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From S.H. Woodson to George R. Smith
Title
From S.H. Woodson to George R. Smith
Description
On July 1, 1856, S.H. Woodson writes from Independence, Missouri to Gen. George R. Smith. Woodson denies the charge that he called Smith "as great an Abolitionist as there was in Massachusetts or in New York," declaring "There is not one word of truth in it."
Date
July 1, 1856
From H.M. Clark to R.M. Stewart
Title
From H.M. Clark to R.M. Stewart
Description
This June 2, 1858 letter is from Capt. H.M. Clark in Boonville, Missouri to Missouri Gov. R.M. Stewart. Clark volunteers his company, the Union Riflemen of Cooper County, Missouri, to assist in patrolling the western border to "preserve peace with Kansas." He states that he can offer a force of fifty mounted men, or light infantry, and adds that they need a few additional tents and wagons.
Date
June 2, 1858
From R.C. Ewing to George R. Smith
Title
From R.C. Ewing to George R. Smith
Description
On June 18, 1856, R.C. Ewing writes from Lexington, Missouri to Gen. George R. Smith. Ewing warns Smith that his opinions regarding Kansas "are doing you…damage in Saline, Lafayette, and Jackson" counties in Missouri because "those who control matters here, say they are afraid of the effect of compromising anything on the Slavery question." Ewing predicts that these three counties will oppose Smith's nomination.
Date
June 18, 1856
From R.R. Boone to Dear Father
Title
From R.R. Boone to Dear Father
Description
R.R. Boone writes a letter from Buchanan County, Missouri to his father on September 12, 1858. Boone reacts to news of guerrilla warfare in Kansas, proclaiming "I am a great mind some times to gather my Rifle and gow & skalp some of these infernal theaving abolitionist." He criticizes both political parties and voices anger that the government has not put a stop to the violence in Kansas.
Date
September 12, 1858
From George M. Beebe to Jefferson Davis
Title
From George M. Beebe to Jefferson Davis
Description
George M. Beebe writes a letter from Doniphan County, Kansas to Jefferson Davis on June 9, 1860. Beebe reacts to the news that Davis and A.G. Brown have "indefinitely postponed" his confirmation as Secretary of Kansas Territory. He defends his status as a Democrat, insisting that accusations of his alliance with the Free State Party are false. He claims that he has fought in favor of slavery and remains committed to the cause.
Date
June 9, 1860
From J.M. Kingsbury to J.J. Webb
Title
From J.M. Kingsbury to J.J. Webb
Description
This September 22, 1856 letter is from J.M. Kingsbury in Kansas City, Missouri to J.J. Webb in Santa Fe. Kingsbury writes that Kansas Territory is still plagued by "difficulties" and that Congress has passed the Army Bill. He expresses hope that the new governor of Kansas, John W. Geary, will "succeed in quieting things there and be able to carry out the law."
Object Type
Letter
Date
September 22, 1856
From George H. Hall to Dear Lydia
Title
From George H. Hall to Dear Lydia
Description
This letter is from George H. Hall to his sister Lydia. Hall writes from St. Joseph, Missouri on November 17, 1859, and refers to John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. He calls Brown a coward, and argues that "his only acts in Kansas Territory . . . were the assassination of unarmed families and his great skill in running off negroes."
Object Type
Letter
Date
November 17, 1859
Another Abolition Outrage
Title
Another Abolition Outrage
Description
The St. Louis Daily Bulletin printed this article on December 11, 1860, announcing that a party of abolitionists tried to steal forty slaves from Morgan Walker in Independence, Missouri. J.H. McMurray, author of the article, writes: "Walker told them to take the negroes, and commenced shooting. One of the gang fell dead on the steps; one was taken prisoner, and the messenger thought two others were killed."
Object Type
Newspaper Article
Date
December 11, 1860
From B. Hoonsley to George R. Smith
Title
From B. Hoonsley to George R. Smith
Description
On December 11, 1855, B. Hoonsley writes from Big Creek to Gen. George R. Smith. Hoonsley says that "all is confusion here," and reports a rumor that there is still fighting in Lawrence, Kansas, although "it may all be false." He adds that the destruction of Lawrence was predicted months ago by several men. Hoonsley informs Smith that he and two other men are "marked objects" and suggests that "the legislation ought to take immediate…action."
Object Type
Letter
Date
December 11, 1855
From William S. Field to George R. Smith
Title
From William S. Field to George R. Smith
Description
On May 27, 1856, William S. Field writes from Lexington, Missouri to Gen. George R. Smith in Georgetown, Pettis County, Missouri. Field states that he has consented to run for Circuit Attorney if he becomes the nominee for the American party, and will likely run against Mr. Crews of Saline County, Missouri. He refers to "the contest for Congress" between Smith and Mr. Akers, and warns Smith that "Many here are trying to slay you on the negro question, which is unjust & wrong."
Date
May 27, 1856
The Western Dispatch.
Title
The Western Dispatch.
Description
This is the August 17, 1856 evening issue of the Western Dispatch, printed in Independence, Missouri. The newspaper announces that war is "being waged by the Abolitionists," and reports that James Henry Lane, John Brown, and their forces have robbed several Kansas residents and driven them into Missouri. The paper also mentions that Kansas Gov. Wilson Shannon requested aid from the U.S. military, but was refused. A last minute extra, printed at the bottom of the paper, states that Lane and his men have captured Lecompton.
Object Type
Newspaper Article
Date
August 17, 1856
From Thomas R. Mitchell to J.T. Sweringen
Title
From Thomas R. Mitchell to J.T. Sweringen
Description
This letter is from Thomas R. Mitchell to J.T. Sweringen. Mitchell writes from Huntsville, Missouri on June 20, 1857, to inform Sweringen that Mrs. Ralston has safely arrived in town: "She found no difficulty in getting along amongst the 'border ruffians.'" He also expresses his concern that crops in Missouri are scarce this season.
Date
June 20, 1857
From J. Locke Hardeman to George R. Smith
Title
From J. Locke Hardeman to George R. Smith
Description
On June 10, 1855, J. Locke Hardeman writes from Saline County, Missouri to George R. Smith in Georgetown, Missouri. Hardeman asserts that he differs "very widely" from Smith in his opinion on the Kansas question. "If Kansas be settled by Abolitionists," Hardeman asks, "can Missouri remain a slave state? If Missouri goes by the board what will become of Kentucky[,] Maryland, Virginia?...I know that Abolition & Union can not stand together."
Object Type
Letter
Date
June 10, 1855
From Brinkly Hornsby to George R. Smith
Title
From Brinkly Hornsby to George R. Smith
Description
This letter, dated August 18, 1856, is from Brinkly Hornsby in Big Creek, Missouri to Gen. George R. Smith. Hornsby predicts that the current political conflicts in Kansas and Missouri will soon lead to "a great deal of serious difficulty and bloodshed." He urges Smith to unite with the other conservative men of Missouri to "start a movement . . . and put a stop to the threatened catastrophe."
Object Type
Letter
Date
August 18, 1856
From William S. Field to George R. Smith
Title
From William S. Field to George R. Smith
Description
William S. Field writes a letter from Lexington, Missouri to Gen. George R. Smith in Georgetown, Missouri on June 10, 1856. Field informs Smith that M.W. Smallwood recently received a nomination to the Georgetown Convention. He encourages Smith in his candidacy for Congress: "you have many friends here & should you receive the nomination you will get a heavey majority here notwithstanding the howl of freesoilism against you."
Date
June 10, 1856
From S.S. Abney to William Van Lear
Title
From S.S. Abney to William Van Lear
Description
S.S. Abney writes from Morgan County, Missouri to William Van Lear on December 5, 1860. He tells Van Lear that troops are pursuing James Montgomery, who has taken possession of Fort Scott after robbing and murdering Kansas residents. Abney expresses hope for the future of Kansas, but predicts that "we are on the verge of perilous times."
Date
December 5, 1860
War in Kansas!
Title
War in Kansas!
Description
This 1856 broadside announces the commencement of civil war in Kansas. It urges the citizens of Lafayette County, Missouri to gather with their guns and horses in Lexington on August 20, and "put an end to Abolitionism in Kansas." The broadside, signed by twelve men, reports that John Brown, James Henry Lane, and their forces have launched several guerrilla attacks upon Kansas residents, and are now "advancing upon us--the next breath from Kansas may bring to our ears the death shrieks of our Fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, neighbors and friends."
Object Type
Broadside
Date
August 1856
From Dewitt C. Hunter to J.F. Snyder
Title
From Dewitt C. Hunter to J.F. Snyder
Description
This letter, dated January 21, 1861, is from Dewitt C. Hunter in Nevada, Missouri to Col. J.F. Snyder. Hunter describes himself as a "secessionist in favor of separate state action and immediate secession." He believes that Missouri is in danger of invasion from Kansas, and he urges Snyder to organize a regiment, procure arms, and prepare to defend the border.
Object Type
Letter
Date
January 21, 1861
From Silas Reed to Mrs. Abner Stone
Title
From Silas Reed to Mrs. Abner Stone
Description
This letter, dated August 16, 1854, is from Silas Reed in Missouri to Mrs. Abner Stone. He mentions the conflict over the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and says that he hopes New Englanders will "resolve that Kansas shall be on the side of freedom" and immigrate there to help the cause. He tells Mrs. Stone that thirty men from Massachusetts have already arrived in Kansas to start a free colony, and adds, "If I were a young man I would go there at once."
Date
August 16, 1854
From William M. McPherson to George R. Smith
Title
From William M. McPherson to George R. Smith
Description
On October 20, 1856, William M. McPherson writes from London to Gen. George R. Smith in Georgetown, Missouri. McPherson reports that his railroad securities business in London has been negatively affected by "the Kansas question and the exaggerated stories…about Missourians in Kansas going there to vote and control the elections[,] stopping emigrants…and driving out settlers." He adds that he hopes to buy 4,000 tons of iron for the railroad near Jefferson City before leaving London.
Date
October 20, 1856

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