Autograph letter signed, to former territorial Governor James W. Denver in Washington, on political doings in the territory, patronage to Democrats, the formation of the Republican party, etc.

Lawrence, Kansas Territory, 1859. 4pp., folded 4to sheet. Usual folds. With the original mailing envelope. 4pp., folded 4to sheet. The letter begins by apologizing for not writing to the former governor (now Commissioner of Indian Affairs) and discusses problems with the current governor Medary. "The Democrats in Doniphan & Leavenworth Counties never appeared to claim their seats although I kept every think open until the last minute and all my plans went for nothing for the want of cooperation, never being able to bring the contestants or our friends to the scratch and as they did not appear at all it was not worth while to make myself ridiculous by attempting an impossibility." Walsh next reveals that he has orchestrated a deal for the printing of the journals of the session to his political benefit: "In making the contract with Joel R. Goodin for the printing I subserved two ends. I kept it out of their hands, first and second the profits will be used to furnish the material for another democratic press at Centropolis this summer." After discussing another printer in Lecompton he writes: "With regard to the pOst officer here I have somewhat changed my views ... They are both good democrats both good business men, but if party interest is to be subserved Huson is the man, and we ought to make every edge cut to build up the party in this territory." He continue with his discussion of party politics in the territory: "They have organized the Republican party and it is necessary for us to be at work. We held a caucus a few evenings since to endeavor to unite on some plan of operations for conuducting the campaign. The Bill for the convention will pass over the Governor's veto ... Since matters have got settled I am becoming quite popular and the fawning cringing sycophants attempt by flattery what they could not obtain by force. So I let them lay it on thick & at a supper party the other night I with the help of a bucket of champagne had the most radical of the party under the table and on the floor and in any and every position that I wished..." Hugh Sleight Walsh (1810-1877), was a native of New York who but also lived for a time in Alabama before coming to Kansas Territory in 1857. In Kansas, Walsh worked as a private secretary, first to Frederick P. Stanton and later to James W. Denver, with whom he appears to have cultivated a close political relationship. On May 12, 1858, Walsh became the territorial secretary, replacing Denver, who had vacated the position to become territorial governor. As territorial secretary, Walsh had the job of serving as acting governor when necessary. Walsh helped the border ruffians in their efforts against Captain James Montgomery, and developed a poor reputation among Free Staters before his eventual retirement from office in June of 1860.