THE ATTACK UPON LAWRENCE. 
233 
Mr. Cox then aslced, “ Can anything be done, on the part of 
Lawrence, to prevent your coming in with so large a force? ” He 
replied, “ The three following demands must be complied with, 
before I shall consent not to enter Lawrence with all my force. 
First. That every man, against whom a warrant is issued, shall be 
surrendered. Second. All munitions of war, in Lawrence, shall 
be delivered up. Third. That the citizens of Lawrence shall 
pledge themselves implicitly to obey the present enactments of 
Kansas — test-oaths, taxes, and all.” 
Upon the receipt of this reply, on the morning of the 14th, the 
citizens immediately held a public meeting. That no means should 
be left untried for the protection of the citizens, — that the mar¬ 
shal should have no grounds for misapprehension in reference to 
the intentions of the people, — the following letter was prepared 
and sent to the marshal, by Mr. Cox : 
64 Lawrence, May 14, 1856. 
“ J. B. Donaldson, U. S. Marshal for K. T. — Dear Sir : 
We have seen a proclamation issued by yourself, dated 11th May 
inst., and also have reliable information this morning, that large 
bodies of armed men, in pursuance of your proclamation, have 
assembled in the vicinity of Lawrence. 
“ That there may be no misunderstanding, we beg leave to ask 
respectfully, that we may be reliably informed what are the de¬ 
mands against us. We desire to state, most truthfully and ear¬ 
nestly, that no opposition whatever will now, or at any future 
time, be offered to the execution of any legal process by your¬ 
self, or any person acting for you. We also pledge ourselves to 
assist you, if called upon, in the execution of any legal process. 
“ We declare ourselves to be order-loving and law-abiding citi¬ 
zens , and only await an opportunity to test our fidelity to the 
laws of the country, the constitution, and the Union. 
“ We are informed, also, that those men collecting about Law¬ 
rence openly declare that their intention is to destroy the town, 
and drive off the citizens. Of course we do not believe you give 
any countenance to such threats ; but, in view of the excited state 
of the public mind, we ask protection of the constituted authori¬ 
ties of the government, declaring ourselves in readiness to cooper- 
20 * 
