All this was not the worst, however.

Deep in the background stood the sinister apparition of the Atchison cabal.

"I find," wrote he, "that I have not simply to contend against bands of armed ruffians and brigands whose sole aim and end is assassination and robbery--infatuated adherents and advocates of conflicting political sentiments and local institutions--and evil-disposed persons actuated by a desire to obtain elevated positions; but worst of all, against the influence of men who have been placed in authority and have employed all the destructive agents around them to promote their own personal interests at the sacrifice of every just, honorable, and lawful consideration....

Such is the condition of Kansas faintly pictured....

In making the foregoing statements I have endeavored to give the truth and nothing but the truth.