1857
Democratic Convention
The convention which assembled at Lecompton on the 7th inst. in obedience
  to a call from the Central Committee was well attended considering the short
  notice given.
When permanently organized its officers were
Wm. G. Mathias of Leavenworth President
  J. T. Hereford “ Atchison Vice Pt
  Mssrs Martin  Franklin Secretaries
The whole of the first day was taken up in organizing, appointing committees
  and other preparatory business.
On Tuesday morning the committee on Resolutions Reported and re-iterated the
  Democratic platform, and also resolutions in opposition to recent acts of Gov.
  Walker and Secretary Stanton. The extraordinary summoning of the new Legislature
  by the latter, was justly denounced and the Acting Governor’s complicity
  with the enemies of the Democratic Party fully exposed.
During the afternoon session of this day F. J. Marshall of Marshall County
  was nominated as the Democratic Candidate for Governor, on the first ballot
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To these friends I return my heartfelt thanks , and shall so continue to act
  as will retain their confidence.
But those, also, who on this occasion preferred another to myself, are entitled
  to my thanks! They have doubtless acted for the public good; and I am proud
  that the convention had so many good and true men in the Democratic party of
  Kansas from among whom to choose – and none have the right or ought to
  complain.
From amongst these you have nominated Gen. F. J. Marshall to bear up proudly
  the banner of our Party at the head of the Democratic collumn as it marches
  forth to battle against the Black Republicans on the 21 st of this month. In
  the ranks, but beside the standard of Democracy, then and there will I be found
  struggling for success and we will – we must triumph!
It is needles to state that the [?] remarks were well receive judging from
  the applause in which nearly every member of the convention joined
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Wm. G. Mathias of the City of Leavenworth was then nominated for Lieut Governor
  there being none other named he was chosen by acclamation.
In the evening session at the representative hall W. T. Spicely of Douglas
  County was nominated for Secretary of State T. J. B. Cramer of Douglas Treasurer
  Dr Blake Little of Bourbon Auditor and Col. Carr of Atchison for congress.
It may not be improper to state that with the exception one or two individuals,
  all the delegates was impressed with the importance of the contest before us
 T.