The follwoing appeared in the Abbeville [S.C.]Banner, 16 Oct 1856, p. 2, c. 4, 5:

"Camp near Lecompton
Sept. 21, 1856

The storm has passed, the raging elements are abating their fury, a few fitful gusts alone serving to remind us that all danger is not entirely past.

On the morning of Saturday the 13th ult., Gen. Reid, in command of 2,480 men, took up his line of march from Camp Mission, near Westport. During the day, our forces were increased by the arrival of Col. Clarkson, with 350, making in all 2,830 men. We accomplished 14 miles, and encamped on Cedar Creek, after a very severe day of hot, dusty, dry and hungry marching. This was in consequence of the horse, to the number of 1,800, forming the advance guard. Next day our company, being on the right of the 1st Regiment, was placed in advance, and we marched 21 miles with comparative ease.

At the Wakarusa, 7 miles below Lawrence, a small detachment was snet forward to reconnoitre the famous Rifle Pits on the opposite bank. They were found to be admirable in position, but insignificant in construction, and empty. The advance proceeded to within a short distance of Franklin, where they witnessed a most diabolical murder and robbery. A young man who had connected himself with no company, had been riding with an individual who discovered that his companion had some $3,000 in his possession. They proceeded together far in advance of the whole army, when this spy shot his victim in the head and escaped into the camp of the enemy. The advance guard, returning in haste with this intelligence, and a rapid movment ordered in front, the report was circulated that the enemy was at Franklin in force. This nerved up our weary, foot-sore men, and we dashed into Franklin at the head of the army with full numbers. The Captain alone was an invalid, and I gave him my horse to ride. Our mounted skirmishers chased the enemy's picket into the very heart of Lawrence, and several prisoners were taken within close range of the enemy. One old fellow run [sic] two of them down, commanded them to surrender, and made prisoners of themselves [sic], their two horses, rifles and repeaters. We lay in the town of Franklin until sundown, momentarily expecting orders to march upon Lawrence. But no such order cmae, and evening passed, and night passed, and half the next day passed, while our General waited for the enemy to take advantage of the dealy.

One house and steam mill beling to the Abolition Aid Society were burned contrary to orders. Two or three other houses were put out by Col. Titus and his command. No pillaging was permitted, although the town was deserted by all the Abolitionists who had lived there.

For the third time in my life, I saw the sun set on that gorgeous plain, and this time I turned slowly from his blaze, with the mental certitude that before I saw him again, a bloody battle would be fought. How sadly was I mistaken!

Next morning at 9 o'clock, we received orders to break up the camp we had formed about a mile back of Franklin, and to march again to Franklin. Here we learned that the Governor had ordered the U. S. Troops to Lawrence, to prevent a battle. They consequently took possession of Lawrence at about day-break, and had their cannon so placed as to bear upon either army. We therefore waited until the arrival of the Gov. at about 3 p.m., when a council of all the Captains was called. Here a scene worthy of the feudal days was enacted. Each Captain obstinately held to his own views, and threatened to march his company back if not allowed to do as he pleased. The Governor finally disbanded the army, and made a requisition for two companies to be organized and mustered into the service. Our company was highly recommended by the General as the best drilled, and under the best discipline of any in the army, and we were consequently received.

Next day the few men who had encamped on the Wakarusa took up their line of march for home, the main body having gone on the night before; thus leaving our little company and a few recruits that Col. Titus had raised for the other company sole masters of the field. We marched past Lawrence, and reached Lecompton early in the evening. I noticed on the high hill so often spoken of commanding Lawrence, a square stone redoubt, about 40 feet long, with port holes and embrasures for cannon. It would ahve cost us some loss to have taken this little redoubt, but it would have been fatal to the enemy to try to hold it, as it is at least half a mile from their main citadel.

Yesterday the Governor himself visited our camp and mustered our company into the service for three months. We now have some 65 men and are to raise 20 more. The officers are Capt. Donaldson [apparently form Anderson or Greenville District, S.C.]; J. M. Pelot, 1st Lieutenant; Wm. Franklin, of S.C., 2nd Lieutenant; R. English, of Va., Orderly Sergeant; Parker, of Augusta, Ga., 2nd Sergeant; W. M. Stansell, of Anderson District, S. C., 3rd Sergeant, &c. Thus you see that three of our officers are from the old Palmetto State, who comprise in fact all the Carolinians in the company. We are to recieve the regular pay of U.S. Soldiers, and will be under the immediate command of the Governor. We will probably be stationed in Lecompton, and have about 150 prisoners to guard until their trial.

I wish it were in my power to give you correct details of the many battles and skirmishes that have taken place betwen small parties in the last two weeks. I send you a copy of the Squatter Sovereign, however, giving you an accoutn of the capture of Palmer's company, and the victory of Robertson. I see Paul Connor's name on the last of Palmer's.

The troops have been active in arresting prisoners. Lane, Harv[e]y, and Walker have probably left the Territory, as nothing is known of them. Lawrence is enarly deserted. Topeka was taken a few days since, and 15 prisoners captured. Geary says that he does not intend to pardon one of the rascals who shall be sentenced by the Judge. Thus is order again restored, and thus we are again beguiled vby the idea that a victory ahs been gained. But a greater war than this is waging throughout the Union, and Kansas is but the tool to work the ends of the enemies to the Constitution. The Territory is devastated, the best citizens driven off for security, and winter is at hand with all its terrors doubly enhanced by insecure houses and empty barns.

J. M. P."