Most of them were mounted, and manifested an unmistakable disposition to be at their bloody work.

In the back-ground stood at least three hundred army tents and as many wagons, while here and there a cannon was planted ready to aid in the anticipated destruction.

Among the banners floated black flags, to indicate the design that neither age, sex nor condition would be spared in the slaughter that was to ensue.
In passing along the lines murmurs of discontent and savage threats of assassination fell upon the Governor's ears, but heedless of these and regardless, in fact, of everything but a desire to avert the terrible calamity that was impending, he fearlessly proceeded to the quarters of their leader.
This threatening army was under the command of John W.
Reed, then and now a member of the Missouri Legislature, assisted by ex-Senator Atchison, Gen.

B.F.

Stringfellow, Gen.