TRADERS

In August of 1862 all regular Confederate troops were pulled out of
Fort Cobb, while rumors circulated that a strong contingent of Union-
sympathizing Indians was planning an attack. Reacting to these
rumors, Leeper took his family to Texas. Mrs. Shirley, warned by the
wife of a Comanche chief, secured an ambulance from Fort Cobb.10
Escorted by her brother-in-law and two employees, she removed her
family to safety in Texas. Dr. Shirley was away in Kansas making his
fall trade goods purchases."
On October 23, 1862, a Union raiding party attacked the Wichita
Agency. Joined by bands of Delaware, Shawnee, Kickapoo, Seminole,
and Cherokees, the force moved from building to building looking for
their victims.'2 Leeper, who had just that day returned from Texas,
was at home with three employees when the attack began. Leeper
and his men put up a brief fight, killing two of the warriors. In the
confusion, Leeper managed to escape by a back door. Wearing only
his nightshirt, he hid under a ledge near the agency until dawn, and
was found about mid-morning by a Comanche chief who provided
Leeper with a mount. Leeper then rode to the Chandler Ranch.3

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