ILLS OF PIONEER LIFE. 
65 
of discomfort. Many a person in health has bravely battled with 
the ills and privations of Kansas life ; but when the pulse throbs 
with fevered heat, and disease is making a wreck of one’s self and 
every energy, the mind turns sadly backward to the pleasant 
home, and yearns for the kind friends there with an irresistible 
longing. With baking for the family in the sun’s glaring rays, 
and taking care of the invalid, I was weary, and thankful for our 
own home-roof, which has more of comfort. 
lO^A.— Was awakened by a little tree-toad on my pillow this 
morning. He must have climbed up the low roof of the ell part, 
and in at the window. I found a mouse in the tub, and a swallow 
came into the kitchen flapping his wings wildly, and seeming much 
frightened, as we were at breakfast. I am wondering if all the 
“ four-footed beasts and creeping things ” have appointed a place 
of rendezvous upon our premises; and suggest, laughingly, that 
“ the rattlesnakes will come next.” Scarcely had we finished 
breakfast, before the cry from near the wood-pile was, “Here’s a 
snake ! ” It measured about eighteen inches in length, was ugly- 
looking, and had four rattles. 
The people are talking much of what shall be done in view of 
the oppression forced upon us. Men armed with guns, revolvers, 
and bowie-knives, from another state, have carried the elections, 
driving the actual settlers from the polls with threats of certain 
death. A memorial, stating these facts, has been sent on to Con¬ 
gress ; but no relief comes —no promise of any. This Legislature 
soon proposes to hold its session, and enact laws for the people of 
this territory. They, many of them residents of Missouri, and all 
of them elected by Missouri votes, ignorant and brutal men, 
having gained their election at the point of the bowie-knife, intend 
to enact laws to govern an enlightened and intelligent people. The 
question is, shall the laws, whatever they may be, be boldly repu¬ 
diated as no laws for us, the makers being not of us; or shall the 
matter be delayed until the so-called Legislature meets ? A few 
days will decide the course to be pursued by our people ; and 
whatever is done will be done thoughtfully, and with a view to 
the greatest and most permanent good of the country. 
12 th. — It rained gently all the morning. In the afternoon 
6 * 
