156 
KANSAS. 
the indignation of many was hardly kept within bounds. The 
event, however, proved but another instance of the evil, which 
was intended for another, recoiling upon one’s own head. 
After this unpropitious opening of the evening, we had music 
and social pleasant converse with many friends we seldom 
meet. 
Dr. C., a young Kentuckian, one of the released prisoners, 
was here last night. He was in the enemy’s camp at Lecompton. 
After a sickness of several weeks at Topeka, and a week or so of 
feebleness at our house, he left on Tuesday the 27th for his home 
at Doniphan. On his way thither he was attacked by the mob, 
disarmed and brought back some sixty miles. Being brought to 
the camp the other prisoner, Mr. W., also being with him, they 
were given in charge to “Sheriff Jones.” Weak as Dr. C. 
was from his recent illness, the fever still lurking in his veins, he 
was carried this long distance, then placed in a cold and very open 
room which was used as a liquor store. Beside all the noise and 
confusion usually attendant upon such resorts, Jones and others 
came in at night and “ played poker at twenty-five cents ante.” 
The room was so filled with men that he was obliged to sit up all 
night. There was constant talk of hanging, and most bitter 
threats used. Jones did not hesitate to tell Mr. W., in regard to 
a certain matter, that he must “ tell or swing.” Kelly, of the 
Squatter Sovereign , told him he thirsted for blood, and should like 
to see him hung on the first tree. 
Dr. C. was very weak, and had now become delirious from the 
intense excitement and fatigue. Dr. Stringfellow and one or two 
other physicians were in attendance all night. One of the guard 
reasoned with Jones upon his treatment of the prisoners, until he 
desisted. 
Other prisoners were similarly treated. One old man, whose 
years among civilization would have been a guaranty against 
insult, was treated with like cruelty. The rope with which they 
threatened to hang him was repeatedly shown him; but, heedless 
of their threats, and above the raging of the storm, which gave 
fair promise of leaving the hangman without any upon whom to 
