Free-State Kansas Letter Written from Lawrence, Warning Kansas that “mark me, it never will be a slave state until thousands have taken claims six feet by two,” 1850s.
Lawrence, Kansas Territory: November 24, [1850s]. Autograph letter signed “O. S. Hemps[?],” addressed to Mr. Harvey Safford. Two pages measuring 5x 8 inches. With envelope postmarked “LAWRENCE K.T.” Letter folded with some discoloration along folds, with small chip at top left margin. Near Fine. Item #List38115 An excellent Free-State Kansas letter written from Lawrence, in which the author reports that he is well and “doing my duty,” praises the possibilities of Kansas if only it had “the peace or security of the eastern states,” and issues a striking warning regarding the territory’s future: “But mark me, it never will be a slave state until thousands have taken claims six feet by two. Northern grit is up […].” The writer further predicts “amazing times” should officers attempt to enforce the “bogus laws” in Kansas, especially if they came “for the prisoners.” His language places the letter firmly in the heated political atmosphere of Bleeding Kansas, when Free-State settlers and proslavery forces struggled for control of the territory’s legal and political future. Full transcription follows: “Lawrence, Kansas, Nov. 24 “I have written a few words for the boys, and if you will please hand it to them, you will much oblige me. You can read it if you desire. I am enjoying myself very much [..?..], like far beyond my expectations, and shall not leave until I get ready & unless I get scared. Much love to all my old friends and acquaintances. Tell them I am well and I trust doing my duty. If we could but have the peace or security of the eastern states a few months we would show you what Kansas could be. But mark me, it never will be a slave state until thousands have taken claims six feet by two. Northern grit is up and if officers should attempt to execute those bogus laws here we should have amazing times of it, especially if they should come for the prisoners. “How is Armida these days. I hope she is much better than when I was there. Tell Edwin if I can possibly find time I shall send him a long letter soon. “With much respect, I remain your obedient servant A vivid territorial Kansas letter, with unusually direct antislavery language and a memorable declaration that Kansas would not become a slave state without mass bloodshed.
Mr. Safford,
O. S. Hemps[?]
[to]
Mr. Harvey Safford
[..?..]”
Price: $375.00