“They established their headquarters at the saloon of a German named Ernest Renner, where they held their councils of war and whence they started upon their forays. The winter was favorable to their designs, as the river closed early, enabling them to cross upon the ice. Cleveland proclaimed himself marshal of Kansas, and announced his determination to run the country. He invited the cordial co-operation of all good citizens to assist him in sustaining the government and punishing its foes. Ignorant of his resources and of his purposes, the people were at first inclined to welcome their strange guests as a protection from the dangers to which they were exposed, but it soon became apparent that the doctors were worse than the disease. They took possession of the town, defied the municipal authorities, and committed such intolerable excesses that their expulsion was a matter of public safety. Their incursions into Missouri were so frequent and audacious that a company of infantry was sent from Weston and stationed at Winthrop to effect their capture, but to no purpose. * * * * If a man had an enemy in any part of the country whom he wished to injure, he reported him to Cleveland as a rebel, and the next night he was robbed of all he possessed and considered fortunate if he escaped without personal violence. * * * * A small detachment of cavalry was sent from the fort to take them, but just as they had dismounted in front of the saloon and were hitching their horses, Cleveland appeared at the door with a cocked navy in each hand and told them that he would shoot the first man who moved a finger. Calling two or three of his followers he disarmed the dragoons, took their horses and equipments and sent them back on foot to reflect upon the vicissitudes of military affairs. Early in 1862 the condition became desperate and the city authorities, in connection with the commander at Winthrop, concerted a scheme which brought matters to a crisis. Cleveland and about a dozen of his gang were absent in Missouri on a scout. The time of their return was known, and Marshal Charles Holbert had his force stationed in the shadow of an old warehouse near the bank of the river. It was a brilliant moonlight night in mid-winter. The freebooters emerged from the forest and crossed upon the ice. They were freshly mounted and each one had a spare horse. Accompanying them were two sleighs loaded with negroes, harness and miscellaneous plunder. As they ascended the steep shore of the levee, unconscious of danger, they were all taken prisoners except Cleveland, who turned suddenly, spurred his horse down the embankment and escaped. The captives were taken to Weston, where they soon afterward enlisted in the Federal army. The next day Cleveland rode into town, captured the city marshal on the street and declared his intention to hold him as a hostage for the safety of his men. He compelled the marshal to walk by the side of his