130 
KANSAS. 
which the enemy have taken possession, having escaped from theii 
hands. They recognized him as some one from Lawrence, he 
having been so frequently in their camp. They disarmed him at 
first; but, on his threatening them with proceedings, they returned 
the pistol, and he is now on his way to report to Gov. Shannon the 
conduct of his militia. As they kept him a good while in camp, 
he learned much of their method of proceeding. Sentries are 
posted at all the fords on the Wakarusa, with strict orders to 
search and disarm every one attempting to pass. An old gentle¬ 
man from Lawrence is a prisoner in their camp. They keep him 
bound. 
Mr. P. attempted to persuade Mr. N. to go further up the 
river before attempting to cross, it being utter folly to try to get 
past them at that point; but, by a most skilful manoeuvre, he 
blinded the enemy in gallant style, and came through bearing 
important despatches. 
He has a very military air about him, and, as he reined in his 
horse a moment, then dashing in among the rough outposts at the 
crossing, and, in a stern voice, said, “ Why don’t you demand the 
countersign ? ” they looked astonished, and he passed through. 
They evidently supposed him to be one of their officers. Coming, 
as they have, from several different counties, the majority of the 
men and officers are strangers to each other. 
In the camp Mr. N. gave the military salute, and commenced 
an easy off-hand talk with the men. One of the unshaven apolo¬ 
gies for manhood asked, “ Did you see many of our boys coming?” 
Mr. N. replied, “Ho, I saw more returning;” as he in fact 
met fifty, whose faces were set homewards, their patience being 
wearied out with waiting for the gathering together of their 
sheriff’s posse. 
The questioner, with downcast look, then said, “ Then we 
may as well give it up; for the Lawrence boys will take us 
like mice.” 
When some of the men very blandly asked if they should take 
care of his horse, his reply, that “ he thought he would look around 
a little first,” satisfied them, and he pursued his journey. 
He soon reached the village of Pranklin, where fifty or more of 
