"We got on the car again and headed them off near Lattimer, where the posse alighted and went to the side of the road.  The sheriff said to the captains.  'This is a hard crowd; keep cool, whatever you do.'  Then he started up the road.  I asked him if I could go with him, but he said. 'No, no; go back to the men.  I am going out to these men alone.'  I went back with a sad heart because I thought the sheriff was in great danger.  He walked to them with his hands behind his back.  When he came near he raised his hands.  Then shooting began.  He drew a paper from his pocket and started to read, but they surged around him and there was a great struggle.  I saw men with pistols in their hands trying to get at him.  I rushed up and tried to raise the hammer of my riot gun, but could not.  Then I tried to pump the under part, but it would not work.  Just about that time I heard a shot.  Then there was a volley.  Then men were running.  The sheriff was knocked to his knees.  I was the nearest to him, but could not render any assistance."

- Deputy A.P. Platt, report to the Kansas Semi-Weekly Capital on March 15, 1898 [claiming that the strikers fired on the deputies]

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