Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1856-07-10
From the Evansville Rnduirer.-

From the Evansville Enduirer.l /
The following communication from the
Hon. Edward "A. flanagan, formerly U.
S. Senator from this State, and a gentleman
of the highest character in Indiana, for his
talents, honor and integrity. was received by
Judge Law IN answer to a letter written by
the Judge, making enquiries of him in rela-
ton to the true state of affairs in Kauas from
which Territory Mr.. Hannegan has lately re-
turned, having been there on a visit with a
view if possible, of finding out the real exist
ence of things in that Territory. 1t is unne-
cessary for us to endorse the statement Of Mr..
IIannegm in this matter in Indiana where
he is so well known. His assertions are
worth a CARLOAD of anonymous letters, and
will be fully credited by all who know the
writer throughout the Union
CoyISGToN. June "a, 1856.
DEAR LAW In compliance with your letter,
| will briefly give you the result of my obser-
vations on the condition of things in Kansas,
and you mag make just what use you please OF
it. The first cause OF trouble was the unjustif-
able attempt of Eastern capitalists through
what is termed the Emigrant Aid Society to
engross the most valuable lands in the Terrific
~. solely for the purpose of private speculation.
This fact Is so well established that no man
who regards his reputation will venture a de-
Lial If the fact. The persons sent by them, as
q body never intended to fix upon Kansas as a
permanent residence their object was 10 secure
claims and settle the nature of her political in
stitutions. Hundreds passed up the Missouri
river openly Boosting that they came merely TO
vote and intended 10 return after the election.
This is proved to be true by the fact hat they
did return so soon "a the election was over
About one hundred and fifty arrived at Leayen-
worth i think the day after the election. and
finding the matter over, they returned with the
candidate for whom they Intended to vote by
the next downward boat. II was this state of
things which very naturally aroused the Mis-
s%ourians on the border, TO cross the river and
vote i'm opposition to those who had no stake
in the Territory or its institutions. The peo-
ple of Missouri 10 the very last man with whom
/ conversed have always been willing to snb.
nit the whole question to the decision OF the
legal voters of the Territory of Kansas. The
present disturbed condition of affairs is attri-
buted solely 10 the glaring misconduct OF
Reeder in resisting the mandate Of the Court
| had the facts from Judge Lecompte himself
and / have nowhere met n more accomplished
gentleman, or one who will more sensihly i'm
press YOU with the feelings of respect and re-
gard. The first process against Reeder was a
mere summons by the grand jury who wanted
him rs n witness ; he treated the process and
+ the officer with contempt the facts being re-
/ ported Df tue lOftu1uE VI III jury W liz SOuIl
and an attachment requested. 1t was ordered
as a matter Of course. What course could dc
otherwise2
THIS was treated with equal contempt anc
threats added Of instant death TO the officer whC
| should dare to arrest him. He was then IL
2 Lawrence surrounded by his Abolition friends
, who sustained him. Upon these facts the Mar
t shall was directed to call the posse to his aid and
, arrest him at all hazards. An armed posse j
. 49,, ,volI r,l,ratooI runu1l bo roonirod anI a
was accordingly summoned. The. place wa,
: invested and entered by the officers OF the law
supported by the military, and the order I,
abate the nuisance which also was given il
charge to the Marshal was executed withou
violence of any kind against the persons .
property OF tho citizens. Every one is famil
; lar with the result as to Reeder. The viles
f, calumnies have been circulated against Atch
inson on that and other occasions. A ribal'
speechis put in his mouth by some anonymou
!, and irresponsible writer, not one word OF which
was ever uttered By him. The speech he di'
make and as reported substantially and almos
literally by those who heard it two OF thre
times repeated to the troops drawn up in differ
# cut divisions, is published in the Platte Argus
n printed at Weston, of which | will endeayort
send You a copy Tor publication by our frlen
Hall. But for him Lawrence in all probabilit
would have been destroyed. All upright me
admit in that region, that he has done nor
lie TO preserve peace and order than any otht
n person.
Of As to the character OF the leading g~entleme
who arc termed Border Ruffians, it would /
w. idle for me to attempt a defence. They nee
none, at the hands Of any man. But a sense
70 the personal kindness | received among
them, is with me rs ineffaceable as life ITSELF
rs ! have never found amongst men more elevate
to sentiments Of duty and patriotism, or a fin,
display of the generous virtues.
IN Some of the Abolitienists in the Territoi
have perpetrated the most cruel and shockir
. murders, to be found anywhere recorded. Sun
- mary acts of retaliation in some instances ha'
> followed, but the wonder is, that they ha'
~ been so far restrained.
u Nothing pleased me more than n company
about one hundred young South Carolinia
III whom | saw at Atkinson, in Kansas, and wi
rs are OF the fret respectahility and attainment
n. There were also, as | was subsequently inforf
ed, a few from Georgia. and perhaps from TIE
% nessee amongst them. They have gone wi
!: the intention of making it their home. and t
~ readiness and alacrity with which they turn
ne their hand TO everything necessary TO be dor
b. gives a glorious assurance TO the future forum
e. of Kansas. 1t was Il thought often to mysel
p such energy and such requirement
such a combination of mental and physiC
~endowments, that marked the early settle
= on the Atlantic coast of the United States, al
i" who gradually shaped and moulded thisg lo
III Gus government from all the lights and mode
of antiquity. | did not see them, but W
IS, informed by those who had been with the
,ts that was the character Of the force 10 u gr'
dc extent brought to Kansas by Col. Buford frC
ho Alabama.
MS remain your friend,
el Hon. JouN Law.