A Proclamation by the Acting Governor of the Territory of Kansas

Daniel Woodson

This proclamation was issued August 24, 1856 by Acting Kansas Gov. Daniel Woodson in Lecompton, Kansas. Woodson declares that Kansas Territory is “infested” with large bodies of armed men organized in military fashion – presumably Gen. James Lane’s troops – who are murdering and detaining citizens, robbing and burning houses, and plundering local militias of arms for the purpose of subverting the territorial government. Woodson proclaims that Kansas Territory is in a state of “open insurrection and rebellion,” and calls upon its citizens to rally in support of their country and its laws and put down the insurrectionists.

August 24, 1856

Bleeding Kansas, Bloodletting Missouri
Guerrillas
Jayhawkers

Daniel Woodson
James Henry Lane

Lecompton, Kansas
Douglas County, Kansas

Government Document

Kansas Historical Society

Kansas Territorial Records, 27-01-01-01, Folder 35

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