Secretary of War

This document comprises a series of instructions given by the Secretary of War to Gen. P.F. Smith, Commander of the Department of the West, between February 15, 1856 and September 5, 1856. Smith is instructed to “make every exertion in your power with the force under your orders to preserve the peace and prevent bloodshed.” The Secretary of War empowers Smith to act if armed resistance is made by citizens of any political persuasion. Smith is instructed not to interfere with the activities of the Kansas Militia.

February 15, 1856-September 5, 1856

Bleeding Kansas, Bloodletting Missouri
Kansas military units
Guerrillas

Secretary of War
Franklin Pierce
Samuel Lecompte

Lecompton, Kansas
Douglas County, Kansas

Kansas Historical Society

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

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