268 
KANSAS. 
ing to the mob fifteen minutes, endeavoring to persuade them to 
leave the boat; but none would be satisfied unless the governor 
was retained in Lexington,” while others said, “ Drag him out.” 
His own manner was sufficient to show that, had the mob acted 
upon the advice as reported, there would have been at least one 
of “ the first citizens ” wofully disappointed. He said, moreover, 
“Had it not been reported that-your lady was on board, violence 
would at once have been offered ; and no restraint could have been 
held over the crowd.” The Yankee spirit of the lady rose at this, 
and a mental review was made upon such chivalry, such gallantry, 
of men who hesitate not to steal and invade the rights of others on 
the public thoroughfares. Such gallantry is the index, in all 
nations where it prevails, of the real want of morality and prin¬ 
ciple — a false glitter, where the whole under-current of the body 
politic is corrupt. The various propositions of sending a com¬ 
mittee to St. Louis, that my husband might there transact as much 
of his business, which was urgent, as he could, and then return, if 
they should find, by their proposed express to Gov. Shannon, there 
was an indictment, did not meet with favor from this gallant 
band. His request to talk to the crowd, whom Gen. Shields de¬ 
clared to be in numbers “ a cabin full,” and “ infuriated by the 
liquors on the boat, of which they were drinking freely,” was also 
refused, with a look of utter disdain. My husband told them “ he 
would never think to escape from an indictment for a political 
offence, and, had he been doing so, of all places he would have 
avoided the Missouri river and Lexington.” By way of sugges¬ 
tion, he added, “ that even in such a case he saw no reason for 
another state to interfere,” at which the excitable elements in Gen. 
Shields’ character became yet more aroused, and he said, “ he did 
not wish to get into an argument, but,” he continued, “ I warn 
you, not as a friend, for I am not your friend ,”— (to which my hus¬ 
band laughingly said, “ I do not wish any one to claim to be my 
friend who is not,”) —“ but I warn you that this delay in consenting 
to leave the boat: is only making the matter worse.” 
They said the carriage was ready to take us to the town; that 
in two or three days, or perhaps by the next boat, they would 
learn if there was an indictment, and, as soon as the messenger 
