HEAD-QUARTERS DISTRICT OF KANSAS,
FORT LEAVENWORTH, May 22, 1863.

TO THE SHERIFF OF ATCHISON COUNTY: 

SIR:—­In view of the alarming increase of crime, the insecurity of life and property within this military district, the inefficiency of the civil law to punish offenders, and the small number of troops under my command making it impossible to give such protection to loyal and law-abiding citizens as I would otherwise desire; you will therefore deliver the prisoners, Daniel Mooney and Alexander Brewer, now in your possession, to the citizens of Atchison County, for trial and punishment by a citizens’ court.  This course, which in ordinary times and under different circumstances could not be tolerated, is rendered necessary for the protection of the property and lives of honest citizens against the lawless acts of thieves and assassins, who, of late, have been perpetrating their crimes with fearful impunity, and to prevent which nothing but the most severe and summary punishment will suffice.  In conducting these irregular proceedings, it is to be hoped they will be controlled by men of respectability, and that cool judgment and discretion will characterize their actions, to the end that the innocent may be protected and the guilty punished.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES G. BLUNT,
Major-General.

After the reading of the above order, resolutions indorsing and sustaining the action of General Blunt were passed unanimously.  The following resolutions were passed separately, their reading being greeted with loud cheers.  They are examples of strength rather than of elegance.

“Resolved, That we pledge ourselves not to stop hanging until the thieves stop thieving.

“Resolved, That as this is a citizens’ court, we have no use for lawyers, either for the accused or for the people.”

A judge and jury were selected from the assemblage, and embraced some of the best known and most respected citizens of the county.  Their selection was voted upon, just as if they had been the officers of a political gathering.  As soon as elected, they proceeded to the trial of the prisoners.

The evidence was direct and conclusive, and the prisoners were sentenced to death by hanging.  The verdict was read to the multitude, and a vote taken upon its acceptance or rejection.  Nineteen-twentieths of those present voted that the sentence should be carried into execution.

The prisoners were taken from the court-house to the grove where the preceding executions had taken place.  They were made to stand upon a high wagon while ropes were placed about their necks and attached to the limb of a large, spreading elm.  When all was ready, the wagon was suddenly drawn from beneath the prisoners, and their earthly career was ended.

A half-hour later the crowd had dispersed.  The following morning showed few traces of the excitement of the previous day.  The executions were effectual in restoring quiet to the region which had been so much disturbed.