Gentlemen:—Having he[a]rd of the excitement in this part of the country, and judging that my presence here might be necessary to preserve the peace and enforce the laws, I arrived at this place this morning.

Both before and since my arrival, complaints of a grave character, have been made to me of certain proceedings of your honorable body. As Chief Magistrate it is my duty to see that impartial justice shall be done, uninfluenced either by excitement, here or in your . I think before any decisive measure shall be adopted that I ought to hear the allegations and defences of all parties.

By adopting this course, I have some hope that the evils of war may be averted; and at any rate I will be enabled by it to understand the true merits of the present difficulties, and, shape my course with reference to law and justice. For these reasons I have to request that you will send out to me at this place, one or more well informed and discreet persons, who will be capable of laying before me, [y]our version of the matter, and receiving from me such explanations and resolutions as may be determined on.

Col. Elam S. Freeman will present you this note in the character of a herald from the . You will respect him as such and permit him to pass and repass free from molestation.

Your messengers are assured of protection in person and property and will be returned to you in safety.