Both were eligible for the militia, and both were drafted to serve in the punitive expedition that was despatched from California against the farmers of Missouri.

Mr.Kowalt and Mr.Asmunsen refused to serve.

They were given short shrift.

Drumhead court martial was their portion, and military execution their end.

They were shot with their backs to the firing squad.
Many young men fled into the mountains to escape serving in the militia.
There they became outlaws, and it was not until more peaceful times that they received their punishment.