The following letter appeared in the Edgefield [S.C.] Advertiser, 16 Jul 1856, p. 2, c. 6, 7:

"Steamer Star of the West

Missouri River, June 28th, 1856

Mr. Editor: Dear Sir: Again I am on my down-ward trip to St. Louis. This time I am escorting 80 abolitionists back to Illinois. They came up the River a few days ago well armed. The citizens of Lexington[,] getting word of it, stop[ped the Boat and took their arms and ammunition away; they then proceeded up to Leavenworth, but the citizens would not allow them to land. At Weston they ordered them back and placed a guard over them to Kansas City; there 15 of us took charge of them and will see them landed in Illinois. They are mortified and crestfallen. Coming up the river they were very daring and saucy and defied the Border Ruffians, but when they met them at Lexington[,] their courage leaked out at their finger's ends and down came the guns.

On my way down yesterday we stopped at Lexington and I was presented with one of the guns. The captain of the company yesterday asked me for my autograph. I asked him what he wanted with it, he said he only wanted it so he could say he had seen me. I told him no body knew me at Chicago; he said I was mistaken for he had heard of me and intended to meet me under different circumstances. If he had, I doubt much w[h]ether he would like to have renewed the acquaintance. Yesterday we met a boat going up with 50 more of the same stock. Our prisoners were very anxious to stop the boat and get them to go down with us. I was anxious to do the same; so we came along side. After some conversation they concluded to turn back, and were about to come aboard, but when I notified them that their arms had to be given upn they refused to come aboard. One fellow attempted to pass the guard, but he drew his pistol and the fellow backed in a hurry. The guard accidentally fired his pistol and the ball scraped my arm but no body was hurt.

They went on their way, not rejoicing, but scared to death. They will be stopped at Waverly or Lexington -- the, after delivering their arms [they] will be allowed to proceed, but at Leavenworth they will be escorted back. So we intend to treat all of them.

Enclosed is a paragraph from the Springfield Illinois paper; it alludes to the party on board this boat; they behave very well.

'We were favored on Thursday with a sight at the class of men the agitation managers are sending to Kansas to battle for "freedom." Seventy-five drunken rowdies from the "Sands" of Chicago, passed through our town, accompanied by a quota of sy___ du __ps on their way to Kansas. This gang of bawdy-house bullies were uniformed like a crew of pirates, as the character is generally depicted on the boards of the city theatres [as written]. As these fellows supposed they had engaged in a piratical campaign, they deemed it necxessary to dress the character. A more ruffianly looking gang we have never seen before. They favored Bloomington with their presence a day or two, we are told, being too much overcome with free rum to proceed further without resting. Such are the men that niggerism, with the assistance, too, of men who disgrace the pulpit by calling themselves clergy[;] men, who are hired by the head with a per diem allowance, to "shriek for freedom." Their shrieks here were of the shrillest character, such as might be heard at a Five Points dance house during high revel.

The gang actually was supposed by some to be one of the contributions which Chicago makes to Alton [the location of the Illinois State Penetentiary], under command of the Sheriff of Cook, and which every two or three weeks pass through our town for the former palce. -- Springfield Register.

I shall proceed to Cincinnati on some business, and then to Washington anbd return to Kansas Territory. When I left the Territory every thing was quiet but there is a storm brewing, and the South must now show a bold and steady front. She has the destiny of Kansas now in her own hands, and if she palys her cards right Kansas is safe.

I wish I could spend a hour with you in odl Edgefield. I could tell you of sights I have seen that would rouse your feelings in behalf of Pro-Slavery men in Kansas to the highest pitch -- but we are approaching Jefferson city and I must close.

E. B. BELL