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Title: From Florella Brown Adair to Samuel Lyle Adair
Description: This letter, dated January 2, 1861, was written by Florella Brown Adair in Grafton, Ohio, to her husband Samuel Lyle Adair. Florella expresses frustration that Samuel seems to disapprove of her letters and activities in Ohio: “I have been frank in saying that as long as we were all here & well provided for, & there was such a want of every thing in Kansas that it seemed best to stay this winter & send back what I could for you & others that are suffering there.”
Date: January 2, 1861

Title: From Florella Brown Adair to Samuel Lyle Adair
Description: This letter was written between December 30, 1860 and January 2, 1861 by Florella Brown Adair to her husband Samuel Lyle Adair. Florella says that she is often asked about the situation in Kansas, with people wanting to know if the money and provisions sent from Ohio have been received in the Territory, or by Missourians.
Date: December 30, 1860-January 2, 1861

Title: From John W. Ladd to Matthew R. Walker
Description: On July 15, 1860, John W. Ladd writes from Lewis Centre to Matthew R. Walker. Ladd believes "we may expect lively times ahead" with four political parties vying in the presidential election. He discusses national politics briefly, and declares, "the Douglas Popular Sovereignty is about played out and never was anything but a barefaced humbug."
Date: July 15, 1860

Title: A Defence of Republicanism
Description: This address, titled "A Defense of Republicanism," was delivered by John Johnson, former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, to the Kansas City Republican Club on September 15, 1860. In the address, Johnson attempts to dispel false beliefs about Republican principles, including the accusations that the party "will destroy your property in negroes should it come into power," and that "the Republican party is a negro stealing party." Johnson also expresses Republican support of the Lincoln-Hamlin ticket.
Object Type: Speech

Title: From Edward Fitch to Dear Parents
Description: In an April 28, 1861 letter to his parents in Massachusetts, Edward Fitch of Lawrence, Kansas declares, “did you think that you would ever live to see it—a Civil War, the most horrible of all wars.” He informs them that he has joined an artillery company. He adds that the military “is organising in large numbers” in Lawrence, but he expresses his fear that if Missouri secedes from the Union, Kansas will not have enough arms or ammunition for defense. He also expresses concern that the Cherokee and Choctaw tribes will fight for the South.
Date: April 28, 1861

Title: From Calvin Iserman to Brother William
Description: This letter, ca. April 1861, was sent by Calvin Iserman in Independence, Missouri, to his brother William. Calvin writes that Independence “is the strongest secession town” in Missouri. He writes that men from Independence “seized the State Arsenal” at Liberty, and Lincoln has ordered federal troops to retake it. Calvin declares that all Union supporters “who can get away” are leaving the area. The letter includes a brief note addressed to “sister Gusta,” presumably written by Calvin's wife.

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