“Boston, May 27, 1854.
“To the President of the United States.
“In consequence of an attack upon the Court House last night, for the purpose of rescuing a fugitive slave under arrest, and in which one of my own guards was killed, I have availed myself of the resources of the United States, placed under my control by letter from the War and Navy Departments in 1851, and now have two companies of troops from Fort Independence stationed in the Court House. Everything is now quiet. The attack was repulsed by my own guard.
“Watson Freeman.
“United States Marshal, Boston, Mass.”
“Washington, May 27, 1854.
“To Watson Freeman, United States Marshal, Boston, Mass.
“Your conduct is approved. The law must be executed.
“Franklin Pierce.”