Governor Geary, however, determined to secure and enforce just treatment of both parties.

He was at once brought into violent conflict with the Legislature in an experience which was almost an exact counterpart of that of Governor Reeder; and Washington did not support his efforts to secure fair dealings.

A pro-slavery deputation visited President Pierce in February, 1857, and returned with the assurance that Governor Geary would be removed.

Without waiting for the President to act, Geary resigned in disgust on the 4th of March.

Of the three Governors whom President Pierce appointed, two became active supporters of the free-state party and a third, Governor Shannon, fled from the territory in mortal terror lest he should be slain by members of the party which he had tried to serve..