It was a sorrowful meeting after so long a parting, still we were very thankful that, under the favor of a good Providence, it had fared no worse with us all.
Many will ask now, as they have asked already, what is the true and proper cause of all these troubles I have had in Atchison?
I have told the world already; I can only repeat my own words.

I have said, The head and front of my offending hath this extent, no more: I had spoken among my neighbors favorably to making Kansas a free State, and said in the office of the _Squatter Sovereign_, "I am a Free-soiler, and intend to vote for Kansas to be a free State." Still it will be regarded as incredible that a man should receive such treatment for uttering such words as I report myself to have uttered.

The matter is plain enough when the facts are understood.
Prior to August 17, 1855, there was no Free-soil party organized in Atchison county--perhaps not in the whole Territory of Kansas.

Free-soilers did not know their own strength, and were disposed to be prudent; some were timid.

Here in Atchison county we determined that if the Border Ruffians were resolved to drive matters to a bloody issue, the responsibility of doing so should rest wholly with themselves.