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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 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
From George D. Bayard to Father
Title
From George D. Bayard to Father
Description
This is a copy of an October 1, 1856 letter from George D. Bayard in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to his father. Bayard tells his father that Kansas is overrun with invaders from Missouri who want to make it a slave state, and with northern emigrants who want to make it a free state. He criticizes Gov. John W. Geary for not taking a strong stand against slavery. He also mentions that troops from Lecompton are pursuing James Henry Lane and his men.
Date
October 1, 1856