The Fourth of July was the day on which the Legislature, elected under the Free State Constitution, was to meet at Topeka; and on that day, and at that place, a mass convention of all the Free State men in Kansas had also been called to meet and agree on their future policy.Col.Sumner had at least done this good service, that the highways were clear, and traveling was safe; but not knowing what might happen, the men generally carried their muskets hidden in their wagons.

The writer of these "Recollections" went to Topeka with the Free State men of Atchison county.

At this convention it appeared that there was the greatest possible divergence of judgment as to the best policy for the Free State party to pursue.

There was nothing of the noise and bluster that characterizes a drunken mob; they were sober and quiet men; nevertheless, they evidently labored under an intense and burning excitement.

Some were for war, bloody, relentless and unforgiving war; others advised a more pacific policy.