Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-10-26
From the Columbus (ohio) Statesman of Oct. 10.

From the Columbus (ohiO) Statesman of Oct. 10.
ANOTHER LETTER FROM Gov. SHANNoN.-The fol-
lowing letter, which we find in the Richland Shield
and Banner, was written by Gov. Shannon to An
drew H. Patterson Esq, of that county 1t is CON
elusive, and places the base consprators who have
misrepresented him in no very enviable position.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
SHAWNEE MISSION, X. T., Sept. 26, 1855. .
My DEAR SIR Your favor of the 18th inst is
this moment received stating that you had seen
report going the rounds sc that addressed the cti
zens Of Westport, Mo. on my way to Kansas, and
that in my official position as Governor of Kansas,
would use my exertons to promote the interests OF
slavery in the Territory and if necessary to further
and maintain that object, would call upon the peo-
pie of Missouri 10 assist and support me-
This is such unmitigated falsehood that there is
no other way to reply to it nut to denOunce 1t as
such There is but truth in the statement OF the
report, and that is, made speech-a very short
one-before reached Kansas. Now, Westport is
on the line, or within half mile of it, between Mis-.
souri, and Kansas Territory and it is two and halt
miles from the Shawnee Methodist Mission, where
am located OF this tme and where the temporary
seat of Government for the Territory is established
For thirty miles west and twenty-five miles SOUTH the
Shawnee Indian Reserve extends, in which, except
at this Methodist Mission, whites allowed to
settle. The consequence is, that everybody coming
into the Territory at this point stops al WestpoI
| in Missouri. | did so in common with everybody
else-got into the place about shutdown and remained
next day. which was Sunday, and came out here Mon
day morning. On Saturday evening the citizens call
ed IN front of the public house at which stopped,
and desired 10 give welcome to the country
In making my appearance before them, of course,
made them short speech, in the course OF which |
took occasion to say to them expressly that did not
intend, nor would they expect me on that occasion
to discuss the question of slavery This was the on
y alluson 10 the sub ect-that left that to be de-
termined provided in the Kansas bill.
This whole story, except that made speech in
Westport, is out and out fabricaon substantial
~ the story has beer put in circulation in the
East, and the Leavenwoth Herald of this Teri 0ry
a strong and powerful pro-slayery paper, meets the
charge fully, and states my position since my arrival
in that Territory with entire accuracy. would send
you a copy, but have sent the only copy | had 10
another friend-the truth is the abolition papers had
represented me not only as pro.slavery man, but
as slavery propagandist before | entered the Ter
ritory. 1t is necessary to make Governor Reeder d
martyr in the cause of liberty. The abolitonists are
running him for Congress. 1t is represented that he
was turned out of Office ON account of his free soil
views and to proptiate the South, and this position
could be made 10 gull no one, if free soller, one
who was even neutral on the subject, had been ap.
pointed his successor. Hence the absolute neces
sity of making me strong pro-slavery man, sent
out 10 aid that interest and TO crafty the South
This wa the ground taken before arrived at West.
port, and 1t answers most convenient purpose,
pecialIy on the eve of the Ohio and Pennsylvania
elections, where 1t cannot be contradCtcd before the
, elections take place.
1t is convenient for the anti-administraton papers
in the free States, because it gives them chance &c
assail the administration 1t is convenient for the
Abotilionsts, because it gives them material will
which to agitate the public mind the sub ect O.
, slavery and abuse the South. 1t is convenient t
Gov. Reeder, it enables him TO retire as martyr
in the of freedom entirely exhonerated from al
charges of non, eaSance mis- feasance mat easanc
in Office The only objection have TO it is, that i
is utterly false, and places the administration wei
as myself in false position. But [ must close
This is good country, and in my opinion the people
take them whole, are more orderly than they
, are in Ohio They have much reason for holding
meetings to take into consideration the state of af
fairs III Ohio they have in that State to hold meet
ings to take into consideration things in Kansas
Your friend, WILSON SHANNON.
, A. H. PATTERSON, Esq.