George Boutwell of Indianapolis, Indiana, wrote the Governor of Ohio, Salmon P. Chase, regarding the forthcoming vote on the Lecompton Constitution--for the constitution with or without slavery. Boutwell explained why he believed the best alternative for Kansas free staters was to "abstain from voting," and asked Chase to encourage his Kansas friends to follow this course. (Chase likely forwarded this letter to Robinson.)
Kansas Memory
Kansas Historical Society
George S. Boutwell to Salmon P. Chase, Governor of Ohio - p. 3