Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-02-28
Kansas Affairs in Congress-

The documents submitted by the President to
Congress according to their resolution, contain
the proceedings of the Free State men as given
by letters from Gov. Shannon, during the
troubles last December, accounts of which were
published ct the time of their occurrence, to.
gether with the following of more recent date:
LAWRENCE, X. T., Jan. q.
10 FRANKLIN PIERCE, President of the u s.:
Sir, We have authentic information that an
overwhelming force of the citizens of Missouri
are organizing on our border, amply supplied
with artillery, for the avowed purpose Of in
vading this Territory demolishinp our towns.
and butchering our unoffending Free State citi-
Zens.
They respectfully demand on behalf of the
citizens OF Kansas, that the commandant of the
U, ). troops in this vicinity be immediately in
structed to prevent such an inhuman outrage.
Respectfully,
j. IL. LANE, Chairman Ex Com. X Z.
G. ROBINSON, CnairmanE x. Com. of Safety.
j. R. GooDN, Secretary Elk. Com. X. I.
GEO. ". DElrzER, Secretary Com. Of Safety
Ts the President of the United States:
Sir, We notified you that an overwhelming
force, supplied with artillery, was organizing
upon our borders, for the avowed purpose Of
demolishing the towns, and butchering the I'M
offending Free State citizens, and they constitu-
ting fourteen twentieths of the entire popula-
ton.
Ia addition to the relief respectfully demand
ed in that note, we earnestly request you to is.
sue your proclamation Immediately forbiding
the invasion.
We trust there may be no delay 10 taking 80
important step to prevent an Outrage which,
if carried cut as planned, will stand forth with
out parallel in the worlds history.
Yours Respectfully,
j. III. LANE, Chairman Ex Com. KIT.
G. ROBINSON, Chairman Com of Safety.
The following are the instructions to Gov.
Shannon:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, Feb l6 {
Sir, ] herewith enclose to you copy Of a
proclamation by the President, dated the 18th
last, duly authenticated, and also cory Of
orders issued from the Department of War to
Col. Sumner, and Lieut.. Colonel Cooke, of the
U. s. Army.
The President is unwilling to believe that, in
executing your duties us Governor of the Ter.
ritory, there will be any occasion to call in the
aid of the U. S. troops for that purpose And
it is enjoined upon you to de- all that can posi-
bly, be done before resorting to that measure
Yet, if it becomes indspen,ably necessary to dc
so in order to execute the, laws and presery,
the peace, you are here by authorized by tn,
President to make requisiton upon the officer
commanding the U. S. rnlitary forces at For
Leavenworth and Fort Itiley, for such assistanc,
as may be needed for 'rhe above specified pur
pose.
While confding in tine respect of our citizen
for the laws and the efficiency of the ordinar,
means provided for protecting their rights an,
property, he deems it, however, not improper
considering the peculiar 81 iuation of affairs il
Kansas, that you should have the power hereir
conferred, with view to me ct any extraordina
ry emergency that may arise, trusting that i
will not be used until yon fin d resort to it un
avoidable in order to ensure the due execution
n of the laws, and to preserve the public peace
Before actual interpositio.r of the miltar
force on any occasion, you will cause tn
proclamation Of the Preside mt, with whicl
yea are herewith furnished to be publicl
read. am very respectfully,
\ Your obedert servant,
!, W. L. MARCY
Hon. WILSON SHANNON, Governor of the Ter
Htory 4af Kansas.