154 
KANSAS. 
the arrangements to speak to the governor, who sat by, an occa- 
sional word; and to one and all he was free to say, “ This is the 
happiest day of my life.” He stated also, “ that he liked the 
people of Lawrence so well, he should come to live among them. ” 
Had the people undergone a sudden transformation ? 
A rumor came in during the evening from the invading horde 
still lingering in the borders, and reached the watchful ear of the 
governor. 4 ‘His militia” were so indignant with him for the 
truce, that they threatened him with lynching, and an immediate 
attack upon Lawrence. He is fearful, and lacks the boldness of a 
man who has done his duty. Lynching is rather an unpleasant 
mode of making one’s exit, and especially undignified to a person 
holding the honorable office of governor. Such a terminus to his 
career must be avoided. A simple remedy is at hand, and the 
fluttering heart says “ Save me from my friends.” Feeling doubt¬ 
less like the man who “ digged a pit for his enemies, but into it 
he fell,” he signed the commission of Generals Eobinson and Lane,* 
authorizing them to use the force under them, a properly con¬ 
stituted militia, and make good their defence. 
The following is the document in question: — 
“ To Charles Eobinson and J. IT. Lane. You are hereby 
authorized and directed to take such measures, and use the en¬ 
rolled forces under your command in such manner, for the preserva¬ 
tion of the peace and the protection of the persons and property 
of the people of Lawrence and vicinity, as in your judgment 
shall best secure that end. 
“(Signed), Wilson Shannon. 
“ Lawrence , Bee. 9 th, 1855.” 
10 th. — The early morning finds us busy in the culinary de¬ 
partment. The making of seven loaves of bread and five of cake, 
with other necessary work, leaves only a few stray moments in 
which to finish a letter, which is to be a messenger of good tidings 
to friends far away under the home-roof, whose nights on our 
account have been sleepless and days filled with suspense. It is 
already three and a half o’clock, and the ladies were to meet at four 
o’clock. So pressing into the service, as bearers of burdens, two 
young men, who called opportunely, I went down, and was soon’ 
