This action was in direct violation of a solemn agreement between the border settlers of State and Territory.

The people in Kansas were in terror lest retaliatory raids should follow, as would undoubtedly have happened had not the people of Missouri taken active measures to prevent such reprisals.
Rewards were offered for Brown's arrest, and free-state residents served notice that he must leave the Territory.

In the dead of winter he started North with some slaves and many horses, accompanied by Kagi and Gill, two of his faithful followers.

In northern Kansas, where they were delayed by a swollen stream, a band of horsemen appeared to dispute their passage.

Brown's party quickly mustered assistance and, giving chase to the enemy, took three prisoners with four horses as spoils of war.