George D. Bayard

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.

October 1, 1856

Bleeding Kansas, Bloodletting Missouri
Border Ruffians
Bushwhackers
Guerrillas
Jayhawkers
Women
Kansas military units

George D. Bayard
James Henry Lane
John W Geary

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
Lecompton, Kansas
Douglas County, Kansas
Leavenworth, Kansas
Leavenworth County, Kansas

Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center

George D. Bayard Papers

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