You will therefore energetically employ all the means within your reach to restore the supremacy of the law, always endeavoring to carry out your present purpose to prevent the unnecessary effusion of blood."[2] The Secretary had probably cast his eye upon the Platte County battle-call in the "Weston Argus Extra," which formed one of the general's inclosures: "So sudden and unexpected has been the attack of the abolitionists that the law-and-order party was unprepared to effectually resist them.

To-day the bogus free-State government, we understand, is to assemble at Topeka.

The issue is distinctly made up; either the free-State or pro-slavery party is to have Kansas....
Citizens of Platte County! the war is upon you, and at your very doors.
Arouse yourselves to speedy vengeance and rub out the bloody traitors."[3] [Sidenote] Woodson, proclamation, Aug.

25, 1856.

Senate Ex.Doc., 3d Sess.