nection with the events with which he is personally familiar, the author feels confidence in the accuracy of the statements which the few closing pages contain.

To the two interesting volumes which have recently appeared in America upon the subject of Kansas, by Mr. William Phillips and Mrs. Robinson, the author is especially indebted for facts contained in the concluding chapters of this Book. Had they reached his hands before his own volume was in the press, they might have been further serviceable to him. As it is, they have aided him in writing of that which has occurred since his visit, whilst they give valuable confirmation to the statements contained in the narrative of his own investigations.

Lastly, the author hopes it will not give pain to any one of his many valued friends in America, that he should have addressed himself to a subject which they cannot but grieve over as he does. He can assure such, that he has had no object in view but to hasten the application of a remedy to that which is a sore evil. Had similar events taken place in his

own country, he would have felt warranted in speaking of them with far greater severity. If any feel yet aggrieved, he can only repeat the maxim :

"Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, sed magis amicus veritas."

But of those whose friendship is a prize worth treasuring-and many such the author rejoices to number in America-he feels assured it will never be said that their friendship was conditional on silence as to the truth. The author commits his Book, therefore, to his true friends and to all others, known or unknown, in the belief that the truth, spoken without animosity and with a sincere desire to render beneficial service, will, whilst it contributes towards this end, be misapprehended or misjudged by none.

Excitement in relation to Kansas.-Difference of Opinion.-The President's Special Message.-Washington.-Contest as to a Seat in Congress.-Rival Legislatures.-Appointment of a Committee of Investigation.-Southern Meetings.-Volunteers in Arms.-Missouri. - Powder and Shot.-Advertisements. - A Crisis at Hand.-Visit to Kansas.

CHAPTER II.

1

Outburst of Violence.-Burning of Lawrence.-Contents of the following Chapters.-Political Parties.-Dramatis Personæ.Federal Appointees.-Border-ruffian Ring-leaders.-Leaders of the Free-state Cause.

CHAPTER III.

10

Situation of Lawrence.-Eventful History.-The Winter Campaign of 1855.-Earthwork Fortifications.-Organized Defence.-Determination to "wipe out Lawrence."-The Southern War-cry. -Peaceful Policy of Free-state Inhabitants.-Reinforcement of the Border-ruffian Army.-Sheriff Jones's reported Assassination. -Sheriff Jones's Tours of Arrest.-Hotel and Newspaper offices to be abated as Nuisances.-May 21st.-Position of the besieg. ing Army.-The War-flag raised.-Arrests of Citizens.-Surrender of Arms demanded by Jones.-Entry of the Forces.General Atchison's Address to his men.-Demolition of Printingoffices.-Cannon.-Burning of Free-state Hotel.-Flight of the Women and Children.-General Pillage.-Firing of Governor Robinson's House.-Southern Hearts filled with Joy and Pride. -"Law and Order" triumphant.

е

21

CHAPTER IV.

The day after the Sack.-Disbanding of the Forces.-Ruffians executing the Law.-Thirst.-Double Rectified.-A Night at Kansas City.-Appearance of the Mob.-Desperate Characters.Grotesque Costume.-A Fearful threat.-Night-trip on the Missouri.-Fellow-travellers.-" Border-ruffians."-A Popular Orator.-Pleasant Repose.-Morning.-" Extras."-An Incident.-A respectable Merchant.-His Opinions.-The "Old Hoss" does not care about Breakfast.-A gentle Hint.-A better Set.-Civilities. The persevering Merchant.-A Western Man.-Quiet Conversation.-Friendly Advice.-A Yankee is a Nuisance, and must be put down.-A candid Opinion.

CHAPTER V.

39

Leavenworth City.-Going on Shore.-A State Prisoner.-Governor Robinson in Custody.-Scanty Accommodation.-Governor Robinson's Examination.-Horrid Threats.-Office of the Hotel. -A Border-ruffian Armoury.-A Free-soiler Silenced.-How to settle the Abolitionists.-Southern "Fixins."- Fort Leavenworth.-Gambling Houses.-A Night of shamless Wickedness. and unchecked Outrage.-Governor Robinson's Arrest.-Fierce Threats.-Fears of a Rescue.-Committee of Investigation.Beware of the Hemp.-Arrest of Free-state Men.-State of Parties.-Revulsion of Feeling.-Organization of Guerrilla Parties.-Frequent Collisions.

CHAPTER VI.

54

Why are such Outrages permitted?-Total Failure of Justice.The Jeffreys of the Territory.-A Test required.-An impious Oath.-Affirmation of the Nebraska-Kansas Act and the Fugitive Slave Law.-Judge, Jury, and Law.-All one Way.-Sample of the Kansas Statutes.-Ball and Chain.-Freedom of Speech forbidden.-Punishment of Death.-Abuse of the Term "Law."-No Hope of Justice for Free-state Men.

CHAPTER VII.

67

Southern Law-makers.-Perversion of Authority.—A fraudulent Legislature in Power.-The "Blue Lodge."-The Electors overawed.-General Stringfellow's Speech.-The Physical Force

Argument.-How to get a Majority.-Illegal Votes.-Not Four per Cent. Legal-Terrorism.-Polling. The Congress Report. -Right of Might.-A forcible Persuader.-Conclusions of the Committee of Investigation.-A Poll-tax.-Pro-slavery Votes purchasable by Law.-Anti-slavery Votes pronunced void by Law.-Public Documents cited.-Laws worse than Dra conian.

77

CHAPTER VIII.

Recapitulation. The" bogus" Legislature.-Men and Things in Kansas.-Different Classes of Settlers.-Immense Extent of Country.-Physical Aspect.-Rivers.-The Kansas and Missouri. -Undulating Prairie.-Caravans.-Indian Tribes.-Fertility of the Suil.-Salubrity of the Climate.-Commercial Advantages.The "mad Missouri."-Excellent Market.-" Nebraska-Kansas Act." A Race between North and South.-Pro-slavery Party in the Ascendant.-Struggle between the two Parties.-Tarring and Feathering.-Sale of a Free Man.-Model Legislators.-Discordant Elements.--Development.

CHAPTER IX.

90

Striking Contrast.--Freedom and Slavery.-Rapid Progress of Kansas.-Northern Emigrant Aid Societies.-Spirit of Enterprise. -The "Regulators."-" Law and Order" Men.-The Widow's Son.-Barbarous Outrage.-The Western Frontiersman.-His Character.-Generous Reciprocity.-Mode of Intercourse.The Pioneer of the New World.-His Appointments -The Romance of Peril.-Achievements of the Western Pathfinder.Contempt of the Yankees.-The Source of Life and Vigour.Effect of Politics on the Western Character.

CHAPTER X.

102

Varieties of Population in Kansas.-Types of Mankind on board a Missouri Steamer.-The Border-ruffians.-Loud Men.-Silent

Free-soilers.-New Mexican Spaniards.-Nuns.-Mormons.German Jews."Dutchmen.” — Professed Gamblers. — High Stakes.-Government Officials.-United States Officers.-The African Race.--Freedom of Speech forbidden.-A curious Illus tration.-Judge O"Trigger.-His Appearance-Conversation