810 
KANS iS. 
reading of the proclamation; that the free-state men had injured 
their own cause.” 
My husband replied, “ that he was sorry they dispersed until 
he fired upon them, and, if he had been there, he would have 
obliged him to do so.” 
“ You could not have obliged me to do it, for I should not 
have fired.” When Col. S. was asked what he would have done, 
he said, “ I might have tied your arms behind you.” 
My husband told him the constitution gave them a right to 
meet and memorialize Congress The treatment we had received 
the last week was also plainly stated to Col. S., and he at once 
ordered our letters given us, and our friends to be allowed to 
come in. Judge S. was very ill again, and in his delirium the 
week’s course of discipline seemed to be on his mind. 
Another page has been written, in the history of the American 
people, in unparalleled infamy. Another scene in this dark and 
tragic drama of crushing out a free people has been enacted. 
Instead of the brilliant panorama and festive scenes which for 
years past, on this anniversary, have spoken the heart-gladness 
for liberties gained through years of struggle, the people of this 
mighty nation wear sackcloth and mourning. The star-spangled 
banner no longer waves over a free people, but is draggled through 
the blood of those slain, at the bidding of a merciless adminis¬ 
tration, on Kansas plains. Mr. P., an eye-witness, eloquently 
tells the thrilling story: 
“ The national flag floated proudly over Topeka on the Fourth 
of July; and over the hall of legislation, or state buildings, wgs 
displayed a flag, American in every respect, save that among the 
stars was a larger additional star on the corner — the orphan star 
of Kansas. 
“Around the large new hotel the convertion had assembled, and 
proceeded to transact its business. Som t half a dozen military 
companies, in handsome uniform, paraded about. Ladies prome¬ 
naded, with little banners flying from their parasols. The scene 
was highly interesting. 
“ In spite of the apparent indifference, many hearts throbbed 
