From Mound City, Kansas Territory, Jennison opens his letter to Stearns by acknowledging that the two men did not know each other but Jennison counts Stearns "a true friend to the cause of freedom." Jennison tells him about the so-called "desperadoes known as Kidnapers" who had been active in the region. After warning them of serious consequences if caught and convicted of "man hunting," Jennison's free state force captured, tried, and hung one Russ Hinds. Despite the threat from Gen. William S. Harney's federal troops, Jennison insists "we are determined to Stand or fall by our weight for we have taken our position and it is honorable and Just." He feels federal troops were unfairly targeting free staters and ignoring proslave outrages.