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From Edward Fitch to Dear Parents
Title
From Edward Fitch to Dear Parents
Description
Edward Fitch writes a letter from Lawrence, Kansas to his parents in Massachusetts on February 24, 1856. He says that the Free State Legislature plans to meet next month in Topeka, and that President Pierce has proclaimed them traitors. Fitch predicts that the Missourians will attack Kansas, “but if they try it we shall have a bloody time out here.” He finishes the letter on March 9 and tells his parents that the Legislature met in Topeka, and that no violence occurred.
Date
February 24, 1856-March 9, 1856
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Description
A.J. Huntoon writes a letter from Williamsport in Shawnee County, Kansas to his wife Lizzie, announcing that the country is “in a state of great political excitement” following the seizure of Fort Sumter. The letter, dated April 19, 21, and 22, 1861, states that Confederate supporters tried to raise a Palmetto flag in St. Joseph, Missouri, but Union supporters stopped them. Huntoon informs his wife that militia companies are organizing in Kansas, and he asks her if she objects to him becoming an assistant surgeon for the army. He also relays the news that Gen. Lane has been placed in command of 1,000 men in Washington.
Date
April 19, 1861-April 22, 1861
From George Collamore to G.L. Stearns
Title
From George Collamore to G.L. Stearns
Description
This letter was written on May 2 and 7, 1861 by George Collamore in Leavenworth, Kansas to G.L. Stearns in Boston. Collamore writes that Kansas is under threat of attack from Missouri and the Cherokee and Osage Indians, and that Kansas’s defenses are weak. He reports that Gov. Robinson offered him the position of Quartermaster General of the Kansas Militia, which he temporarily accepted. Collamore asks Stearns to send “thick colored blankets” and other items to Kansas, urging Stearns to keep his activities secret and to be cautious about what he writes in future letters.
Object Type
Letter
Date
May 2, 1861 and May 7, 1861
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Description
On April 26, 1861, A.J. Huntoon writes a letter from Topeka to his wife Lizzie. He informs her that Kansas is preparing for war and that he plans to start a company of mounted riflemen in Williamsport Township. He says that rumors have circulated about a possible attack by the Osage tribe, and that Governor Robinson responded by warning the Osage to leave the white settlers alone. Huntoon also says he heard a rumor that Indians attacked Fort Riley. He does not believe the rumor, and yet “We are preparing for the worst.”
Date
April 26, 1861