“Well, yes (with an oath), two or three thousand!” and the two men separated, and the Judge at once crossed the river to Baconsville, and confidentially communicated all to a discreet colored man there, in whose cool, quiet determination he had great confidence; commissioning him to see the officers of the militia company, and instruct them to present themselves at the Court, submit to judgment whatever it might be, and then, by an appeal to a higher court, find an easy way out of the difficulty; as the “precept” or informal paper which had been served upon them, must cause the judgment to fail there; and stating that in case of an attempted defense before Justice Rives, he apprehended serious trouble from the throng that would undoubtedly be present.
Other important business detained both Kanrasp and his influential friend Springer till the middle of the afternoon, when, on re-entering the street, they saw the village thickly besprinkled with squads of men from the rifle clubs of the vicinity. These clubs or military companies existed in open defiance of law and the Governor’s prohibitive proclamation.
“This looks like trouble,” said Judge Kanrasp to his friend. “Strange way to attend a simple trial! Now go right up and see those officers immediately, and urge them to be on hand at court, and stand judgment.” So saying he went to Marmor’s office upon other business, where Gaston soon rode up, bringing Gen. Baker’s request for the interview, to which we find him responding.
“I am here to represent my cousin, Mr. Robert Baker, in this matter,” said the General, “and wish you, Mr. Kanrasp, to sit down and tell me what it is.”
Judge K. complied, adding the advice he had given his clients.
“We have been annoyed a great deal by the negroes about here, and I am determined to get satisfaction, and Gen. Baker has been brought here as my attorney, to see that satisfaction is given us,” said Robert Baker, in a loud and vehement tone.
“Now, Judge Kanrasp,” said the General, “will you not go and see those officers of this company and request them to call upon me? I desire to tell them what I think is necessary for them to do to prevent the possibility of difficulty in the future. A great deal of feeling has been growing between Mr. Robert Baker’s family and immediate neighbors, and these colored people in Baconsville.”
“What proposition do you make them?”
“Well, I think it will be necessary for them to apologize to my cousin and surrender their arms.”