When Governor John Geary arrived in the territory he issued a proclamation ordering all armed bodies to disperse. General James H. Lane was near Topeka, at the time and did not know of the proclamation. With his party, he was starting for Holton, when a messenger arrived from Osawkie, with the news that the border ruffians had burned Grasshopper Falls and intended burning the other Free-State towns in the vicinity, to drive the settlers out of the country. The assistance of Lane and his command was asked and they marched to Osawkie, where his force was increased by the local Free-State men. Having restored order there, Lane learned that an armed force of pro-slavery men was at Hickory Point and marched there determined to capture them.

On arriving, he found about 100 men assembled, under command of Captain H. A. Lowe, the owner of Hickory Point, assisted by about 50 Carolinians, who had been committing outrages throughout the country. An attack was made, but the pro-slavery men were too well fortified to be driven out. Lane then sent word to Lawrence for Captain Bickerton, to bring reinforcements and the now historic cannon "Sacramento." The news reached Lawrence on Saturday, September 13th. Colonel Harvey gathered a company of recruits, started at once, marched all night, stopping at Newell's mills just long enough for breakfast, and arrived at Hickory Point about 10 a.m. Sunday. In the meantime Lane had heard of the governor's proclamation and had started for Topeka, expecting to meet the forces from Lawrence on the road. But Colonel Harvey, having taken the direct route, missed Lane. When Harvey and his forces came up the pro-slavery men tried to retreat, but were soon surrounded and took refuge in the log houses. No messages were exchanged. The cannon was placed in position about 200 yards south of the blacksmith shop and commenced firing. It was supported by about 20 men armed with United States muskets. The Stubbs company was stationed about 200 yards to the southeast in a timbered ravine. The first cannon shot passed through the blacksmith shop and killed Charles G. Newhall.