Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 19, 1861
Early yesterday morning, the steamboat Sam Gaty landed at our Levee, with a “Confederate” flag flying from her jack-staff. As soon as the obnoxious banner was noticed, a crowd collected with the determination to have it hauled down. While they were bringing out “Old Kickapoo” to enforce their demand for its removal, it was taken down. But this did not satisfy the crowd, who regarded the display of a disunion emblem in Leavenworth as an insult to the city. So they went on board the Gaty, and insisted that the flag should be given up. This was at once done, and the “broad bars of the Confederacy” were carried off in triumph. Subsequently, an American flag was procured, and the captain of the Gaty hoisted it with his own hands, thus atoning for the insult he had offered to this community.
While the affair was in progress, the Russell came to the wharf, but before she was permitted to land, the people on shore compelled her to show her colors. She displayed the “stars and stripes,” and as the “banner of beauty and glory” went to the head of the flag-staff, and floated proudly to the breeze, the assembled crowd gave vent to their delight in shouts and cheers.
These incidents were somewhat significant, as showing the sentiment of our citizens. They desire to have peace in Kansas, and would do everything to avoid unnecessary disturbance growing out of the excitement concerning National affairs. But the fact that Kansas is a loyal State must be distinctly understood, and the Union proclivities of her people must be recognized and respected. Otherwise it will be impossible to preserve that order and quiet which is so much to be desired.