Collection Title: Hastings John Proclamation
Series Number: MS13-02
Processed and Cataloged by: Processed by Dieter C. Ullrich
Date Listed: February 14, 2013
Date Span: 1855
Size of Collection: 0.01 linear feet.
Number of Boxes: 1 letter size folder.
Type of Material: Proclamation.
Condition of Material: Good.
Arrangement: Chronological arrangement.
Biographical / Historical Information: The Hastings John proclamation was believed to have been delivered on March 30, 1855 at Murray, Kentucky to support the pro-slavery movement during the territorial elections held in Kansas. The proclamation was located in a file donated by the Calloway County Public Library on June 21, 2012. The provenance of the item is presently unknown.
Scope and Content: Collection consists of a photocopied proclamation made by Hastings John (most likely a pseudonym) on March 30, 1855 titled “That Sweet Word Liberty.” The proclamation appears to indirectly support pro-slavery activists, “Border Ruffians”, entering the Kansas Territory to interfere with elections and use violence against Free-State settlements. It begins “At the sound of the war trump, what heart will not swell with emotions of delight, and more certainly will it be so when he can lift his arm in the cause of justice at the thoughts of fighting for freedom…”
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Murray (Ky.) – History.
Calloway County (Ky.) – History.
Kansas – Politics and government – 1854-1861.
Violence – Kansas – History – 19th century.
