Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-02-01

" pthtOfUtu, anu Which, 10 SoutCuipidttu.
exhibit the expense of The expedition up
the Missouri, for the last aud next sue
cee1ing three years, with similar state
ment in relation to that on the Mississip-
pi. Though the last is not referred to in
your letter, yet, as the two movements
constitute part of the same system Of
measures. ! believed that il would not be
unexceptionable to the committee to re-
ceive statement of the whole Of the exc
penses incurred, or likely TO be incurred,
in its execution.
The expedition ordered TO the mouth Of
the Yellow Stone, or rather to the Man
dan village, flor the military occupation
of the former. depending on circnmstan-
ces. is not yet finally determined on, is
part of system of measures, which has
for its objects the protection Of our north
western frontier, and the greater exten-
sion Of our fur trade. 1t is on that FROM
| tier only that we have much TO fear from
Indian hostiities. The tribes TO the SOUTH
west are either SO inconsiderable, or SO
surrounded by white population, and, what
is OF pot less importance, SO cut off with
intercourse from all foreign nations, that
there are reasonable grounds to believe,
that We shall, in future, be almost wholly
exempt from indian warfare in that quar-
ter. Very different is the condition of
those on our northwestern border. They
are open to the influence of a foreign pow
er, and many of the most warlike and
powerful tribes, who, by the extension of
our settlements, are becoming our near
neigbbors, are yet very little acquainted
with our power. To guard against their
hostility, it has been thought proper to in-
crease our forces on that frontier from one
10 three regiments; and to occupy new
posts, better calculated to cut off all In
terconrse between the Indians residing on
our territory and foreign traders or posts;
aud TO garrison them with force suffi-
cientiy strong TO overawe the neighboring
tribes. With this view, measures have
been taken to establish strong posts at the
Council Bluff and the Mandsn village, on
the Missouri at the mouth of the St. Pc
ters, on the Mississippi; and the falls of
St. MaFy's, between lakes Superior and
Huron. The posts at Green Bay, Chica-
go, Rock Island and the Prairie du Chen,
viii Still De continued. The posts at Inc
mouth of the St. Peters, and at the Coun-
Gil Bluff have already been occupied and
that at the Mandao village win probably
be, the next summer. The position the
falls OF ST. Mary's has been reconnoitred,
and it is intended 10 make preparation the
next summer to occupy it. The occupa-
ton of these posts with an adequate force.
will, il is believed, by establishing over the
varions tribes 10 that quarter the influence
Of our government, and preventing or di.
ninishing that Of others, have the most
beneficial effects. The position at the
Council Bluff is very important one. and
the post will consequently be rendered
strong, aud will be occupied by suffi-
Gent garrison. 1t is about half way be-
tween st. Louis and the Maudan village.
and is at that point on the Missouri, which
approaches the nearest TO the post at the
mouth Of The ST. Peters with which. in the
event of hostilities, IT may cooperate. It
is besides not more than one hundred and
eighty miles in advance OF our settlements
on The Missouri, and is 10 the centre of the
most powerful tribes, aud the most numer-
GUS Indian population, west of the Missis-
sippi. 1t is believed to be the best posi-.
ton on the Missouri, to cover our flour
ishing settlements 10 that quarter, and
ought, If it were wholly unconnected with
other objects, to be established for that
purpose alone.
The position at the Mandan village has
been selected for military post, on &C.
count OF the many advantages which 1t is
supposed TO possess. At that point the
Missouri approaches nearest TO the estab-
lishment of the Hudson Bay Company, on
tue Red river Of the Lakes, near the mouth
OF the Assinaboin, and, at the same point,
it takes direction to the south, which,
in the event Of hostiities, would render it
more difficult, for any force which might
be brought against it from the possessions
of our northern neighbors, to interrupt its
communications with posts below. II 10
besides well situated to protect our tra-
ders, and to prevent those of the Hudson
Bay Company from extending their trade
towards the head waters of Missouri, and
along the Rocky Mountains, within our
limits, which tract Of country is said to a.
bound more 10 fur, aud of better quality,
than any other portion of this continent.
The post at the mouth of the St. Peters
is at the head Of navigation on the Missis-
sippi, aud, in addition TO its commanding
positions, in relation to the Indians. it
possesses great advantages, either to pro-
iect our trade, OF prevent that of foreign-
ers. The post contemplated at the falls of
St. Mary's, will, it is believed, be Of very
great Importance. The position, as has
been stated, has been reconnoitred, and il