230 
KANSAS. 
affairs, and ask kis interference in their behalf. The following 
letter was sent from Lawrence by the committee to Gov. Shannon: 
<£ Lawrence City, Kansas, May 11, 1856. 
“ Dear Sir : The undersigned are charged with the duty of 
communicating to your Excellency the following preamble and 
resolutions, adopted by the citizens of Lawrence at a public meet¬ 
ing ho!den at this place at seven o’clock this evening, viz.: 
“ ‘ Whereas we have the most reliable information, from vari¬ 
ous points of the territory and the adjoining State of Missouri, 
of the organization of guerilla bands, who threaten the destruc¬ 
tion of our town and its citizens, therefore, 
44 4 Resolved , That Messrs. Topliff, Hutchinson, and Eoberts, 
constitute a committee to inform his Excellency Gov. Shannon of 
these facts, and to call upon him, in the name of the people of 
Lawrence, for protection against such bands by the United States 
troops at his disposal.’ 
44 All of which is most respectfully submitted, by order of the 
people of Lawrence. 
u y er j truly, etc., 
“ C. W. Topliff, 
John Hutchinson, 
W. Y. Eoberts.” 
After Gov. Shannon had held a consultation with several of 
the leaders at Lecompton, he returned the following missive, of 
doubtful import: 
54 Executive Office, ^ 
Lecompton, K. T., May 12, 1856. j 
44 Gentlemen : Your note of the 11th instant is received ; and, 
in reply, I have to state that there is no force around or approach¬ 
ing Lawrence, except the legally constituted posse of the United 
States Marshal, and Sheriff of Douglas County, each of whom, I 
am informed, has a number of writs for execution against persons 
now in Lawrence. 
44 1 shall in no way interfere with either of these officers in the 
discharge of their official duties. 
