The strongest element of his character was religious fanaticism.

Taught from earliest childhood to "fear God and keep his commandments," he believed firmly in the divine authenticity of the Bible, and memorized much of its contents.

His favorite texts became literal and imperative mandates; he came to feel that he bore the commission and enjoyed the protection of the Almighty.

In his Kansas camps he prayed and saw visions; believed he wielded the sword of the Lord and of Gideon; had faith that the angels encompassed him.

He desired no other safeguard than his own ideas of justice and his own convictions of duty.