to the free people of the State," Fort Sumter was attacked by Gen. Beauregard, April 12, 1861, on the order of George W. Randolph, secretary of war for the Confederacy. On the 14th, Maj. Anderson and his gallant little band were forced to surrender, and thus were the fountains of the great deep broken up, deluging the South in blood, and turning her smiling fields to lation.

On the loth of April, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the South t<> be in a ^tate of rebellion, and calling for 75.000 militia ''to repossess the forts, places and properly Beized from pledged men ami troops to suppress the Rebellion, and such Democratic leaders as Stephen A. Douglas, Matthew II. Carpenter, Daniel s. Dickinson, John J. Crittenden and Benjamin F. Butler announced their heart] Buppori iA' the President Jefferson Davis also issued a proclamation, two days later than that of Lincoln, calling upon the ugood people of the Confederacy" to rally and drive <»ut "the invaders.91 On the same day Virginia seceded from the 1'nion; <»n Mm\ »'» Arkansas followed her example, and then North Carolina on the 20th of the same

Maryland were divided in their opinions, but the disunion sentiment prevailed largely. In Missouri, as will presently be seen, the movement resulted in civil war, while in Kentucky the authorities issued a proclamation of neutrality.

ing through Baltimore on their way to Washington, were attacked by the citizens with stones and fire-arms, and three men were killed. This was the first bloodshed of the war. On the preceding day a body of Confederate soldiers advanced on the armory of the United States at Harper's Ferry. The officer in charge destroyed a portion of the vast stores collect e d there, and then escaped into Pennsylvania. On the 20th of the month, another company of Virginians attacked the great navy yard at Norfolk. The Federal officers commanding fired the buildings, sank the vessels, spiked the guns, and withdrew their forces. Most of the cannons and many of the vessels were afterward recovered by the Confederates, the property thus captured amounting to fully $10,000,000.

The Southern forces poured into Virginia in such numbers that for a time the city of Washington seemed in danger. May 3 the President called for 83,000 more soldiers, whose term of enlistment should be for three years, or daring the continuation of the war. Lieut. -Gen. Winfield Scott was made commander-in-chief of the United States force-. A- many war shipas could be mustered were sent to blockade the Southern harbors. In the seceded States, also, there were tireless preparation and activity. Eichmond was chosen as the capital <>f the Confederacy. Mr. Davis and the officers of his cabinet had already repaired thither, for the purpose of directing the affairs of the government and the army. So stood the opposing powers in the beginning of the summer of L861,

Having thus outlined the causes of the war. and the breaking out of actual hostilities, lot us turn to our own Stat.' and Bee what part she bore in the mighty conflict

The people of Missouri had been, as we have set d, deeply involved in the agitation caused by the territorial questions connected with the subject of slavery. Moreover, the State « largely populated by emigrants from Kentucky. Virginia and other Southern States, or by their descendants, and naturally people, and they were not, in the fans we omit because they have message, to be frightened from their0 of the resolutions will atfriendly legislation of the North, or dragster: the first, containthe restrictive legislation of the extreme SouttP adequate cause to The General Assembly met in Jefferson City '^Federal Union; 1860, under peculiarly embarrassing circumstances.1 siDg ground before it convened South Carolina had passed an ordiie secedseoession, and before the 20tfa of January four other Sout*. Btatefl had followed her example. Besides this, the preceding* national and State canvass had resulted in returning to the State Legislature representatives of each of the four political parties into which the people were divided. There were, in each branch of the Genera] Assembly, Breckinridge Democrats, Douglas Democrats, Onion or Bell-Everett men, and Republicans, and in neither Senate nor Bouse was any one of these parties dominant January 4, 1861, Claiborne 1 ' ickson, author of the famous u Jackson Resolution,'1 was inaugurated as governor, having been elected l>\ the Douglas Democrats. While Gov. Stewart'e farewell m< included with an eloquent appeal Cor the maintenance of the Dnion, as be depicted the inevitable ruin and bloodshed that musi attend Bsion, Gov. Jackson's inaugural insisted that the interests of all the slave-holding States were the State was in favor of remaining in the Union as long as there was any hope of maintaining the guarantees of the constitution, but that, in any event, he was utterly opposed to coercion.

Believing that Missouri was entitled to a voice in the settlement of the questions then pending in the country, he recommended the immediate call of a state convention, that the will of by Gov. Jackson, in accordance with an act of the Legislature, and met at Jefferson City, February 28, 1861. Each senatorial district sent to this convention three times as many delegates as the number of members in the State Senate to which said district was entitled. In all ninety-nine members were present, and the convention was permanently organized by the election of the following officers: Sterling Price, of Chariton County, president (he was then regarded as a decided Union man) ; Eobert Wilson, of Andrew County, vice-president ; Samuel A. Lowe, of Pettis, secretary ; Eobert A. Campbell, of St. Louis, assistant secretary ; C P. Anderson, of Moniteau, door-keeper; B. W. Grover, sergeant-at-arms.

On March 9, during an adjourned meeting at St. Louis, Mr. C amble chairman of the Committee on Federal Kelations, re- Dorted from the majority of that committee a list of resolutions, which after some amendments were adopted by the convention, which thus refused to pass the ordinance of secession.

1. Resolved, That at present there is no adequate cause to impel Missouri to dissolve her connection with the Federal Union, but on the contrary, she will labor for such an adjustment of existing troubles as will secure the peace, as well as the rights and equality of all the States.

2. Resolved, That the people of this State are devotedly attached to the institutions of our country, and earnestl}' desire that by a fair and amicable adjust" ment all the causes of disagreement that at present unfortunately distract us as a people, may be removed, to the end that our Union may be preserved and perpetuated, and peace and harmony be restored between the North and South.

3. Resolved, That the people of this State deem the amendments to the Constitution of the United States, proposed by the Hon. John J. Crittenden, of Kentucky, with the extension of the same to the territory hereafter to be acquired by treaty, or otherwise, a basis of adjustment which will successfully remove the causes of difference forever from the arena of national politics.

4. Resolved, That the people of Missouri believe the peace and quiet of the country will be i romoted by a convention to propose amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and this convention therefore urges the Legislature of this State and the other States to take the proper steps for calling such a convention in pursuance of the fifth article of the constitution ; and by providing by law for an election by the people of such number of delegates as are to be sent to such convention.

5. Resolved, That in the opinion of this convention, the employment of military force by the Federal Government to coerce the submission of the seceding States, or the employment of military force by the seceding States to assail the Government of the United States, will inevitably plunge this country into civil war, and thereby entirely extinguish the hope of an amicable settlement of the fearful issues now pending before the country ; we therefore earnestly entreat, as well the Federal Government as the seceding States, to withhold and stay the arm of military power, and on no pretense whatever bring upon the nation the horrors of civil war. And in order to the restoration of harmony and fraternal feeling between the different sections we would recommend the policy of withdrawing the Federal troops from the forts within the borders of the seceding States, when there is danger of collision between the State and Federal troops.

The sixth and seventh resolutions we omit because they have no reference to war questions. Two of the resolutions will attract the attention of every intelligent reader: the first, containing the explicit declaration that there was no adequate cause to impel Missouri to dissolve her connection with the Federal Union; and the fifth wherein the convention took uncompromising ground against the employment of military force by either the seceding States or the nation.

It was with the earnest and patriotic purpose of averting civil war that the Union men of Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee and other slave States entreated the Federal Government not to resort to military force, but after the firing upon Fort Sumter and other violent and unmistakably rebellious acts, these patriots assumed more extreme views.

Gov. Jackson And The Missouri Legislature

Upon President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, issued a telegram to all of the loyal and doubtful States, requesting each of them to detail from the militia of the State a certain number of men, as infantry or riflemen, for a period of three months.

Sir: - Your dispatch of the 15th inst., making a call on Missouri for four regiments of men for immediate service has been received. There can be, I apprehend, no doubt but these men are intended to form a part of the President's army to make war upon the people of the seceded States. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconstitutional and revolutionary in its objects, inhuman and diabolical, and cannot be complied with. Not one man will the State of Missouri furnish to carry on such an unholy crusade.

Pursuant to a proclamation of Gov. Jackson, the State Legislature convened in extra session May 2, 1861. In his message to that body, the Governor reiterated the declaration that the interests and sympathies of Missouri were identical with those of the slave-holding States, and recommended the policy of arming the people and placing the State in an attitude of defence.

The Legislature responded by passing several important measures, among which were the following : To authorize counties to loan money, not exceeding $30,000 each, to the State ; to authorize the Banks of Missouri to issue $1, $2, and $3 notes to the amount of $1,500,000, instead of the same amount of larger notes; to authorize the Governor to purchase or lease David Ballentine's foundry at Boonville for the manufacture of arms and the munitions of war; to authorize the Governor to appoint one major-general, who, in time of insurrection, invasion, or war, should command the entire military force in the field ; to authorize the Governor, whenever in his opinion the security and welfare of the State might require it, to take possession of the railroad and telegraph lines within the State ; to provide for the organization, government and support of the "Missouri State Guard;" and to authorize the Governor to borrow $1,000,000 to arm and equip the militia of the State to repel invasion, and protect the lives and property of the people.

Surrender Of Camp Jackson

By order of Gov. Jackson, the United States arsenal at Liberty, Clay County, had been seized April 20, 1861, and on the same day of the Governor's proclamation calling an extra session of the General Assembly the following general military order was issued by Warwick Hough, then adjutant general of Missouri :

First. To attain a greater degree of efficiency and perfection in organization and discipline, the commanding officers of the several military districts in this State, having four or more legally organized companies therein, whose armories are within fifteen miles of each other, will assemble their respective commands at some place to be by them severally designated, on the 3d of May, and to go into an encampment for the period of six days, as provided by law. Captains of companies not organized into battalions will report the strength of their companies immediately to these headquarters, and await further orders.

Second. The quartermaster-general will procure and issue to the quartermasters of districts, for those commands not now provided for, all necessary tents and camp equipage, to enable the commanding officers thereof to carry the foregoing orders into effect.

Third. The light battery now attached to the Southwest Battalion, and one company of mounted riflemen, including all officers and soldiers belonging to the First District, will proceed forthwith to St. Louis, and report to Gen. D. M. Frost for duty. The remaining companies of said battalion will be disbanded for the purpose of assisting in the organization of companies upon that frontier. The details in the execution of the foregoing are intrusted to Lieut. - Col. John S. Bowen, commanding the battalion.

Fourth. The strength, organization and equipment of the several companies in the districts will be reported at once to these headquarters, and division inspectors will furnish all information which may be serviceable in ascertaining the condition of the State forces.

Pursuant to this order, the military encampment of Camp Jackson, at Lindell's Grove, St. Louis, was organized May 3, by Brig. -Gen. Daniel M. Frost, of the Missouri Militia. Its object, as stated above, was said to be the attainment of greater efficiency in the organization and drill of the State troops, but there seemed to be reason for the suspicion, entertained by officers of the United States Army, that Gov. Jackson, Gen. Frost and their confreres, had some ulterior purpose in view. This purpose was believed by many to be nothing less than the seizure of the United States arsenal at St. Louis, and the military control of the State by those who, notwithstanding the anti-secession voice of the people, were determined to link her destinies with the Confederacy.

The stars and stripes floated over Camp Jackson, yet Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, commandant of the arsenal, had in view the sentiments of Gov. Jackson's inaugural and of his more recent message to the Legislature, his response to the requisition of the Secretary of War, the seizure of the arsenal at Liberty, and the fact that two of the streets in the new camp were called "Davis" and "Beauregard," after two of the most prominent leaders of the Rebellion. Also Capt. Lyon discovered that cannon and mortars in boxes, marked "Marble," and shot and shell in barrels, had been landed at the St. Louis wharf and hauled to Camp Jackson.

On the morning of May 10, Gen. Frost having been informed that the United States troops were preparing for an attack upon his camp addressed the following note to Capt. Lyon :

Sir: - I am constantly in receipt of information that you contemplate an attack upon my camp, whilst I understand that you are impressed with the idea that an attack upon the arsenal and United States troops is intended on the part of the militia of Missouri. I am greatly at a loss to know what could justify you in attacking citizens of the United States who are in the lawful performance of duties devolving upon them under the constitution in organizing and instructing the militia of the State in obedience to her laws, and therefore have been disposed to doubt the correctness of the information I have received.

I would be glad to know from you, personally, whether there is any truth in the statements that are constantly pouring into my ears. So far as regards any hostility being intendent toward the United States, its property, or representatives by any portion of my command, or as far as I can learn (and I think I am fully informed) of any other part of the State forces, I can positively say that the idea has never been entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command of the arsenal, I proffered to Maj. Bell, then in command of the very few troops constituting its guard, the services of myself and all my command, and if necessary, the whole power of the State, to protect the United States in the full possession of all her property. Upon Gen. Harney's taking command of this department, I made the same proffer of services to him, and authorized his adjutant-general, Capt. Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to the war department. 1 have had no occasion since to change any of the views I entertained at that time, neither of my own volition nor through orders of my constitutional commander.

I trust that after this explicit statement we may be able, by fully understanding each other, to keep far from our borders the misfortunes which so unhappily affect our common country.

This communication will be handed to you by Col. Bowen, my chief of staff, who will be able to explain anything not fully set forth in the foregoing.

On the day of this communication, and perhaps at the very hour of its writing, Capt. Lyon was making active preparations to march upon Camp Jackson. It was said that he refused to receive the communication from Gen. Frost.

It is, for the most part, made up of those secessionists who have openly avowed their hostility to the general Government, and have been plotting at the seizure of its property and the overthrow of its authority. You are openly in communication with the so-called Southern Confederacy, which is now at war with the United States, and you are receiving at your camp, from the said Confederacy, and under its flag, large supplies of the material of war, most of which is known to be the property of the United States. These extraordinary preparations plainly indicate none other than the well known purpose of the Governor of this State, under whose orders you are acting, and whose purpose, recently communicated to the Legislature, has just been responded to by that body in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct view hostilities to the general Government, and co-operation with its enemies.

In view of these considerations, and of your failure to disperse in obedience to the proclamation of the President, and of the imminent necessities of State policy and warfare, and the obligations imposed upon me by instructions from Washington, it is my duty to demand, and I do hereby demand of you an immediate surrender of your command, with no other conditions than that all persons surrendering, under this demand, shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing myself prepared to enforce this demand, one-half hour's time before doing so will be allowed for your compliance therewith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Capt. Lyon's command numbered between 6,000 and 7,000 men, and about twenty pieces of artillery. With this force he rapidly invested Camp Jackson, planting batteries on the overlooking heights, and allowing none to pass the lines thus formed. Many of the citizens seized whatever weapons they could lay their hands upon, and rushed to the assistance of the State troops, but were, of course, foiled in their design. Men, and numbers of women and children, flocked to the neighboring hills, wishing to obtain a view of the scene, and thinking themselves out of harm's way. Upon the receipt of Capt. Lyon's communication, Gen. Frost called a hasty consultation of the officers of his staff, and as resistance seemed mere recklessness, a surrender upon the proposed terms was quickly agreed to. The State troops were therefore made prisoners of war, but an offer was made to release them on condition that they would take an oath to support the constitution of the United States, and would swear not to take up arms against the Government.

All but eight or ten men refused to accede to these terms, on the ground that having already sworn allegiance to the United States and its Government, repeating their oath would be to admit that they had been in rebellion, which they would not concede.

camp, and entered the road, the United States soldiers enclosing them by a single file on each side of their line. Suddenly the report of fire-arms was heard from the front of the column, which was then opposite a small hill, on the left as one approaches the city. It seems that some members of the United States companies, upon being pressed by the crowd and receiving some blows from them, turned, and without orders, discharged their pieces. No one was injured, and the offending soldiers were immediately placed under arrest. Hardly, however, had quiet been restored, when repeated volleys of musketry were heard from the extreme rear ranks, which were still at the entrance to the grove, and the crowd of spectators were seen running wildly from the spot. Many, even while escaping, were shot down, and the wounded and dying made the late beautiful field look like a battle-ground. The total number of citizens killed was twentyeight, including two ladies ; the wounded numbered about twentyfive. On the part of the Federals, one officer, Capt. C. Blandowski, and one private were killed and a dozen men were wounded. As in the disturbance at the other end of the line, the arsenal troops were attacked with stones, and shots were discharged at them before they fired. Not until he himself had been seriously wounded did Capt. Blandowski give the order to fire on the mob.* Gen. Frost's command was marched to the arsenal, and there remained, as prisoners of war, until the following day. They were then released, every man, Capt. Emmet McDonald excepted, subscribing to the following parole:

St. Louis Arsenal, May. 11, 1861. We, the undersigned, do pledge our words as gentlemen that we will not take up arms nor serve in any military capacity against the United States, during the present civil war. This parole sball be returned upon our surrendering ourselves, at anytime, as prisoners of war. While we make this pledge with the full intention of observing it, we hereby protest against the injustice of its ex action.

The following letter, written by Gen. Frost to Gov. Jackson, and dated January 24, 1861, was afterward captured with other Confederate records. It pours a flood of light upon tlie events which

.,,. *Iu h.is report of the affair Gen. Lyon shy* " lht« sad results are much to be lamented The killing of innocent men, women and children is deplorable. There was DO Intention to lire upon peaceable citizens. The regular troops were over in the camp, beyond the mob, and in range Ol the faring. The troops manifested every forbearance, and at last discharged their guns in simply obi ing the impulse, natural to all, of self-defence, if Innocent men, women and children, whoso curl osity placed them in a dangerous position, suffered with the guilty, it Is no fault ol the troopt

Dear Sir: - I have just returned from the arsenal, where I have had an interview with Maj. Bell, the commanding officer of that place. I found the Major everything that you or I could desire. He assured me that he considered that Missouri had, whenever the time came, a right to claim it as being upon her soil. He asserted his determination to defend it against any and all irresponsible mobs, come from whence they might, but at the same time gave me to understand that he would not attempt any defense against the proper State authorities.