From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
I came up to Topeka on Wednesday last[,] have been here since, helping the boys get in their corn. Freddy is not very well[,] neither much sick. All the rest are quite well. Hear from Joel occasionally, is well, and busy on the road, but don’t know how soon he may be obliged to leave on account of the excited state of the state of Mo.
I mailed one letter to you since I came up and do not write now because I have any thing new to tell you. Your weeks are getting long again, for I have received no letter from you since last Thursday week. Hope you are still well, and enjoying yourself much. How is Dear Prentice. I want to see you both very much indeed. I get very lonesome without you. When I come in from my work and cook, or sit down, my home seems wanting in that cheerfulness, which has for the past made it so pleasant to me. I feel much more contented when busily employed about my place than in passing away my time about town or else where in search of recreation.
The daily war news from the south & from Washington are pretty exciting to our Kansas people. Preparations are being made here, to be in a position for self defense. The Militia Bill has become a law. The Governor has offered two Regiments to the President which he has accepted, but will not be likely to be taken out of the state, but are intended to possess themselves of the governments forts in the state. Four companies are organized in Topeka, one Infantry, one Artillery & two Dragoons. I have papers in my hands to form a company in Wms.port Township. I will probably be a company of mounted riflemen.
How is public sentiment in N.H. on secession. It would be gratifying to me to receive a Sullivan Co. & Cheshire Co. paper occasionally if convenient. My friends in Pa. send me six papers, to one that I receive from all my eastern relations.
Miss Emma Hopper of Montoursville is married to a gentleman from Elmira N.Y. Joel has been favored with a box of garden seeds of all kinds from Ill. by Mr. Hess, that once worked for him. They furnished me with all I cared for. I do not feel much interested in my garden, without you to help me, or to share it with me.
We have every prospect of rain today which we will be glad to see[,] still we are not suffering. The Methodist hold a festival to night at the Representative Hall. The proceeds to be applied to the completion of their church.
I saw Mr. & Mrs. Griffin day before yesterday in Mr. Hamiltons store. She is just as pleasant and agreeable as ever. Wished me to remember you, with her love; and expressed a strong desire that we should visit her, on your return.
I was yesterday introduced by Judge Winans to Prof. Griffith[,] State Superintendent of Public instruction. He seems much interested in the subject of public schools, & I believe will prove a faithful officer. He has drafted and introduced a school law to the legislature, which is now in the hands of the Committee on Education.
Last night of Thursday a messenger arrived from Hunter Co. with word that an attack was feared from the Osage Indians, by the whites in the vicinity of Walnut Creek. A commission was dispatched by the Governor yesterday morning to learn the grounds of their fears, & to learn from the chiefs of the Osages, what they meant by such hostile demonstrations as was reported; & to inform them what they might expect unless they kept quiet, & left the settlers undisturbed.
The Potawatomies are ready to aid the whites in exterminating the Osages. A report is this morning afloat that the western Indians have attacked Fort Riley. I do not credit it, although hostilities from that quarter are looked for. We are preparing for the worst.
I feel thankful that you & Prentice are in the east, these disturbed times. Give yourself no uneasiness on my account. You know that I am able to work it through. I shall not throw myself in the way of danger unless necessity and duty require it, but I feel as though I should be among the last to falter, if my state or country require my services. Our military companies are drilling at all hours of the day, and night. The warlike spirit seems to have infested all the boys in town, & they are marching about with a great show of bravery, & cheering for the union.
I write this in much haste & have doubtless left unsaid much I would otherwise have said. I shall write often; and how much I love to hear from you, and Prentice. Remember me with much love to all my friends. With my love, & a kiss for yourself & Prentice, and a desire for your happiness & welfare, I am
Most Affectionately Yours A.J. Huntoon
Page: of 4 
