The inhabitants of western Missouri, realizing that the tenure of their peculiar institution was becoming weaker in the east and north, early became convinced that the organization of a free State along their western boundary would be followed by the abolition of slavery in their own State.

This condition attracted the attention of the national guardians of pro-slavery interests.

Calhoun, Davis, Breckinridge, Toombs, and others were in constant communication with local leaders.
A certain Judge W.C.Price, a religious fanatic, and a pro-slavery devotee, was induced to visit every part of the State in 1844, calling the attention of all slaveholders to the perils of the situation and preparing the way for the repeal of the Missouri Compromise.

Senator Benton, who was approached on the subject, replied in such a way that all radical defenders of slavery, both national leaders and local politicians, were moved to unite for his political defeat.
David R.Atchison, junior Senator from Missouri, had been made the leader of the pro-slavery forces.

The defeat of Benton in the Missouri Legislature did not end the strife.