There are many Free-soilers in this county--brave men--who have no conscientious scruples to hinder them from arming themselves, and preparing to repel force with force.

The Border Ruffians sought by a system of terrorism so to intimidate the Free-soilers as to prevent them from organizing a Free-soil party, or even discussing the subject of freedom and slavery in Kansas.
They carried this to such an extent of outrageous violence that it came to be currently reported that it was as much as a man's life was worth to say in the town of Atchison, "I am a Free-soiler." We deprecated violence, and wished a peaceful discussion of the subject.

It was therefore most fitting that a man whose profession forbade him to go armed should put to the test of actual experiment whether an American citizen of blameless life could be permitted to enjoy the right of free speech--the privilege of expressing views favorable to making Kansas a free State--such views being uttered without anything of angry, abusive or insulting language.

It was for this purpose the above words were spoken, and which have been the cause of all my troubles in Atchison.
If there is any class of men who stand behind the curtain and pull the wires, we would respectfully represent to them that it will do no good to urge these understrappers on to these deeds of violence and ruffianism.

We are not a class of men to utter childish complaints at any wrongs we may suffer, _but we know our rights and intend to have them._ Subscribing myself the friend of all good and civil men, whether North or South, I am very truly, PARDEE BUTLER..