In his capacity as chairman of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee, John Alexander Martin apparently wrote this draft of a letter to a member of the Democratic opposition, responding to an invitation to make a speech in support, or participate in a discussion, of the proposed Wyandotte Constitution. The campaign for its ratification took place in August and September, 1858. Martin expressed a willingness to speak out for the constitution, but he objected to the proposed format ("the programme of discussion you have laid down"). Martin insisted that the Republicans were "proud" of the constitution, and "are willing to go before the people with the members of the Democratic party" and discuss its provisions "on any fair terms."