Brigadier-General EWING [?]:

DEAR GENERAL: I left Kansas City yesterday morning on the Ogden. Arrived here at 5 o'clock the same day, and the first news I learned was the murder of 4 Union men and 1 girl, and 9 wounded, by the bushwhackers, numbering 40. This sad affair took place in Freedom Township, in the German settlement, some 15 miles from this city. After they executed their hellish purposes, they went in the direction of the Mound, about 9 miles from town, and dispersed in small bands of from 5 to 10, some going toward the Sni, and in various directions. This band is headed by one W. T. Anderson, who formerly lived in this place. They captured 1 of the militiamen, and paroled him to report to Colonel McFerran, and to no other, to be exchanged for one notorious William Ogden, said to be at this time a prisoner in Kansas. Failing to comply, his life is to be the forfeit. Colonel Childs was taken by them and led to the brush, there to be hanged. Through the intercession of former friends, his life was spared, on conditions. Those conditions the colonel was not at liberty to confide to your correspondent. The noted bushwhacker Dave Pool had Colonel Childs prisoner. This Pool has declared, that he intended killing 50 Union men, in retaliation for the killing of Colonel Parker, &c.

On my way up to your city, we passed about 15 or 20 bushwhackers, on a point of timber land, a few miles above Sibley (bottom land), about 7 a.m. They appeared to be preparing their breakfast. The boat was not within range. Had she been, no doubt we would have received a volley from their fire-arms. We saw none coming down. The friends are pleased to learn that you will soon be down.

Truly, your friend,

SAM. BREITENBAUGH.
OR Ser1, V22, Pt. 2, pp. 377/8