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Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) to John W. Geary

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00375 Author/Creator: Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1856 Pagination: 6 p. : docket : envelope ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

President Pierce writes to Geary, the newly appointed Governor of the Kansas Territory, emphasizing the delicacy and impartiality with which matters in the heavily pro-slavery territory should be handled. Covers the removal from office of various pro-slavery officials in the Kansas Territory that Geary and Pierce considered disruptive to their efforts to maintain peace in the territory. Praises Isaac Winston of Virginia, the carrier of this letter, who replaced George W. Clarke as Indian Agent. Reprimands Geary for overstepping his authority by re-arresting Charles Hayes (for the murder of a Free-State settler, David Buffum). Mentions "Judge LeCompte and his action in the case of Hayes," indicating that he will remove LeCompte "on grounds of public policy." Notes that he will probably appoint James O. Harrison to replace Lecompte. Warns Geary to "Remember that whatever others may do, absolute impartiality is required at your hands- You are to know no North or South among the citizens of the Territory." Reports that he will wait to hear from Geary before he appoints Mr. Spencer to the senate, and mentions an interview he had with Judge [Thomas W.] Cunningham to garner support for Geary. Notes Cunningham "is a pure minded man I am sure without any taint of abolitionism." Praises the impartiality of Judge [Sterling G.] Cato, writing "With a good Court and good Marshall I cannot doubt that there will be harmonious and useful action in the administration of territorial affair- Perfect impartiality on the part of the officers of the Territory toward the Southern and Northern settlers there and the free exercise of their judgment and will in the conduct of the political affairs of the Territory is what I have sought from the first and what I mean in the end to secure." Marked "private."

Pierce appointed Samuel Dexter Lecompte as chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Kansas Territory in 1854. Charles Hayes was arrested following his murder of Buffum, but Lecompte released him on bail. When Pierce attempted to replace Lecompte in December 1856, Congress refused to confirm the replacement. Refer to GLC00071 for Geary's appointment as Territorial Governor.

Private Washington
Decr" 12, 1856

My dear Sir -
This letter will be handed to you by Isaac Winston Esqr. of Va" who has been appointed the Indian Agent in the place of Mr. Clark removed - You will find him an intelligent, thoroughly conservative and right minded man. I have received your several [strikeout] private letters and been exceedingly gratified to learn from them, as well as from official communications from yourself and Genl Smith, that the condition of things in Kansas has under gone so great and so desirable a change. Your Official dispatch [2] to the Scy" of State in relation to Judge Le Compte and his action in the case of Hayes is before me. I regret the occasion, which preempted it, and also regret that you undertook to issue a warrant for the rearrest of Hayes. It it [sic] is too late now to remind you, that such an act was beyond the scope of your Official Power - Your proceeding in this respect Embarrasses the matter somewhat, but I shall remove Judge Le Compte on grounds of public Policy and probably appoint Jas. O. Harrison Partner of Mr [Breckinridge] in business and late Democratic Candidate for Congress in in [sic] the Lexington District in his place.
Your position involves duties and responsibilities of great delicacy, but I trust you will go safely [3] through. Do not allow prejudices or passion to gain the slightest control over your calm judgment, whatever circumstances of [annoyance] may beset you. - Remember that whatever others may do, absolute impartiality is required at your hands - You are to know no North no South among the citizens of the Territory, but you are as the Chief Executive Officer of the Territory to observe for all and toward all such an Evident impartiality that no man can justly complain of you.
I shall not nominate Mr. Spencer to the Senate until I hear from you He is undoubtedly a man of [modesty] and high character, but whether he is suited for the office or not, in view of all the circumstances or whether he would desire to retain the office I am unable to say. If Judge Cunningham [4] is not with you now he will be before you receive this. I had a long interview with him and he impressed me strongly as a Gentleman - of legal attainments, high tone and fine sense. He is a pure minded man I am sure without any taint of abolitionism. I hear favorable opinions Expressed of Judge Cato on all sides. It would require a good deal of evidence to make me believe that he is not a competent Judge in point of learning and ability, and that he does not intend to be an impartial one - I hope you will cultivate kind relations with him - With a good Court and good Marshall I cannot doubt that there will be harmonious and useful action in the administration of Territorial affairs - Perfect impartiality on the part of the officers of the Territory [5] toward the Southern & Northern Settlers there and the free Exercise of their judgment and will in the conduct of the political affairs of the Territory is what I have sought from the first and what I mean in the End to secure.
The courage, diligence and Energy, which have enabled you to bring order out of chaos are claiming the commendation of your Country men; Do not think that your work is yet accomplished. You have still much to do. In the midst of all your trials you must temper your Energy with prudence & constant circumspection Be so just and true to the right that no man can successfully challenge your impartiality. Your last dispatches to the secretary [6] of State will be sent to Congress on Monday - When republished in the Territory they may produce some excitement, but if strictly [correct] in the Statement of facts as I have no doubt they are. Truth and your own calm bearing will carry you through -
Your friend
Franklin Pierce
Hon Jno W Geary
Territory of Kansas
[docket]
Dec 12 th 1856
Franklin Pierce
Private

[envelope]
Department of Sta[text loss: te]
Official Business
Commission
Gov. Jno. W. Geary.

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869
Geary, John White, 1819-1873
Cato, Sterling G., fl. 1856
Cunningham, Thomas W., fl. 1856
Lecompte, Samuel D. (Samuel Dexter), 1814-1888

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