Private Washington Decr" 12, 1856 My dear Sir - This letter will be handed to you by Isaac Winston Esqr. of Va" who has been appointed the Indian Agent in the place of Mr. Clark removed - You will find him an intelligent, thoroughly conservative and right minded man. I have received your several [strikeout] private letters and been exceedingly gratified to learn from them, as well as from official communications from yourself and Genl Smith, that the condition of things in Kansas has under gone so great and so desirable a change. Your Official dispatch [2] to the Scy" of State in relation to Judge Le Compte and his action in the case of Hayes is before me. I regret the occasion, which preempted it, and also regret that you undertook to issue a warrant for the rearrest of Hayes. It it [sic] is too late now to remind you, that such an act was beyond the scope of your Official Power - Your proceeding in this respect Embarrasses the matter somewhat, but I shall remove Judge Le Compte on grounds of public Policy and probably appoint Jas. O. Harrison Partner of Mr [Breckinridge] in business and late Democratic Candidate for Congress in in [sic] the Lexington District in his place. Your position involves duties and responsibilities of great delicacy, but I trust you will go safely [3] through. Do not allow prejudices or passion to gain the slightest control over your calm judgment, whatever circumstances of [annoyance] may beset you. - Remember that whatever others may do, absolute impartiality is required at your hands - You are to know no North no South among the citizens of the Territory, but you are as the Chief Executive Officer of the Territory to observe for all and toward all such an Evident impartiality that no man can justly complain of you. I shall not nominate Mr. Spencer to the Senate until I hear from you He is undoubtedly a man of [modesty] and high character, but whether he is suited for the office or not, in view of all the circumstances or whether he would desire to retain the office I am unable to say. If Judge Cunningham [4] is not with you now he will be before you receive this. I had a long interview with him and he impressed me strongly as a Gentleman - of legal attainments, high tone and fine sense. He is a pure minded man I am sure without any taint of abolitionism. I hear favorable opinions Expressed of Judge Cato on all sides. It would require a good deal of evidence to make me believe that he is not a competent Judge in point of learning and ability, and that he does not intend to be an impartial one - I hope you will cultivate kind relations with him - With a good Court and good Marshall I cannot doubt that there will be harmonious and useful action in the administration of Territorial affairs - Perfect impartiality on the part of the officers of the Territory [5] toward the Southern & Northern Settlers there and the free Exercise of their judgment and will in the conduct of the political affairs of the Territory is what I have sought from the first and what I mean in the End to secure. The courage, diligence and Energy, which have enabled you to bring order out of chaos are claiming the commendation of your Country men; Do not think that your work is yet accomplished. You have still much to do. In the midst of all your trials you must temper your Energy with prudence & constant circumspection Be so just and true to the right that no man can successfully challenge your impartiality. Your last dispatches to the secretary [6] of State will be sent to Congress on Monday - When republished in the Territory they may produce some excitement, but if strictly [correct] in the Statement of facts as I have no doubt they are. Truth and your own calm bearing will carry you through - Your friend Franklin Pierce Hon Jno W Geary Territory of Kansas [docket] Dec 12 th 1856 Franklin Pierce Private [envelope] Department of Sta[text loss: te] Official Business Commission Gov. Jno. W. Geary.