Daily Times
(Leavenworth, KS)
April 21, 1861
Rumors were current here yesterday, that the Missourians were preparing for an attack on Fort Leavenworth. A letter was received by one of our citizens, from the Delaware Indian agent, which stated that companies were being formed in Parkville and Independence, for a hostile expedition against the Fort, and various other reports and speculations were circulated, which strengthened the impression that some scheme of the kind had been concocted.
Most of our people placed but little confidence in the rumors referred to; yet it was deemed prudent to use every precaution to guard against such an assault being made, either at the present time or in the future.—Accordingly, Mayor McDowell and others visited the Fort and tendered to Capt. Steele the services of one hundred men to assist in its defence. The Captain thought there was no ground for apprehension, and said the regular troops under his command could easily protect the post against a force of 5,000, and were fully prepared to do so. He, however, accepted the offer of the Mayor, and the one hundred men were stationed at the Fort last night. We are informed that Capt. Steele also gave the Mayor a large quantity of arms, to be used in the defence of the city.
A number of military companies were organized yesterday for home protection. Company A selected the following officers: Capt., J. C. Stone; 1st Lieutenant, A. M Clark; 2nd Lieutenant, Thos. Carney. Nearly 100 names were enrolled.
Company B, Home Guards, organized by electing I. G. Locey Captain; Messrs. Haller and Hughes, 1st and 2nd Lieutenants.
There was a French company organized, but we did not learn the names of the officers.
The Union and Shields Guards have increased their numbers. The former company have daily drills.
These movements show that our citizens are determined to be prepared for any emergency that may arise in the present excited state of the country. We believe that if it is thoroughly understood that we are heartily united in resistance to any invasion of our State, and ready to meet it at a moment’s warning, no trouble need be apprehended