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Title: From James Griffing to Augusta
Description: This April 6, 1855 letter was written by James Griffing in Wakarusa, Kansas, to Augusta. James has been helping some new “pioneer friends” stake a claim and become settled in Kansas Territory, remarking, “You can hardly think how fast the emigration is pouring in from the free states.” James describes a recent episode of election fraud: “armed forces from Missouri came and took possession of the ballot boxes and pretty much carried on the election as they pleased. Their proceedings will only work against them.”
Date: April 6, 1855

Title: From James Griffing to Unknown
Description: This letter, dated January 10, 1854 but presumably written January 10, 1855, was sent by James Griffing in Wyandotte County, Kansas to an unknown recipient. James discusses pioneer life in Kansas Territory, claiming that it is not at all dangerous: “Our society is mostly all from the East, and you feel just as much composed as when in New England.” Although James believes Missourians are more dangerous than the American Indians, he insists “there is no more reason for a person who attends to his own business to be afraid here” than anywhere else.
Date: January 10, 1855

Title: From James Griffing to Augusta
Description: This letter, dated June 8, 1855, was sent to Augusta by James Griffing at Walnut Cabin. James discusses frontier life and news of friends in the area, and says that he plans to dispose of his current claim and secure one near Topeka, Kansas. He reassures Augusta that Kansas remains safe despite a violent episode of election fraud perpetrated by “a gang of drunken, worthless villains.”
Date: June 8, 1855

Title: H.D. Fisher
Description: This ca. 1867 black-and-white photograph depicts Rev. H.D. Fisher in military uniform. Fisher, known as “Parson Fisher,” was a Methodist minister who settled in Lawrence, Kansas, and served as chaplain of the Fifth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry.
Object Type: Image

Title: From Joseph Denison to Br. Griffing
Description: This letter, dated January 3, 1861, was written by Joseph Denison in Philadelphia to Br. Griffing. Joseph discusses the relief efforts of the Methodist Church in Kansas, which are being hindered by the threat of war. “Many think that War is inevitable,” he writes, “and affirm that if it does come it will be the end of slavery.” Joseph adds that if more people heard about the difficulties of Kansans, “it would arouse them to a sense of the real suffering in Kansas.”
Date: January 3, 1861

Title: From James Griffing to Cuttie
Description: This October 30, 1864 letter was written by James Griffing in Lincoln, to Cuttie. James describes General Price’s capture of the arsenal at Topeka, declaring “The Topeka boys fought like tigers.” He gives an account of acquaintances killed in the Battle of Westport, adding that he believes “Missouri will be safer now.” He cautions Cuttie not to buy much at current prices, since “everything is bound to change after the election.”
Date: October 30, 1864

Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854-1865