CONTENTS. PAGE CHAP. I. The Kansas Question.-Excitement in the States. -New York.-Washington.-South Carolina. II. Period of Visit.-Crisis in Kansas.-Dramatis Personæ XII. Leavenworth City.-Town-life in the West XIV. Indian Trading.-Squatter-life.-Claims XV. Kansas Topography.-Settlements on the Kaw.— KANSAS CHAPTER I. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY Excitement in relation to Kansas.-Difference of Opinion.The President's Special Message-Washington.-Contest as to a Seat in Congress.-Rival Legislatures.-Appointment of a Committee of Investigation.-Southern Meetings.— Volunteers in Arms.-Missouri.-Powder and Shot.-Advertisements.-A Crisis at Hand.-Visit to Kansas. WHEN in New York, during the latter part of the winter of 1855-6, I heard daily discussions on the condition of affairs in the far western territory of Kansas. Some of the newspapers had their special correspondents at what was termed "the seat of war," and all were eager to supply the latest intelligence from the scene of contest. At Washington, whilst the House of Representatives was busy choosing a Speaker,—a process which lasted through nine weeks, and required one hundred and thirty-three ballots, the President, without waiting for the organization of the house, made Kansas the subject of a special message. Yet, while all parties agreed in recognizing the existence of disorder in Kansas, B |