James Redpath, a journalist who had spent some time in Kansas Territory, writes this letter to Reverend Thomas W. Higginson, an abolitionist and agent of the Massachusetts State Kansas Committee. Redpath begins the letter with a vehement denouncement of Mr. Cutter, who has allowed the Missouri ruffians to arrest him peacefully. Redpath is appalled that Cutter did not even fire a shot. Redpath is obviously distraught and seeks advice from Higginson on how he should proceed.