The following extract, from an editorial that appeared at this time in the Squatter Sovereign, will show what a rose-colored view these gentlemen took of the situation: 

SLAVERY IN KANSAS.

We receive letters, by nearly every mail, asking our opinion as regards the security of slave property in Kansas Territory.  We can truly say that no Territory in Uncle Sam’s dominion can be found where the slave’ can be made more secure, or his work command a higher price.  Our slave population is gradually increasing by the arrival of emigrants and settlers from the slave States, who, having an eye to making a fortune, have wisely concluded to secure a farm in Kansas, and stock it well with valuable slaves.  Situated as Missouri is, being surrounded by free States, we would advise the removal of negroes from the frontier counties to Kansas, where they will be comparatively safe.  Abolitionists too well know the character of the Kansas squatter to attempt to carry out the nefarious schemes of the underground railroad companies.

CHAPTER V.

Immediately on obtaining my claim, brethren had sought me out and made my acquaintance, and soon it appeared that there were enough Disciples in the settlement to constitute a church.  But the times were stormy, and we delayed making any movement in that direction.  It had now come to be the month of June.  There had been refreshing showers.  The singing birds had come, and the bright sunshine.  The prairie had put on its royal robes, the forest its richest garments, and the people had become impatient with their long isolation from religious meetings.  The Lord’s day was almost ceasing to be the Lord’s day to them, and they demanded a sermon.  We, therefore, came together in the timbered bottoms of Caleb May’s claim, on the banks of the Stranger Creek.  The gathering was primitive and peculiar, like the gathering at a Western camp-meeting—­footmen, and men and women on horseback, and whole families in two-horse lumber wagons.  Some were dressed in Kentucky-jeans, and some in broadcloth; there were smooth-shaven men and bearded men; there were hats and bonnets of every form and fashion; all were dressed in such ways as best suited their convenience or necessities.  In this crowd were those that, as the years should go by, were destined to grow in wealth, in understanding, in popularity and high position, and they should be known as the first in the land.

The singing was not in the highest style of the musical art, but it was hearty and sincere.

Looking up at the thick branches of the spreading elms above our heads I said: 

MY FRIENDS AND FELLOW CITIZENS:—­I have never seen trees clothed with leaves of so rich a green as the trees above our heads, I have never seen prairies robed in richer verdure than the prairies around us.