From P. H. Townsend to Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1860
Big Springs Kansas
Oct. 3d 1860
Dear Sir
I would not make bold to address you at this time -- when your every moment must be precious -- did I not know you to be a man rather than a politician. Hence I feel free to call your attention to the enclosed circular, which briefly states the sad condition of Kansas on account of the severe drouth. I need not go into the history of our struggles, and tell you, who know so well, how we have incurred the wrath of two Democratic administrations for daring to contend for our rights as American citizens, while armed invaders and Federal troops tried to dragoon us into submission to the decrees of the slavery propaganda We have had a hard struggle, but we have conquered, practically have we conquered, and it only remains that the coming administration shall recognize us as one of the sovereign states of the Republic and then will we rest, being well assured that we have gained a victory which will forever silence the spread of slavery.
But our people were poor at the start, and became poorer under the protection (?) of the federal arm. By Democratic malignity we have been kept out of the union, our lands forced into market, appropriations withheld and all our plans for future prosperity delayed and ruined. Our people were obliged to mortgage their lands for their preemption, and we entered upon the past spring with dubious fears of ever being able to pay for our lands. But we plowed and sowed in hope of a bountiful harvest, thinking to get out of debt and still have a store house full of grain left on which to subsist till new crops could be raised How sadly we have been disappointed this circular will tell you.
Under such circumstances I submit to you if it does not require good pluck to stick to a land which has produced for us more pain than proffit, and ought not our people to be encouraged to stay? I know of scarcely a township that has not lost twenty or more families who have "rolled out" since the drouth commenced. Most of these, however, will return in the spring.
I need not detain you longer -- hoping you will lend your sympathy and your influence in our behalf.
Those of us who intend to stay here until the worst is over, many of us have families to support. A single man like myself can get along without aid. But I see families about me who have depended on their crops for a support. They must have help or they cannot live through the fall and winter. It is hard to see the people living on corn bread and water as many are doing, and when the cold rains come on and the blighting cold, and the ague hovers over our cabins, and fever weakens the stoutest hearts; then, something better than a coarse diet must be had or hundreds will die for want of proper nourishment.
I must close.-- While I now write a little blue eyed fellow of three months -- bearing the illustrious name of " Abraham Lincoln Cook," coos to me encouragingly and has no idea that this letter will pass unheeded.
May Heaven send success to your cause which is our cause, and strenghthen you for the momentous duties which will most certainly be imposed on you in Nov. by the freemen of the states
is the earnest prayer of
Your friend
P. H. Townsend
(May I look for an answer)
Man, the Democrats have been at this a long time, haven't they?
Also See:
Right to Keep and Bear Arms -
&
2006 GunShowOnTheNet.com