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Highly Important From Kansas
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The War Begun
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Lawrence Destroyed
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Hotel and Printing Office in Kansas City Demolished
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Free-State Men Rallying at Topeka
St. Louis, Friday, May 23
The St. Louis Republican of this morning publishes a dispatch
from Westport of the 20th, giving an account of an encounter on
the road between Lecompton and Franklin... Mr. Cosgrove and Dr.
Beanson... were hailed by a party of Free-State men, who
demanded their names and destination. Being answered, the
commander of the party turned to his men, asking their motto.
They replied "Sharpe's rifles," and immediately fired on
Cosgrove and Branson. Branson was wounded, when Cosgrove shot
the leader of the party through the head, and the remainder
fled.
A Free-State man was shot at Blanton's Bridge on the
19th. Particulars not given...
A gentleman who arrived from Jefferson City yesterday informs
the editor of the Democrat that a dispatch had been received
from Lawrence stating that a battle had been fought... and a
number of persons killed on both sides...
Further Particulars
St. Louis, Saturday, May 24
A dispatch from Booneville to the Republican says: "Lawrence
was destroyed on Wednesday. The hotel and printing office in
Kansas City were also demolished; but few lives were lost.
Particulars are expected by steamer to-night."
... It is said that Free-State men are gathering at Topeka, and
will attack the invaders if they dare to execute their threats
on Lawrence. Settlers at Van Bonsa, recently from New Haven,
will send 100 men to aid them...
The News in Washington
Washington, Saturday, May 24
A telegraphic dispatch was received here to-day which states
that a collision had taken place between the United States
authorities and the Free-State men, by which the town of
Lawrence was destroyed and a number of persons killed. It has
caused the most intense excitement. I saw the President this
evening, and he expresses some doubt as to its authenticity.
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Kansas News by the Mails
The Reign of Terror in Lawrence
... Armed bands from Missouri and other Southern States are
prowling about the Territory in all directions, driving
Free-State settlers from their claims, and swearing vengeance
upon all who dare to avow opinions contrary to their own.
Scores of writs for treason and other fabulous crimes are being
issued, and with Gov. Robinson under arrest, Reeder driven from
the Territory, and Gen. Lane absent, the Free-State men have
much to discourage and alarm them. An attacked upon Lawrence is
openly threatened, and the Ruffians avow their determination to
raze it to the ground and murder the inhabitants. This foray is
made at this particular time in order to prevent Free-State men
from putting in their crops, and thus exhaust their resources
and drive them from the Territory...
The Meditated Attack on Lawrence
... Prepare for an awful shock. Hold a steady helm, or the old ship
will be wrecked. Armed men are rushing into the Territory. The
destruction of Lawrence is meditated. Civil war is just upon
us.... We pray Almighty God to avert these dreadful evils. The
secret border league are at the head of this affair. It is
expected to result in disunion. The ultras on both sides are
dangerous men. Strike boldly for the Union of this great
country, and may God bless you...
The ladies of Lawrence are said to be arming...
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