254 
KANSAS. 
and Missourians. The ground was wet with heavy dew, and, as 
they reached the tent about nine o’clock, without any blanket 
under or over them, they were obliged to take what rest such ac¬ 
commodations and such surroundings might afford. After the 
marshal’s posse had finished breakfast, they were drawn up into a 
hollow square, and into this Marshal Donaldson and Gen. D. R. 
Atchison were introduced. The red flag, with the lone white star, 
and “ Southern Rights ” and “ South Carolina,” floated over them. 
The marshal gave his orders for the day, and loud hurrahs rent 
the air. Then “ Old Dave ” was greeted with yells terrific. 
The green prairies almost trembled with the hideous sound. The 
tall form of him who had been vice-president of the United States 
was seated on his beautiful horse, now waving this hand, and 
now that, as he pointed first to their southern homes, and then 
to the doomed city. Surrounded by the restless mass of brutal 
men, he urged them on to deeds of violence, “ not to leave it or 
the territory until they have quenched out every vestige of free- 
state principles.” 
A little time more elapsed, when the cavalry under the com¬ 
mand of Col. Titus, Major Clarke, etc., came up from Lawrence,; 
where they had been to learn of their defences. They reported 
there were no signs of defence, and there was exceeding joy mani¬ 
fested ; this kind of fighting suited them. Before noon all the 
posse had left the camp, save about twenty-five in charge of the 
prisoners. At about three o’clock, United States Marshal Don¬ 
aldson came and asked for the prisoners of the sergeant, who 
fired upon them at the time of the arrest, and others stand¬ 
ing by. He asked the reason of their detention with all the dig¬ 
nity his office imposed upon him. No one was able to make any 
charge against them. His orders alone were the occasion of the 
detention. When arrested, the following receipt was given for 
articles taken : “ Dr. J. P. Root, one mule, bridle, saddle, two 
Whitney’s revolvers, brass spurs, blanket, lariettes.” 
The following general order was given: “ Capt. Donaldson and 
other captains will release all the within named prisoners immedi¬ 
ately after the ro3eption of this order, and all their property to 
be restored to then without delay.” 
