From Washington, D.C., on December 7, 1860, Charles Robinson writes his wife regarding the likelihood of secession and the government's response should this happen. He expects Kansas Territory to be admitted to the Union, perhaps as soon as some of the Southern states withdrew their members from the Senate. He also believes the chances were good that Congress would authorize payment of Kansas' claims against the government for damages--such payments would provide some help for those presently in need of relief assistance.