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Title: From Charles R. Jennison to Charles Robinson
Description: This letter was written by Charles R. Jennison in Mound City, Kansas, to Kansas Gov. Charles Robinson on August 22, 1862. Jennison writes that in southern Kansas there is “a general feeling that Lane is a great humbug.” Jennison notes that he has a petition from Dr. Mitchell – a Missourian – and other “Lane men” who are organizing a new regiment in Mound City. Jennison believes that Kansas men should command Kansas troops.
Date: August 22, 1862

Title: From Alice Trego to Joseph H. Trego
Description: This letter, dated September 22, 1862, is from Alice Trego in Mound City, Kansas to her husband Joseph. She reports on the movements of Kansas military units and informs Joseph that Gen. James Lane was authorized to raise four regiments of black soldiers. Alice also mentions that there has been a picket guard of citizens in her neighborhood ever since the Sacking of Olathe. She laments, “Oh! how I wish the war was over, and slavery abolished.”
Date: September 22, 1862

Title: From Samuel R. Ayres to Lyman Langdon
Description: This letter was written on August 24 and 27, 1863 by Samuel R. Ayres in Moneka, Kansas, to Lyman Langdon. Ayres writes that “along our Missouri border we are subject to almost constant raids from the Bushwhackers over the line who rob our citizens burn their houses and murder prominent men.” Ayres offers a description of Quantrill’s recent raid on Lawrence, Kansas, calling it “an act of barbarity but seldom if ever equaled by the most savage tribes.” Ayres says that he and other local citizens are organizing to defend Mound City, Kansas from guerrilla attacks.
Date: August 24, 1863-August 27, 1863

Title: From George H. Hoyt to Charles Robinson
Description: On August 12, 1862, George H. Hoyt writes from Leavenworth, Kansas, to Kansas Gov. Charles Robinson. Hoyt states that Gen. Lane has given Col. Jennison “the authority…to organize the colored regiments in the State…with no conditions of any sort.” Hoyt says that Jennison will be pleased to receive suggestions from Robinson regarding this work.
Date: August 12, 1862

Title: From Walthall Robinson to Sister Em
Description: This letter, dated October 25, 1863, was written by Walthall Robinson in Miami, Missouri, to his sister Em. Walthall provides a detailed account of Shelby’s Raid and the Battle of Marshall, declaring, "Affairs have not changed any for the better…I greatly fear a complete state of anarchy and terrorism.” He describes a violent encounter between some aquaintances and two “Jim Lane men,” and concludes that the November elections will determine “whether there will be any safety whatever” in Missouri.
Date: October 25, 1863

Title: From John C. Gage to Dear Friends
Description: This letter, dated September 1, 1862, was written by John C. Gage in Kansas City, Missouri to friends in Pelham, New Hampshire. John states that Confederate forces camped nearby have retreated to Arkansas, leaving the area vulnerable to guerrilla attacks. The biggest threat comes from Jim Lane’s brigade under Jennison, which is “raising and arming negroes in Kansas to plunder good citizens in Missouri.” Of Jennison, John declares, “He ought to be killed and I would esteem it the best act of my life to do it.”
Date: September 1, 1862

Title: From Samuel R. Ayres to Lyman Langdon
Description: In this letter, dated November 15, 1861, Samuel R. Ayres tells Lyman Langdon that he recently travelled to Kansas City, Missouri on an expedition to escort a provision train, but the train was captured by Secessionists. Ayres tells Langdon that there are a lot of Secessionists in Clay County, Missouri, and he suspects that they will try to take possession of Kansas City. He also mentions a rumor that Gen. Lane is in danger, as his regiment is vastly outnumbered by the enemy, but he plans to unite his forces with those of Col. Jennison.
Date: November 15, 1861

Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854-1865