The Jayhawker Cleveland by David Hann

Author:David Hann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maureen Carroll
Published: 2021-09-30T16:17:39+00:00

Chapter 12

JENNISON

Moore had a fast horse. He needed a new name. Thinking back to the state where all his troubles began he settled on the last name of Cleveland. He liked the idea of using the name of a city in the state that had evicted him. He needed a first name and had liked the first name of Kingman, because it implied high status. Of course, Kingman wouldn’t do any longer. He wanted a first name that implied status and authority. Marshall had a nice ring to it, there also being the possibility that people who didn’t know him might think he was a marshal, a lawman. “Marshall Cleveland,” the former Moore said to himself. “That is who I will be for now.”

The newly born Marshall Cleveland left Smith and Westport and made his way south to Mound City. The two Walker Colts he wore and his naturally imposing figure dissuaded the curious and potential troublemakers. As Cleveland rode south he avoided other travelers as much as possible. In this violent land people tended to avoid strangers unless they traveled together in groups.

It wasn’t difficult to find Jennison’s headquarters, nor was it difficult to identify Jennison among the mob of armed men at the Mound City Tavern. Before Moore could introduce himself, one of Jennison’s men accosted him.

“Say,” he said, “I ain’t seen you before, stranger. Where you from?”

“My name is Cleveland, Marshall Cleveland. From Ohio via Missouri.”

“You better not be no Missouri spy.”

“Six dead men would tell you I am not a Missouri spy,” said Cleveland, “if they could talk. They correctly guessed I am a free state man but were too slow with their pistols.” Cleveland didn’t see any harm in exaggerating his history.

“Okay then, but watch your step.”

Jennison’s bearskin coat made him look half-bear as the bulky coat filled out his thin frame. His high peaked fur cap brought his 5’6” height close to Cleveland’s. Guessing that Jennison might be sensitive about his height Cleveland took care not to put his six foot plus body too close to the abolitionist leader.

The milling crowd gathered around Jennison, who stood on the bar of the Mound City tavern.

“We’re going to Missouri. We’ve all had enough of the slavers and Border Ruffians coming over here and terrifying peaceful settlers.”

Men cheered. Some waved pistols or big knives in the air as Jennison continued.

“I, Charles Jennison, commissioned by Governor Robinson as Lieutenant Colonel, say that we do not care about your past political opinions. No man will be persecuted because he differs from us, but now, neutrality is ended. If you are patriots, you must fight. If you are traitors, you will be punished. The time for fighting has come. Every man who feeds, harbors, protects, or in any way gives aid and comfort to the enemies of the Union will be held responsible for his treason, with his life and property.”

Even before Jennison reached the Missouri border his little company of 13 men increased to several hundred, principally from Missouri, men who had with their families been driven out of Missouri.

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