New York Hospital Dec 17 /56
To Rev S L Adair
Dear Sir,
If we may judge by the published accounts, the prospects of Kansas are
brightening.
Still I look forward with much anxiety for the final result. We have a
treacherous
party to deal with & nothing but their own danger will deter them
from encroachments
upon your rights or induce them to grant a hearing to Kansas. The
Democrats,
though they have controll of both branches of Congress, have been
frightened
by the giant strength of the Republicans as shown in the election. The
Southerners
are alarmed by the negro insurections, which greely has taken as a text
for
some wholesome advice. It is generally thought that the democrats will
not venture
upon any act likely to arouse the North as their previous course has
done. But
I fear that some half way measures may be taken which unless diligently
watched
may result in our downfall. All the measures of the proslavery party
& all
their resolutions
are susceptible of a double interpretation. Some movements,
particularly the
departure of Jetus and his horde lead me to believe that the South is
preparing
to abandon Kansas & concentrate their efforts upon some more
favorable field
where they may find less of the Yankey obduracy with the prospect of
Buchanans
Ostend circular to back them. Though Walkers prospects are very
precarious at
present. How is Titus’ move considered with you?
Possibly the South may attempt to make Kansas the purchass money for
some other
territory for slavery. New Mexico, Utah, or the new born one Arizona. Let
our
northern men be watchful & pay nothing for what is already theirs.
The Buchanians
are crowing over the quiet in Kansas & claim it as a verification of
their
lie that the reports were manufactured for political purposes. I see
Whitfield
has made a proposition for ascertaining the losses of the Citizens of
Kansas.
Wonder if he counts Osawatomie in (?) What has become of our protest
& petition
for Reeder?
I see an account in yesterdays paper of the arrest of 5 men belonging
to Osawatomie.
Among them Patrige.
Who are the others?
Now I must bid farewell to Osawatomie for two years at least. On my
arrival
here I found that a vacancy was about to occur in the medical staff of
this
Institution. The amount of knowledge to be gained by two years experience
in
such a situation, combined with earnest importunities of friends proved
too
much for my desire to return to Kan & her claims upon me. I at first
refused
but finally consented to apply for the situation & am now duly
initiated
into the duties of Junior Assistant to the House physician In this
capacity
I serve 8 months then as Senior Assistant & then as House Physician.
I shall
write to Tator to dispose of my effects & settle my accounts. Would
my gum
suit be of value to you, if so take it or any thing else that you wish
&
give me credit. I believe the suit cost $7. The cap is in my trunk.
Please forward me a certificate of church member ship on receipt of
this, to
join the Brick Church in this city. Our communion service occurs in Jan.
Also
give me all the news which transpire & your views of them. For though
I
am absent I shall not foreget you.
Have you received the box I sent or a sufficient supply from
Lawrence. I am
anxious to hear of your welfare.
Give my best respects to Mrs Adair & all other friends.
Yours truly
B Darrach
P. S. Your pencil I will sen by the first opportunity. My trunks
books &
instruments I shall wish forwarded in the spring Please retain until
then.
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/90213/text