Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 6.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Herewith I inclose you for publication an official communication just received from Colonel Penick, Fifth cavalry, M. S. M., commanding at Independence, that the community may understand and know the kind of foe we have to contend with in Missouri, and whether peace rules supreme within her border.

How very pleasant the reflection that in the endurance of all the hardships imposed by our rulers in their attempts to conciliate traitors, upon the loyal inhabitants, that it is a necessity, to enable them hereafter to live in harmony with such demons as those who have perpetrated these outrages. The devils in hell, by comparison, would show as bright angels of light by the side of such men.

General: Private Johnson, of the artillery company, was brought in dead to-day. He is the fifth one murdered last week, four from the artillery and one from the militia. If you could see their mangled bodies, you would not wonder why it is that I write you that guerrillas' wives should be forced out of the country. They were all wounded, and killed afterward in the most horrible manner that fiends could devise; all were shot in the head, and several of their faces are terribly cut to pieces with boot-heels. Powder was exploded in one man's ear, and both ears cut off close to his head. Whether this inhuman act was committed while he was alive or not, I have no means of knowing. To see human beings treated as my men have been by outlaws, is more than I can bear.

Ten of these men, armed as they are, with their wives and children to act as spies, are equal to twenty-five of mine. Guerrillas are threatening Union women in the county. I am arresting the wives and sisters of some of the most notorious ones, to prevent them from carrying their threats into execution. They have also levied an assessment upon the loyal men of the county, and are collecting it very fast. There are many complaints on the subject, as some of those assessed claim to be Southern sympathizers. Some of the Union men have asked me if the order suspending your assessment applies to the one spoken of above. I tell them I do not know, to ask J. Brown Hovey.

Yours truly,