Article-1855, July 25

July 25th, 1855

Visit to Shawnee Mission.

   On Wednesday last [July 18th] we took a flying trip to Shawnee Mission, where the Kansas Legislature are in session. We had the pleasure of meeting many of the citizens of Kansas both in an official and private capacity. The Kickapoo Delegation looked well, and seemed to be fully imbued by a feeling of justice and industry toward their constituents. We became acquainted with members from different portions of the Territory, and found them gentlemanly and courteous. Kansas has caused to be proud of her first Legislature. There is as much talent to be found in this body as in the General Assemblies of many of the States. We have every reason to believe that this assembly of the pro-slavery party of Kansas will enact wholesome and judicious laws.

   No better or more desirable place than Shawnee could have been chosen, at present, for the session of the Legislature. Every necessary convenience is at hand. There are three spacious brick buildings, which are used for making laws, eating, sleeping &c. Mr. Johnson understands entertaining his guests, and the accommodations are as good as could be expected, where such a large number of persons are in attendance.

   On Thursday afternoon, as there was not a great deal going on in either House, except reading Bills, we availed ourselves of the opportunity to visit Westport, MO., which is about three miles from the Mission. Westport seems to be a place of considerable importance; is increasing in size and doing a snug business. Among the Government officials we had the pleasure of meeting in Shawnee were Hon. D. Woodson, Judge Ellmore, Col. Isaacs, and Gov. Reeder. Judge Ellmore is an intelligent man, and bears a noble and commanding deportment. Secretary Woodson is an acceptable officer, discharges his duties faithfully and impartially, and is respected by all who know him. Gov. Reeder is a dignified, courteous, good looking personage, stands six feet in his patent leathers, flourishes a fancy mustache, a tasteful pair of whiskers, a sharp eye, an intelligent countenance, a fine head, and withal neat in his personal appearance. But with all his fine looks he is the most obnoxious man in Kansas, and well he may be considered, for we never saw or heard of a more obstinate being in our life. He should have resigned the Gubernatorial chair long since, and retired to private life in Easton. He is unquestionably an unhappy creature; his features are haggard, and doubtless feels his uneasiness of soul. He sits in his office nearly all the time, blaming back upon his dignity.

   The crops throughout Shawnee country are in a flourishing condition, and every prospect of a heavy yield. Rev. Thomas Johnson has eleven hundred acres under fence, of which six hundred acres are in cultivation.

Alan B. Hazzard, Editor of paper.

Kansas Pioneer, Kickapoo City, K. T., July 25th, 1855. P.P. Wilcox’s Scrap Book, p. 27.