Annals of Platte County, Missouri - Paxton




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1863, SEPT. 350 VIRGINIA HOTEL. They had brought arms and ammunition with them, and pro- ceeded to enlist a new company for the 82dRegiment, Missouri State Militia. They made their headquarters opposite the Virginia Hotel, now the Central. The arms were at the east end of town, and there a company of men was hastily formed. AT THE VIRGINIA HOTEL (CENTRAL). In the meantime our guests arrived, and stopped at the Virginia, as had been arranged. Many of Col. J. A. Price's old soldiers were there, with Colonels Anthony and Clough. They were indignant at their reception, and had they been armed, trouble would have ensued. As it was, they contented them- selves with cursing Col. Moss. A messenger was sent to the new recruits, at the east end of town, to join Col. Moss, opposite the Virginia Hotel. and the recruits marched down Main Street to the quarters of Col. Moss. Here they remained for the day. This parade incensed our guests the more, and an unsuccessful effort was made to get a military force from Leavenworth to drive o the intruders, But Moss showed his authority from the governor, and assured them he would not interfere with their proposed meeting. THE MEETING AT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. All preparations had been made to hold the meeting at the Christian church, and accordingly about 400 attended. as in duty bound, to hear the speakers invited for the occasion. Col. Anthony spoke of the evils of slavery, and advocated emancipa~ tion. It was kind in spirit, but the words of Colonels Burnes. Clough. and McCahon were full of gall. Col. Burnes had just been pardoned by the President for treason, of which he was con- victed. and gratefully spoke to his new friends. The day passed off quietly. but much ill feeling was engendered. The new militia were said to be disloyal men. who had been hiding among the pawpaws. and hence their name. THE HANGING OF GREEN AND RAPP. On the night of that memorable 26th of September a company of cut-throats met at the house of Jacob Fulcher, and hung him until he was unconscious. After robbing his house, they went to the house of John Rapp, robbed him, and hung him on a leaning tree. They then went to Tipp Green's and after robbing his house, brought him to Rapp's and hung him beside the dead body of Rapp. Two days later I was ordered, as public administrator, to take charge of Rapp's estate. The only valuable I found in his house was a twenty-dollar bill of Confederate money lying on the floor. It was said that the possession of this money was the excuse for hanging him. I did not inventory the $20.