From the collections at the Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum. Reprinted with permission from The Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum and the Leavenworth Times. Donated by Debra Graden.

The Anthony Letters

Jack Henderson Advised To Find More Congenial Climate

Leavenworth Times, 1956-7

Editors note: This is another in a series of letters written by Col. D. R. Anthony to his family in the east almost 100 years ago when Leavenworth was a new town and Kansas was still a territory. The letters give a clear picture of Leavenworth in its early period. The Times is publishing the letters each Sunday and Thursday.

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Leavenworth, K. T.

July 3, 1858

Dear Father:

I have not been able to get off on my Iowa trip. Very few boats go above St. Joseph. I expect to get off tonight on the steamer "Sioux City."

A committee waited on Jack Henderson today and invited him to leave town, which he promised to do before 12 midnight.

My books show all my business transaction and bank book and check book show what is in the bank, and cash book what is on hand, so in case any accident happens all will be intelligible.

Your son,

D. R. Anthony

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Leavenworth, K. T.

July 4, 1858

Dear Sister:

Have been waiting a through steamer for Council Bluffs for the last three days and expect the boat along any hour.

I continue to board at the same place, price $4 per week, day board. Have just returned to my office from my Sunday dinner. It consisted of broiled spring chickens, new potatoes, corn bread, wheat bread, good butter, lettuce, stewed tomatoes, pickles and cherry pie -- all good.

Jack Henderson was advised to leave town yesterday which he did forthwith. Some other climate will be more congenial to his health. Others will soon be notified to visit other portions of our country which they no doubt will voluntarily decide to do.

Marcus Parrott, our member of congress, returned last evening. We procured a band of music and serenaded him at the Planters Hotel. I think he is more decided than when he went to Washington.

They are putting up a good three story flouring mill here of brick, and three or four brick stores and any number of wood buildings.

Wish I had someone east to act in conjunction with me in land warrants and exchange. I have written Father and Aaron time and time again but they don't want to do anything--they are afraid. When I was in rochester, Father and Aaron both talked the matter over and I supposed it was understood plainly what they were willing to do.

I don't want my matters talked over with everybody, but I am getting along well and can get along without help and do better than all the family east put together -- but if they felt disposed to assist, even for no more than is due, I could succeed much better.

Wish you would write again soon.

Truly,

D. R. Anthony