| 331 their resistance into a violation of law, and thus bring certain destruction upon them: therefore they surrendered their arms to the number of fifty, and agreed to leave the county forthwith. The men who were demanded as prisoners were also surrendered and imprisoned, but were dismissed in a day or two without trial. A few hours after the surrender we arrived at the camp of our brethren near Independence, on our return from Lexington, as stated in the foregoing, and when we found that the struggle was over, and our liberties completely trampled under foot, I retired into the woods and kneeled down, and wept before the Lord.
"The sun was then setting, and twelve miles separated me from my family, but I determined to reach home that night. My horse being weary, I started on foot, and walked through the wilderness in the midst of darkness, avoiding the road, lest I should fall into the hands of the enemy. I arrived home about the middle of the night, spent a few hours with my family, and arose again before day and fled to the wilderness, as the mob were driving our people and hunting them in every direction. After walking a few miles I found a brother by the name of Lowry, who was moving from the county in a covered wagon, he having a permit from the mob to pass in safety.
"This man concealed me in his wagon, and thus we passed in safety, although frequently meeting armed men who were pursuing our brethren. When night again overtook us we were on the bank of the Missouri River which divided between Jackson and Clay Counties. Here we encamped for the night, as we could not cross the ferry till morning. I left the camp and ascended the tall bluff, and finding a cavity of a rock I slept therein. But before morning I was joined by Mr. Morley and several others, who fled for their lives and brought news that the mob were driving and probably butchering men, women, and children. On hearing this news we tried to pray, but we could say but little. Next morning we crossed over the river and found ourselves once more in a land of peace. While I thus made my escape, companies of ruffians were ranging the county in
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