Daily Times [Leavenworth, KS], October 20, 1860
Twelve families, numbering some sixty or seventy persons, arrived in town on Wednesday last, directly from Texas, driven away by the terrible destruction of human life which is now being carried forward there by the pro-slavery demons who hold sway in that portion of our country. These persons are from Grayson, Collin, Denton, Tarrant and Johnson Counties, which they represent to be the worst afflicted part of Texas. But they say that there is a complete organization of vigilance committees from the Rio Grande to Arkansas, and in Arkansas. These committees are organized for the purpose of inquiring into the political opinions of the people, and of dealing with all in a summary manner who entertain opinions hostile to slavery.
These men who have just arrived are not—so far as we had an opportunity to observe—a class who are dangerous citizens, but they are moderate, conservative free State men.—The manner in which they told their story, their general appearance, the unity of sentiment which prevailed among them, were proofs sufficient of their sincerity and truthfulness. The accounts which they give of the condition of Texas is deplorable—the slaughters which they recounted are terrible, and if the reports which they hear are to be credited at all, there is a great necessity for prompt and immediate measures from some source, to stay the violence and blind persecution which reigns in that unfortunate country.—Mound City Report.