Samuel R. Ayres

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.

August 24, 1863-August 27, 1863

Battle for Missouri, 1861-1865 -- Military History of Missouri and Kansas
Bushwhackers
Guerrillas
Surviving a Guerrilla War
Kansas military units
Jayhawkers
Women
Quantrill's Raid on Lawrence

Samuel R. Ayres
Sterling Price
James Gillpatrick Blunt
James Henry Lane
Charles R Jennison
William Clarke Quantrill

Linn County, Kansas
Fort Scott, Kansas
Bourbon County, Kansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Jackson County, Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Douglas County, Kansas
Miami County, Kansas

Kansas Historical Society

Misc.: Ayres, Samuel

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