He cried like a child
when he heard the south had seceded and taken another flag. He did
not know to what extent he was disliked by this gang of bushwhackers,
and we were very much alarmed; fully expected some harm was meant.
Men on both sides were frequently taken out and shot down. When
the Bushwhackers would kill a union man then the Jayhawkers would
kill "a secesh."
My father said to us: "You stay in the house and keep quiet. I will
meet them." I watched him through a window. He was tall and straight
as an Indian. He walked up to them, taking off his hat and called "Good
morning" to them in a friendly tone. Asked them to get off their horses,
for he had a treat for them. In the corner of the yard was the carriage
house and under that was a rock spring house, through which a
living stream of water ran around the pans of milk. He took them to
the door, gave them seats, then went in this milkhouse and brought out
a jar of buttermilk. I have heard it said that buttermilk is one of the
greatest treats to a soldier. He talked with these men as if they had
been friends; brought out fruit; loaded them with bread, butter and milk;
and they left without even taking a horse from us. I fully believe it
was their intention to do some harm, but by the tact of my father they
were disarmed. "A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words
stir up strife." He was a thorough business man, but his social qualities
exceeded all others.
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