Letter-1855, September 8

[September 8, 1855.]

   He [Governor Shannon] then enters the Territory & locates himself at the Methodist Mission—the head-quarters of Slavery propogandism—he uses no means to communicate with the bona-fide citizens, or to make his presence officially known. It is afterwards accidentally learned that he intends visiting Lecompton 11 miles above here to give his official recognition to it, as the contemplated Capital—not doubting but that he would take Lawrence in his way, a Committee was appointed to receive him & extend to him the hospitalities of the town. For some reason his Party saw fit to avoid the place and pass along a mile & a half distant. Learning that he would return on Saturday afternoon, knowing that time would not permit of his reaching his head-quarters that night, & presuming, in consideration that the following day was the Sabbath, that he would remain over here, several hundred, many of them from the vicinity gathered together to welcome him. Toward evening he arrived—was called upon by the Committee who requested him to be introduced to the citizens which he declined–he was asked to address them, which he would not, & even tho’ solicited would not exchange the ordinary courtesies of civilized society.— Giving as the only reason that Mr. Johnson was the Capt. Commander, or Director of the Party, & that he was desirous of going as far as Franklin that night. The Committee promised to detain him but a few minutes, & to see that he was duly expedited on his way–this however did not suit & he left with sealed lips, not deigning to recognize the citizens at all; thereupon some of the insulted and irritated ones, upon the spur of the moment, manifested their indignation by a volly of groans & hisses. His Excellency did intimate that he might perhaps make a visit here in Oct. On what occasin do you think? On that of going up to Lecompton to attend a sale of City Lots! ! … The Gov. & his companions proceeded on to Franklin, the enormous distance of about three miles, & there stopped. This is a noted rumhole, (containing perhaps a dozen houses), started by an individual whose interests seemed to require that he should confirm the inebriate in his course, and convert as many sober men into drunkards as possible. The following day being {Sunday, remember) under the charge, & in the keeping of that man of God, (?) the Rev. Mr. Johnson, the governor renewed his journey, & in due time reached in safety I presume the Mission House.

Thomas Webb to Doctor _________ , Emigrant Aid Papers, K.H.S.