griffing@fnal.gov

When the news of national events began to arrive in the spring of 1856, it came as no surprise to most free-soilers that President Pierce had labeled the Topeka Constitution as "revolutionary" and that he would consider acts of "organized resistance" on the part of free-soilers as "treasonable insurrection." To respond to these announcements, the free-soiler Topeka legislature met and approved a memorial addressed to Congress asking for admission as a free state. Charles Robinson and Jim Lane were selected to carry the message to Washington. When the messengers arrived in Washington, they found a Congress that was about as firmly split on the issue as the emigrants of Kansas themselves. While the Administration was unwilling to recognize the Kansas delegation, the House of Representatives decided to appoint a "Committee of Investigation" to make the journey to Kansas where they hoped to learn the truth about popular sentiment.

When the congressional committee of three arrived in Kansas in April, they found a majority of free-soilers settled in the territory, living in fear of assault by the border ruffians. In the border town of Westport, Missouri, they found a village "full of mules, Indian ponies, prairie schooners, and whiskey-soaked drivers dressed in ten-gallon hats, flannel shirts, homespun trousers, [and] high boots." [1] They also found a "Kansas Militia" whose ranks were filled with a majority of pro-slavery citizens from Missouri who were insolent toward the free-soilers and encouraged by loud-mouthed politicians to enforce the laws of the "bogus" legislature and to arrest the members of the free-soil legislature. Tension fierce and conflict inevitable, Governor Shannon left the territory to attend the Democratic Convention in Cincinnati and left the fate of the free-soilers in the hands of his deputy, Daniel Woodson -- a pro-slavery man who felt little reserve in accepting the heavy burden.

Woodson immediately began to assemble the pro-slavery men from the adjoining counties about Westport and ordered them to move toward Lawrence where they planned to begin arresting the free-soil legislative members. By May 19, 1856, Lawrence was encircled by armed men. On May 23, 1856, in company with a U.S. Marshal, the ruffians entered Lawrence, made their arrests, destroyed the "abolitionist" newspapers, and then burned the Free State Hotel for good measure.

Burned Free State Hotel
From Kansas: Its Interior and Exterior Life
by Sara Robinson

For the most part, the citizens of Lawrence offered no resistance. They knew they were outnumbered and hoped that their "law abiding" behavior would impress the Committee of Investigation and cause them to realize that the rights of the territory's citizens were being gravely trampled. It probably would have had the desired effect more rapidly if John Brown and his sons, upon hearing of the Lawrence debacle, had not set out to avenge the deaths of the five free-soilers who had been killed up to that point in time, by killing five pro-slavery men on Pottawatomie Creek. For the next several days, shooting, looting and general mayhem prevailed. By the time Governor Shannon returned to the Territory, he found conditions so bad that he immediately issued a proclamation "ordering all armed and illegal organizations to disperse." Eventually, all the pro-slavery invaders returned to their homes, plundering and stealing horses as they retreated back across the foothills.

Regrettably, the conflict was not limited to the territories. In Washington, the war of words between members of Congress on the issue erupted into actual violence when Senator Charles Sumner was attacked by a Southern representative a few days after making his famous speech entitled, "The Crime Against Kansas." Soon after, the newspapers overflowed with wild stories about the atrocities in Kansas and in the halls of Congress itself. Reading the highly exaggerated newspaper accounts and fearing for her children, Augusta's mother wrote:

Owego [New York]
Friday, May 30, 1856

Dear Augusta,

We received yours written May 16th last Wednesday. It had been nearly three weeks since we had heard from you and now we hear dreadful news that Lawrence is burned and general Pomeroy is hung by a mob. Why don’t you write anything about it? You need not be afraid to write it to me for I see all the papers. Mrs. Platt sends us the daily Tribune and such doings! In Congress [Preston] Brooks from South Carolina has almost killed Mr. [Charles] Sumner from Mass…

[Your brother] Stephen went to the village and saw Mr. Talcott who enquired about you and the two James’s. He said they had heard dreadful news about Kansas. That Lawrence was burned &c. Mr. Talcott gave us the morning express Tuesday, May 27. There is a good deal in it about Kansas. I am glad to hear that Ex Governor Reeder is ________ and hope he is safe. That paper says that the free state men are making a stand at Topeka and are gathering there. Perhaps they have already gathered and have had a battle and perhaps the pro slavery [men] have burned it too. You have troublesome times, I know. What does [your brother] James Goodrich think about it?

We received your mailed May 16 last evening. It had been nearly three weeks since we had heard from you and now we hear dreadful news that Lawrence is burned and General Pomeroy is hung by the mob…

I am alone now. Your father and Stephen are at work on the road. Last Tuesday, Thurra Pitcher came here and has staid till to day. [Your sisters] Sarah and Mary have gone to the [Owego] Village with her. They have gone to get three bonnets. Sarah has got new ribbon for hers. It is a pale green – a good deal like that you had some years ago. They have to get 4 yds and 4 1/2 to trim a bonnet now. Mary has had to get 2 yds more of white to trim hers. I got her a new parasol when we were over. It is very much like yours in color and size. She likes it. We make irresistible sweet butter now. I have let G[eorge] B. G[oodrich, who runs the general store in Owego]  have one tub and have got another almost full but that will not pay what I owe him [on credit]. We have to give 10 cents now for such goods as we could get for 6 cents 3 year ago. We get 16 for butter. Do you make enough butter for your own use? And what is [your brother] James Goodrich doing? How’s your James?

While I went into Mr. [Henry N.] Hubbard’s store, Sarah sat in the wagon. Doctor [Ezekiel B.] Phelps came along and spoke to Sarah. He enquired particulars about you and James. Said he thought it strange that you did not write about the troubles [with the border ruffians]. I believe I wrote you that black George had the small pox. He is getting better but his mother is sick with the disease. Some are fearful now that it may spread. We have not seen any of your people on the hill since we wrote before. Mary has not closed her school yet. I suppose on account of black Lucy’s being sick.

The men are at work on the road but are not going before Mr. Drafus to. We have not had but one or two pleasant days this week. It has rained a little and snowed two or three times to day. It is good weather for grass and grain, but not for corn. We are now having a real snow squall. The wind blows but it will soon be over. I think perhaps Sarah may have to stay to her Aunt Lucy’s all night. It is so stormy now. It was quite pleasant when they went away. We have not had a letter from your Uncle yet. I wish he would write to us and let us know what he is going to do for [your brother] Ralph.

Mr. Abner Pappan and wife have just called here on their way home. They came down on Sunday – have been on the hill and all around and say all are well and that Mary Griffing is in her school. They say they think James will have to come back to get his health and they think you will come with Mr. [Charles] Giddings.

Saturday morn and a cold one. It seems like November. We have had frosts nearly every night this week. We are not going to have any gooseberries and but few currants. The girls came home last night and brought their bonnets. I think they look very nice. Sarah’s has cost $2.oo and Mary’s $1.50. They have borders like yours that you had in your velvet. I think they look quite as well for them as Harriet’s does that the price was $6.50. She gave $6.00 – a great price for a summer bonnet…

Augusta, I wish you would write how many inhabitants there was in Lawrence for the edification of your father. The papers say that there was 6 or 7,000. He cannot believe it. Says if it had said 5 or 600 he would have believed it. Do you write every week? If you do we do not get them all. We write every week. Do you get them? We have not had a letter from James Goodrich since December. I hope he has not forgotten how to write. We do want to hear from you all often. I hope this will find you and your husband and James [Goodrich] well. From your affectionate mother, [-- Mary Ann Goodrich]

Mary Ann Goodrich, ca. 1862
Coburn & Co., Lake Street, Owego, New York

[double-click on image for enlargement]

In the same envelope, Sarah Goodrich also sent a brief note to her sister Augusta:

Dear Cutie [Augusta],

We were so glad to receive your letter after looking anxiously for some time. You write nothing about the trouble there. Is it possible that you heard nothing of it – while we here are filled with the greatest concern for you. The papers are teeming with the slaughter and burning of Lawrence. I saw Dr. [Ezekiel B.] Phelps just after I read your letter. He enquired about you and then of the troubles there and thought it strange that you wrote nothing about it. The accounts we read were shocking and I hope they are not all true.

Today – the second of June – is the worst day we have had yet. Last Friday the 30th of May we were invigorated with cold piercing winds and now we heard at the se________ the snow was two inches deep. A great many donned their winter apparel, furs, shawls, and overcoats…  -- Sarah [Goodrich]

Later in the summer, James received one of the few letters from his mother that she ever wrote to him:

Owego [New York]
August 9, 1856

My Dear Children,

I write to you both when I write. We received your letter last evening. I was in bed but Mary read it to me. I was in hopes it would say that you were coming home. If you new the anxiety I have on the account, I think you [would] try to come if you culd be conveyed in some easy way to Kansas City... People think that you would gain your health [if you came home]. They say you ought to come if you want to live on. Is a farm of more consequence [than your life?]  If you had all Kansas Teratory, you could not enjoy it without health. [Sure,] you have some conveniences [and] -- one thing in particular -- your land is wrich and works easy, [but] that is all you have. [You have] no fencing. I think more of that than I would of the wrich land. [Your brother] Henry thought of living more easy but, after all, I expect he worked harder than ever he did on the old hill farm. If he could have had a convenient house to shelter him in his last hours, it would have been a consolation to me. Since I have heard more of the particulars of his death, it makes me feel more sad. But his warefare is ended and I hope he is at rest. And poor Nancy is left alone with her little ones. I have no idea [how] she will ever rase them thare.

[Your brother Samuel's wife] Malvina has been over to see how my health is to day. I have had a bad cold for a week or ten days. I have not been confined to my bed much of the time. My cough is quite hard. I am [in] hopes it will be better before long.

You said that Augusta complains some at times. Mr. Giddings [2] says she haves to work hard. He told what a tremendous shower there was when he was there.. The rain blew in and wet everything thare was in the house. Who can live so [is] what I want to know. I would advise you James to secure your house the first thing you do.  You cant do it, I know, but you must get some one [who can]. No wonder you are sick.  It would make well folks sick. If you can get home, you had better come. I have a good warm house to shelter you.

You wanted to know about my limb. It has not troubled [me] since that time you left.  I have feched my water from Sammys and milched my cow all summer [by myself]. I have a good garden -- beans, pease, onions, beets, readishes, tomatoes, cabbage, cukumbers, corn, potatoes -- enough planted for a dozen bushels. Sammy's [in-laws] are well. [His daughter] Ella goes to school [and] learns some. [Sammy's boy] David feels very anxious about his grandma -- he says, "Do you want the doctor?" I guess I shall get along. [Your sister] Mary comes home almost every night she has taught.  This is the fourth month thay want her to teach. She is a getting tired. She has two dollars a week. I don't know whether she will stand it.  She is very poor in flesh. Mr. Giddings said that he should not have known her -- she is so changed. Her red cheeks have left her.

[Augusta's sisters] Sarah and Mary were here day before yesterday. They brought thair letters [from Augusta] and read them. Sarah was [so] disappointed [to hear you were not coming, that] she looked like crying. She said she thought this letter would certainly say you [were] a coming. Don't let anything keep you. I would like to know if you have a cough. I am afraid to have you get a numing soar in your side. But we don't know what is for the best.

[Your sister] Clarissa did not come home this Conference. Her health is poor [and] she has [a new] babe. [Your other sister] Permelia did not come [either]. She has a babe about a week old -- a son. [Her husband] Mr. Brooks came down after [their daughter] Millie [who has been staying] with me five or six weeks. He seemed very pleased with his boy.  Poor Permelia. She has five [children now] -- three of her own and two of Mr. Brooks'. Malvina doesn't have any more [children]. Samuel seems to enjoy [his children] -- verry good for him.

We have a Mr. [Abraham W.] Loomis for our preacher on the Tioga Mishion. At the Owego [church], a Mr. Gorham [serves in the pulpit]. You don't say anything about preaching or whether you [hold] any meetings or not... Now James, you must not work [until] you get a little better. [Augusta writes that] you go to work in the garden [but you know that] stooping is the worst thing you can do. It inflames your side and makes it worse. You must let work alone. If you were here, we would wait on you with pleasure. If you get your farm paid for, you can't take it with you. You better leave it. Let it go and live where you can live [in good health] and pride go with it. I think this as healthy a place as any in the world.

[Malvina's father,] Mr. Taylor has given me a deed of this house and lot for three hundred dollars and [he is going] to give me a note of to hundred for the remainder. So good by till I see you all. Send love. -- Lydia Griffing, Your Mother

Four-page Letter by Lydia (Redfield) Griffing
August 1856

Owego, New York
August 11, 1856

Dear Cutie [Augusta],

Ma has written a long letter to [our brother] James [Goodrich], which we promised to answer immediately after receiving it. We were very glad to get his letter but was sorry to hear that he has “passed through sorrow and great tribulation.” O Jim – poor fellow – Tell him that we think he improves both in writing and composition.

We have had several showers since we wrote you last which has produced a change in the weather as well as in vegetation. We had some squash and beets for dinner today, the first we have had. The beets that we transplanted grow a great deal better than the others. Our garden is better this year than it generally is for all the dry weather we have had. We have had beans some time & every time we have them I think of you. You seemed to like them so well.

Our folks are nearly through with the oats and that is the last of the harvesting for the present. They would have finished last week if it had not rained. [Our brother] Ralph feels bad to think he cannot help them. He has had a very bad hand. He opened it Saturday and again yesterday but it does not get much better. He has taken a quantity of laudanum to get to sleep nights, but Ma dosed it out except once & then I did it and as usual, my hand shook at that. I poured it out but it made no material difference as we could see.

Last Thursday, [sister] Mary and I went up to the picnic on “Beecher Hill.” It was in old Mr. Thorne’s orchard. There were a good many there. Mr. _____ and his family & Mr. Pinney and his family, besides a few from this way. The table looked real nice. They make better looking cake on the hill than we do down here. A good many inquired about you that day. By the way, we had a short visit from Mr. Fitch Saturday, and after the greetings, the first thing [he wanted to know] was how is Augusta and her husband. Are they here?  He is all afire about the slavery question and groaned awfully at the dreadful state of things. Said we had no government, no laws, but he thought President Pierce now was trying to do better. [Brother] Ralph saw Mr. Smyth the other day. He inquired of him your address and said he was going to send you his paper at times. He has not read your letters or heard them. I knew you would not like to have them read to him or others there.

Politics is a warm subject to talk upon these times. A few weeks ago, Pa went over to the village and as he was going into Truman’s store, one of them said, “here comes one of the Border Ruffians.” They think it strange that Pa has children in Kansas and yet will be a Democrat.

I have made Ma a muslin dress like the one you got last summer. I made it just as I was a mind to and it looks real good. The sleeves are made the whole width of the cloth and gathered a few times at the top with a single turnover cuff, a collar like the dress trimmed with muslin. They are worn some here. Have I written to you that hoop skirts are all the fashion? Everyone wears them from the smallest to the largest. Mary & I have made some and they are not inconvenient at all.

Emily Leach was married in church to Mr. Wilkins of California last Wednesday evening. They expect to go to California in two or three months. Mrs. Tiffany has been to work for her ever since February. She has had a great many clothes made.

Ma thinks of going over to the village [of Owego] this week to stay all night and visit Aunt Lucy Fiddis, Ann Berry, and some others places. I hope she can go. Have you really concluded not to come here this fall? I don’t believe [your husband] James will get well there. I wish he could get well. We are so glad when he writes. I have to laugh when I read them. I had two papers come from Carolyn __oyce yesterday – the “Sunday Times.” Yesterday, Malvina told Mary they had letters from you last week. Mrs. Griffing was not very well; the others were well. She had a cold and was dizzy headed. Mrs. Wheat took her baby and went up to see your Mother Griffing and staid till the afternoon.

Ma is knitting a pair of suspenders for [brother] Ralph. He thinks he shall like them. He wants you to write to him. We all send love to all. Hope you will keep well. Write often all of you. Goodbye, your affectionate sister, -- Sarah [Goodrich]

Fearing that the Pierce Administration would never recognize the free-soil sentiment of the Kansas settlers, elements of the free-soil militia began to take matters into their own hands during the summer months of 1856. Jim Lane, fresh out of superlatives to hurl at the Administration, returned to Kansas and, in August, led the citizens of Lawrence in a series of raids against the pro-slavery supply "forts" that surrounded the town. Disgusted by the renewed conflict, Shannon resigned as governor and left Woodson in charge as acting governor. Woodson immediately "issued a proclamation declaring Kansas in a state of open insurrection and called out the pro-slavery militia." [3] Conflict was only narrowly avoided when the Pierce-appointed new territorial governor, John W. Geary, arrived on the scene to intercept, with the aid of Federal troops, a mob of 2,500 ruffians on their way to destroy Lawrence. The ruffians, unwilling to brawl with federal troops, returned to their homes. Peace -- relatively speaking -- had been restored in Kansas Territory.

According to Augusta, James "recovered sufficiently [from his illness] to go about [during the summer of 1856, but he soon] overworked...and was not able to do much of anything until the fall of 1856." When the army of ruffians were advancing upon Lawrence in September, she recalled that there were rumors that these men would ride into Topeka and raid it as well. She wrote, "I well remember how afraid I was that they would carry out the threat and we were living on their route. No one but those who have passed through exciting times can realize how it was. But I never heard many say they would prefer to go back to their Eastern homes." [4]

griffing@fnal.gov