The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1820-12-13

nor viii the product Of turnips; Of the
former we shall probably gather four
thousand bushels, and four to Eve thou
sand ci the latter. Grasshoppers appear
ed in myriads the last week in August,
and stripped the turnips of their leaves;
they were 80 well grown, however, as to
resuscitatc mcasurabIy, and will give
half crop. If these destructive visi-
tants had made their appearance six
weeks sooner, We should not have made
one bushel of corn. They stripped it,
even at that late period. Of half its leaves.
The Pawnce Indians lost their whole
crop by their ravages, and | understand
that at tine Ear OF Seikilk's establishment
on ~ River, the last two crops have
been entirely destroyed by them.
If we are'not again visited by those
insects, there is no doubt but We shall
be able, after gathering the next crop, to
subsist ourselves in plentiful abundance
.by our labors. We have cut and per-
served two hundred and fifty tons OF hay,
which wi! be sufficient for our horses
and cattle.
Tie Indian tribes on the Missouri
continue friendly towards us. Our OPP
portunity of Judging of their dispositions
has been greater the present season than
at any former period. In September
there was assembled, at one time, at the
Bluffs, the chiefs and head men Of the
three bands Of Pawnees, Of the Kansas,
of the Mailas, OF the Puncas, Of the
three bands Of Yanketon Sioux, Of the
Teton Sioux, and Of the Stone Sioux,
residing above the Great Bend; all of
whom professed to be, and are. no donbt,
as friendly as could be wished. Il is
SAID that the Aracara., who inbabit the
country $50 miles below the Mandsns,
speak lightly olthe coming ofthe troops;
and the friendly disposition Of the Man
dams is also questioned. In these reports
but little confidence should be placed.
For my own part, have not the least
doubt but the presence Of 400 troops
would be quite sufficient to overawe
them. and make rs favorable an impress
sion as could be desired; and which |
must hope will be authorized early in
the spring. There certainly is not the
least difficulty, with proper management,
of carrying the views of government into
full effect, in rega'd to opening a friend
y intercourse with the upper tribes.
Whilst the representatives d,hc t'>cve
mentioned tribes were &c the Bluffs, the
brigade WAS paraded for review, wnh ,No
pieces OF canuon on tho right, supplied
with horses and mounted srIiiIer.st. AZ
ter the troops were reviewed in line, and
in passing in common and quick time.
they were carried through various evolu.
lions, and the artillery made 20 pass over
the plain at the full speed OF the horses.
The display had the effect on the minds
of the Indians, that il was inIendcyl TO in-
spirc, which was most favorable, as to
the appearance and efficiency of,he troops
and of the practicabiiity o, using cannon
with ease and effect. The steam boat
"Expeduion 7" was also put in motion.
TO their great astonishment and admira.
tim
Major O'Fallon has been jealous and
indeiangable in the discharge of his du.
ties as Indian agent. His impartial and
dignificd conduct towards the Indians,
has made very favorable impression on
them; and it requires nothing but sim
liar course Of conduct, on the part of the
agent Of government, to perpetuate their
friendship.
With the highest respect, Sir,
l have the honor to be,
Your most o6etient servant,
ii. ATKINSON,
Brigadier General,
"a ty,J;for,, DeDf