Dear Brethren—The times are so big with events, and the anxiety of every body so great to watch them, that I feel somewhat impressed to write oftener than I have done, in order to give you more of the “strange acts” of this region. I have just returned from Independence, the seat of war in the west.— About a dozen of our brethren, among whom were br. , and myself, were subpoenaed in behalf of the state, and on the 23d (Feb.) about 12 o’clock we were on the bank, opposite , where we found ’s company of “Liberty Blues,” near fifty rank and file, ready to guard us into . The soldiers were well armed with muskets, bayonets fixed, &c. and to me the scene was one “passing strange,” and long to be remembered. The martial law in force to guard the civil! About twenty-five men crossed over to effect a landing in safety, and when they came near the warehouse, they fired six or eight guns, though the enemy had not gathered to witness the landing.

After we were all across, and waiting for the baggage wagon, it was thought not advisable to encamp in the woods, and the witnesses with half the company, marched nearly a mile towards , to build night fires, as we were without tents, and the weather cold enough to snow a little. While on the way the Quarter Master, and others, that had gone on ahead to prepare quarters in town, sent an express back, which was not the most pacific appearance that could be.— continued the express to for the 200 drafted militia; and also to for more ammunition; snd the night passed off in war-like style, with the sentinels marching silently at a proper distance from the watch fires.

Early in the morning we marched strongly guarded by the troops, to the seat of war, and quartered in the block-house, formerly the tavern stand of S. Flournoy. After breakfast, we were visited by the District Attorney, , and the Attorney General, Mr. [Robert W.] Wells. From them we learned that all hopes of criminal prosecution, was at an end. Mr. Wells had been sent by the Governor to investigate, as far as possible, the outrage, but the bold front of the mob, bound even unto death, (as I have heard) was not to be penetrated by civil law, or awed by Executive influence. Shortly aiter informed me that he had just received an order from the , that his company’s service was no longer wanted in , and we were marched out of town to the tune of Yankee-doodle in quick time, and soon returned to our camp ground without the loss of any lives. In fact much credit is due to for his gallantry and hospitality, and I think I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct as soldiers and men, is highly reputable; so much so, knowing as I do, the fatal result, had the militia come, or not come, I can add that the Captain’s safe return, refreshed my mind, [p. 276]