In January 1868, Laramie County was reorganized by the Dakota Legislative Assembly, and the county seat was transferred from Fort Sanders to Cheyenne. The election held in the fall of 1867 was annulled. At that time, James L. Laird was appointed sheriff, replacing Robert Foote.
Laird's pay was based on the valuation of the county, and it seems likely he was paid between $1500 and $2000 a year. Laird's tenure as the second sheriff in Laramie County was a short nine months.
Information obtained from Wyoming Territorial Sheriff's, by Ann Gorzalka