The following letter from J. M. Pelot appeared in the Abbeville [S.C.] Banner, 2 Oct 1856, p. 2, c. 2-3:

"LETTER FROM KANSAS

Camp Mission, Sept. 12, 1856.

I seize a few moments of relaxation from camp duties to wirte you a short account of the turbulent affairs that have taken place in the last two or three weeks. You must excuse my pencil sketch, in consideration of the unfavorable circumstances under which I write.

Within about two weeks of the defeat and capture of Col Titus and his little band, the pro-slavery men in various parts of the Territory, and Missourians from the Borders, assembled in arms in various places for the purpose of waging a regular warfare against Lane and his army. Gen. Atchison, at the head of 1,300 Missourians, marched from Westport (5 miles below this place), and in a few days reached Bull Creek, twelve miles below Lawrence and thirty miles from Westport. A detachment of 250 of his men under Gen. Reid, defeated Brown at Ossawattamie, took the town, and killed some fifty of the enemy. The Kansas militia assembled at Lecompton to the number of 700, under the command of Maj. Gen. Richardson and Brig. Gen. Marshall. Nearly a week was passed in unnecessary inactivity, while Lane was increasing his forces at Lawrence and Topeka, collecting all the provisions that were accessible to him, and fortifying Lawrence. In the meantime, no communication was established between the two divisions of our army, nor were any regular steps taken to keep our men supplied in provisions and ammunition. Marshall and Richardson were both know to be men of no militayr experience whatever, wanting in firmness as well as the business qualifications of a general. The consequence was that about 200 men under Col. Clarkson, from Leavenworth, refused to cross the Kaw and remained in camp on the other side.

The companies under command were mostly composed of South Carolinians, under Palmer, Frederic, Jenkins, Fleming, Gen. [A. C.] Jones [from Laurens Dist, S.C.], Buchanan, Dargan, Edwards and others. The Lecompton Rifles under Donaldson, selected me as their Surgeon, Drill-Master, and subseqeuntly 1st Lieutenant. Most of the Abbeville company were in camp. Our first move was to march to Col. Titus', where we encamped two days. We then marched two miles further to Coon Point (where the Abolitionist Walker resided). Some desperate men ahd the day before burned four or five abolitionists houses, robbing them of everythign that could be taken, and laying waste the corn-fields. This was a cause of great disaffection in our ranks, and several Missouri companies left us in consequence. The next day, however, the greatest of mistakes was committed. Posted as we were on the California road, between Lawrence and Topeka, and directly in the line of Lane's strategic movements, it was improtant that we should maintain that position or take a point near Lawrence. Instead of that, we retreated two miles back and away form the road, and encamped at Gen. Clark's. Simaltaneously with this movement, we received intelligence of the breaking up of Atchison's command on Bull Creek. That afternoon large parties of the enemy, with wagons, were suffered to pass down the road to Lawrence, and the next mornign we had good evidence of the fact that we and the enemy ahd exchanged conditions -- Lane was now on the offensive, and we on the defensive. At daybreak, a disgraceful retreat was ordered, adn we amrched bvack to Lecompton. We had not arrived there over two hours, before Lane appeared before the town with 800 men, and demanded the surrender of certain prisoners in our charge. Fortunately we were saved from further embarrassment by the prisoners having been released that morning. We had but 339 men, badly posted, scantily supplied with ammunition, and with scarcely a passable officer. Lane's men, on the contrary, were splendidly drilled and flushed with the moral victory already gained. They were posted on the side of a high hill, overlooking the town, and were compleetely concealed in the bushes and weeds. We were totally exposed, and the Rifles, acting as skirmishers, were within eighty steps of the enemy's line. I had command of the left wing of the advance, and attempted to throw them across a ravine, so as to be nearer the enemy and more covered; but to my surprise, I found them lying flat on the very ground I intended to occupy. Three of my men disobeyed orders and killed three of the enemy. We could distinctly hear every command given by their officers, and were certain that any any moment taht the word "fire" was given, 500 Sharp's Rifle balls would be hurled into our ransk at close range. The right wing of our advance, covering the right wing of the line, were about three hundred yards from us, and at right angles, and, I learned, in an equally perilous position. A death-like suspense hung over us for nearly an hour, while flags of truce passed and repassed between the Generals. Lane was not satisfied with the conditions proposed, and was making a few preliminary preparations for the attack, when Col. Cook, of the U. S. Dragoons, arrived with 500 troops, at the requisition of the Governor. At his command, Lane withdrew his forces. I was sorry that he did so, for I kenw that the troops would arrive in time to gain us a decisive victory, although we would have suffered severely, and gained bbut little credit.

Next day, our little army disperesed for the purpose of recruiting, and we (the Rifles) took up our line of march for Leavenworth, leaving Lecompton under the protection of the U. S. troops. We barely escaped Lane's horse, who were sent across trhe river to intercept us. We reached Leavenworth in a day and a half, and on Monday last (the day after) took boat for Kansas City, from thence to Westport (four miles), and in a day after to this camp. We have been here now two days,a nd will amrch at day-break in the morning. Tattoo has beat an hour ago, and all the men are asleep.

Gen. Reid is in command, and, it is supposed, has 1,200 men here, and rapidly increasing. To-morrow (the 13th) is the day appointed for a general rendezvous, and from accounts received, we will have at least 2,000 men. Most of the Missourians are steady, middle-aged men, and a great many, men of property. They are determined to retrieve the character which the former army lost. The only fear is that the Governor will interfere, and as he has 1,300 U. S. troops at his command, his interference would be fatal to us.

I was at Leavenworth City on Tuesday morning last, when Gov. Geary arrived. He was loudly called for, and made a short speech. He declared his purpose to be to enforce the organic laws of the Territory at all hazards, and indicated his course by asserting that besides the regular troops at his command, he had the power to enrol [sic] 100,000 men for the purpose, which power he intended to use if necessary. All liked the tenor of his speech, but I observed that he did not commit himself as to his course rtowards our army. I fear that we will be disbanded. Geary is a fine looking man, of middle age, and with a good deal of decision of character indicated in his face.

Two South Carolinians (Col. Blassingame and Capt. DeTreville) have just arrived at my marqee,a dn reprot that Palmer's company, of 30 men, were ordered to leave Lecompton by the Governor, and that they encamped the first night twelve miles from town. During the night, the sentinel being asleep on his post, 170 Abolitionists slipped into camp and lay there unperceived until morning. When the boys awoke in the morning, they attempted to resist, but after a short fight, in which John Jackson of S.C. was killed, and Gibson, of Va., mortally wounded, they were all taken prisoners. They were stripped of everything -- teams, arms, clothing, provisions -- and left barefooted to walk to Leavenworth. Our men are beginning to learn, from sad experience, the folly of marching in small detached companies. This affair, however, is looked upon as an indication of the disaffection of the Governor towards trhe militia.

A company of 150 Virginians has just arrived at Westport, and is expected to report to-morrow.

Sincerely yours,
J. M. P."