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Title: Petition from Bates County Citizens
Description: This petition, dated November 23, 1860, is addressed to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart and signed by 13 citizens of Bates County. The signers declare their need for further protection from Jayhawker attacks. They inform Stewart that they are sending fellow citizen William Doak, a captain in the Missouri Militia, to visit him and request protection. They assure Stewart that Doak is a trustworthy citizen.
Object Type: Petition
Date: November 23, 1860

Title: From G.H. Forkney to Col. Peery
Description: This letter, dated June 13, 1856, is from G.H. Forkney in Basin Knob, Missouri to Col. Peery. Forkney discusses business dealings, then goes on to describe the "deplorable state of affairs" in Kansas Territory: "murders are common & occasionally the women & children fall victim to the fury of the northern fanatics." He reports that President Franklin Pierce has put Kansas under martial law, and that Missourians are preparing for "a war of extermination."
Object Type: Letter
Date: June 13, 1856

Title: From T.W.B. Rockwell to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on February 28, 1859 by T.W.B. Rockwell in Butler, Bates County, Missouri to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Rockwell states that he arrived in Butler that day and found the citizens in a state of alarm after several thefts by "collections of thieves" from Kansas. Among the items taken were "fifty stand of those guns that was in charge of Capt. Weaver." Rockwell says that many citizens of Bates County have moved to the central and eastern portions of the county in an effort to escape the thieves; "What must our President think of this," he asks.
Date: February 28, 1859

Title: From Samuel H. Robertson to Sterling Price
Description: This letter was written ca. October 7, 1854 by Samuel H. Robertson in Bates County, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Sterling Price. Robertson states that Osage Indians have been crossing the state line into Missouri to steal horses and crops, and asks Price for protection against this “Indian outrage and oppression.” He suggests that Price call some military companies into service for this purpose, and says that the Osage should be prevented from crossing the state line without written permission from their agent.
Object Type: Letter

Title: From G.A. Parsons to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This dispatch, dated December 8, 1860, is from G.A. Parsons, Adjutant General of the Missouri Militia, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Parsons reports that a “band of marauders of Kansas Territory” murdered a Missouri citizen for capturing a fugitive slave. The 300 mounted and armed marauders, under the command of James Montgomery and Charles Jennison, have also captured slaves and threatened the lives of Missouri citizens. Parsons asks Stewart to send troops to the border to protect citizens “threatened with arson plunder and death.”
Date: December 8, 1860

Title: Statement of the Citizens of Bates Co. Concerning Border Troubles
Description: This statement, dated June 5, 1858, was written by Joseph Clymer and signed by Adj. Gen. G.A. Parsons and 11 citizens of West Point in Bates County, Missouri. The statement describes the invasion of West Point and the robberies and attacks on Missouri citizens committed by James Montgomery and his band. The citizens state that Montgomery’s men have threatened to destroy West Point, and that a number of citizens have fled their homes in fear. The citizens request assistance from the Missouri government.
Date: June 5, 1858

Title: From Robert M. Stewart to G.A. Parsons
Description: This dispatch, dated May 31, 1858, is from Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart to Adj. Gen. G.A. Parsons. Stewart relays information that “a marauding party of armed men” from Kansas has invaded Bates and Cass Counties in Missouri and are threatening to commit arson and murder. Stewart orders Parsons to investigate the matter and decide what steps should be taken to protect Missouri citizens. He authorizes Parsons to organize a volunteer force if necessary.
Date: May 31, 1858

Title: From Robert M. Stewart to G.A. Parsons
Description: This letter, dated April 5, 1859, is from Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart to Adj. Gen. G.A. Parsons. Stewart reports that the western border of Missouri in Cass and Bates Counties “is threatened anew by a marauding band” from Kansas. He orders Parsons to travel to the border and take charge of preventing invasions. He authorizes Parsons to organize military companies for the protection of Missouri citizens, and instructs him to seek the cooperation of Kansas authorities. Attached is a copy of the first draft of the letter.
Date: April 5, 1859

Title: From S.G. Allen to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter, dated May 30, 1858, was written by S.G. Allen in Harrisonville, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Allen states that three military companies have been organized in Bates and Cass Counties in Missouri “to act only in self defence” against guerrillas from Kansas. Allen asks Stewart to provide additional protection for the citizens, explaining that “new depredations have been committed new threats have been made and vigorous preparations are going on just over the line—what is to be the end God only knows.”
Date: May 30, 1858

Title: From William H. Doah to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on November 25, 1859 by William H. Doah in Tipton, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Doah states that he sent a letter to Stewart on September 7, 1859, requesting reimbursement for $12.20 he spent on ammunition for Company B, Missouri Militia. Since he did not receive a reply to his letter, Doah again asks Stewart for reimbursement.
Date: November 25, 1859

Title: From Robert M. Stewart to Samuel Medary
Description: This letter, dated April 8, 1859, is from Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart to Kansas Gov. Samuel Medary. Stewart states that he has ordered Adj. Gen. G.A. Parsons to patrol the state line in Cass, Bates, and Vernon Counties, to protect Missouri citizens and repel attacks from bands of Kansas guerrillas. He adds that the Missouri General Assembly has given him authority to use $30,000 for protection of the state border. Stewart asks for Medary’s cooperation in preventing violence.
Object Type: Government Document
Date: April 8, 1859

Title: From D.A.W. Morehouse to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on February 21, 1859 by D.A.W. Morehouse in Papinsville, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Morehouse shares “startling news” brought from Lawrence, Kansas by U.S. Deputy Marshal A.J. Russes. While held prisoner in Lawrence for ten days, Russes learned that “depredations” would again be committed in the border counties of Missouri, and that James Lane, commanding a force of 1,000 men, planned to enter Platte County, Missouri to free two prisoners held there for kidnapping slaves in the state.
Date: February 21, 1859

Title: From J.F. Snyder to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This dispatch is from J.F. Snyder to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Snyder writes from the headquarters of the 6th Division, Missouri Militia, in Polk County, Missouri on December 12, 1860. He reports that he followed Stewart’s orders and “made thorough organization of the militia” in Bates, Vernon, and Barton Counties, but states that they have neither arms nor ammunition. Snyder warns Stewart that if the militia is not armed, they will continue to be “at the mercy of the outlaws of Kansas.”
Date: December 12, 1860

Title: From William H. Doah to Hon. James Edgar
Description: This letter was written on December 23, 1859 by William H. Doah in Butler, Bates County, Missouri, to Hon. James Edgar. Doah says that he spent $12.20 of his own money on ammunition for his Missouri Militia company “at the time of our threatened troubles on the line.” He seeks Edgar’s help in securing reimbursement from Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Doah states that he has written to Stewart twice but has not received a reply.
Object Type: Letter
Date: December 23, 1859

Title: From John W. Clem to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on August 18, 1859 by John W. Clem in Butler, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Clem, the Sheriff of Bates County, Missouri, reports that James Montgomery and his Jayhawkers have laid siege to Paris, Kansas; they soon intend to cross over into Missouri to free William Wright (alias Pickles), a prisoner being held there for murder and robbery. Clem states that if the Jayhawkers enter Bates County, “I will then call out the entire militia force for defense.”
Object Type: Letter
Date: August 18, 1859

Title: From J.F. Snyder to A. Peabody
Description: This letter, dated July 21, 1858, is from J.F. Snyder to A. Peabody, Private Secretary of Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Snyder writes that he received his commission as District Inspector of the 6th Division, Missouri Militia, but is concerned that he has not yet received any orders from the Governor or Adjutant General. He states that when he receives word from the militia companies serving on the state line, he will meet them and perform his duties as Inspector.
Object Type: Letter
Date: July 21, 1858

Title: From James Mooney to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on January 8, 1859 by Capt. James Mooney in West Point, Missouri, to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Mooney reiterates what he communicated in an earlier letter: a company of 100 men has been organized in Bates County, Missouri to provide protection against “depredations” by guerrillas. Mooney provides a list of the company’s officers and requests that Stewart provide them with arms.
Date: January 8, 1859

Title: From G.A. Parsons to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter, dated June 4 and 5, 1858, is from Adj. Gen. G.A. Parsons to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Parsons reports that he will ask a former Kansas resident named Hamilton to submit a statement about the crimes of James Montgomery and his followers. Parsons relays a rumor that 100-200 Kansas citizens who have sought refuge in Missouri plan to return to Kansas and seek revenge on Montgomery. He also reports a recent attack on Butler County, Missouri, and informs Stewart that Col. Blakey is organizing a volunteer company of Missouri citizens.
Date: June 4, 1858-June 5, 1858

Title: Petition from N.J. Chaney & Others
Description: This petition was sent to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart on January 7, 1859 by N.J. Chaney and 12 other citizens of West Point, Bates County, Missouri. The petitioners request that Dr. Thomas J.B. Rockwell be appointed as surgeon for the Missouri Militia companies serving in Bates County “and in adjoining counties of the border.” Among the petition’s signatories are U.S. Deputy Marshal Andrew J. Russell and Bates County Sherriff John W. Cline.
Object Type: Petition
Date: January 7, 1859

Title: From James Mooney to Robert M. Stewart
Description: This letter was written on January 4, 1859 by Capt. James Mooney in West Point, Missouri to Missouri Gov. Robert M. Stewart. Mooney describes several recent incidents of robbery, property destruction, and murder perpetrated against the citizens of Bates and Vernon Counties in Missouri by guerrillas from Kansas. Mooney states that a company of 100 men has been organized within the counties; he requests that the company be “properly armed and equipped” and accepted into the service of the state. The final page of the letter is an endorsement of Mooney’s statements by J.A. Pigg and four other men.
Date: January 4, 1859

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

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