Part 44 (1/2)
The cavalry arrived in the nick of time. A battle was imminent that might have ended in a ma.s.sacre. Within striking distance of Brown's island Colonel Sumner encountered General Whitfield, a Southern Member of Congress, at the head of a squadron of avengers, two hundred and fifty strong, heavily armed and well mounted.
Sumner acted with quick decision. He confronted Whitfield and spoke with a quiet emphasis not to be mistaken:
”By order of the President of the United States and the Governor of the Territory, I am here to disperse all armed bodies a.s.sembled without authority.”
”May I see the order of the President, sir?” Whitfield asked.
”You may.”
The telegraphic order was handed to the leader. He read it in silence and handed it back without a word.
Colonel Sumner continued:
”My duty is plain and I'll do it.”
He signaled Stuart to draw up his company for action. The Lieutenant promptly obeyed. Fifty regulars wheeled and faced two hundred and fifty rugged hors.e.m.e.n of the plains.
Whitfield consulted his second in command and while they talked Colonel Sumner again addressed him:
”Ask your people to a.s.semble. I wish to read to them the President's order and the Governor's proclamation.”
Whitfield called his men. In solemn tones Sumner read the doc.u.ments.
Whitfield saw that his men were impressed.
”I shall not resist the authority of the General Government. My party will disperse.”
He promptly ordered them to disband. In five minutes they had disappeared.
On the approach of the company of cavalry, John Brown, with a single guard, walked boldly forward to meet them.
Colonel Sumner heard his amazing request with rising wrath. He spoke as one commanding a body of coordinate power.
”I have come to suggest the arrangement of terms between our forces,”
Brown coolly suggested.
”No officer of law, sir,” Sumner sternly replied, ”can make terms with lawless, armed men. I am here to execute the orders of the President.
You will surrender your prisoners immediately, disarm your men and disperse or take the consequences.”
Brown turned without a word and slowly walked back to his camp. The United States cavalry followed close at his heels with drawn sabers, Stuart at their head.
Colonel Sumner summoned Brown before Sedgwick and Stuart and made to him an announcement which he thought but fair.
”I must tell you now that there is with my company a Deputy United States Marshal, who holds warrants for several men in your camp. Those warrants will be served in my presence.”
Brown's glittering eye rested on the Deputy Marshal. He moved uneasily and finally said in a low tone:
”I don't recognize any one for whom I have warrants.”
The grim face of the man of visions never relaxed a muscle.