Israel B. Donalson

This letter, dated September 1, 1856, was written by U.S. Marshal Israel B. Donalson in Lecompton, Kansas, to Acting Kansas Gov. Daniel Woodson. Donalson states that a large number of armed men, probably commanded by Gen. James Lane, are entering Kansas daily for the purpose of driving citizens from the Territory, robbing and burning houses, and committing murder. Donalson does not possess enough troops to suppress Lane’s men, and is submitting the facts of the situation to Woodson so he can determine a course of action.

September 1, 1856

Bleeding Kansas, Bloodletting Missouri
Guerrillas
Jayhawkers

Israel B. Donalson
Daniel Woodson
James Henry Lane
Franklin Pierce

Lecompton, Kansas
Douglas County, Kansas

Kansas Historical Society

Kansas Territorial Records, 27-01-01-01, Folder 35

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