Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869 to John W. Geary
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00375 Author/Creator: Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 12, 1856 Pagination: 6 p. : docket : envelope ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
President Pierce writes to Geary, the newly appointed Governor of the Kansas Territory, emphasizing the delicacy and impartiality with which matters in the heavily pro-slavery territory should be handled. Covers the removal from office of various pro-slavery officials in the Kansas Territory that Geary and Pierce considered disruptive to their efforts to maintain peace in the territory. Praises Isaac Winston of Virginia, the carrier of this letter, who replaced George W. Clarke as Indian Agent. Reprimands Geary for overstepping his authority by re-arresting Charles Hayes (for the murder of a Free-State settler, David Buffum). Mentions "Judge LeCompte and his action in the case of Hayes," indicating that he will remove LeCompte "on grounds of public policy." Notes that he will probably appoint James O. Harrison to replace Lecompte. Warns Geary to "Remember that whatever others may do, absolute impartiality is required at your hands- You are to know no North or South among the citizens of the Territory." Reports that he will wait to hear from Geary before he appoints Mr. Spencer to the senate, and mentions an interview he had with Judge [Thomas W.] Cunningham to garner support for Geary. Notes Cunningham "is a pure minded man I am sure without any taint of abolitionism." Praises the impartiality of Judge [Sterling G.] Cato, writing "With a good Court and good Marshall I cannot doubt that there will be harmonious and useful action in the administration of territorial affair- Perfect impartiality on the part of the officers of the Territory toward the Southern and Northern settlers there and the free exercise of their judgment and will in the conduct of the political affairs of the Territory is what I have sought from the first and what I mean in the end to secure." Marked "private."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.