Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-05-12
LETTER FROM GEN. GAINES.

LEI lex FROM GhN- CAlNEsS.
HEAD QUARTERS, Western Department. I
Natchitocles, La, Stb April, 1896. 5
Sir: The WARM Texas, which has Of
hate assumed sanguinary and savage as
pect. has induced the President Of the u.
States 10 require a considerable augment
alton of regular force TO be concentrated
upon this section of the national frontier,
to which my attention has been particu
larry directed. lie deems it to lie The du-
~ Of the United States TO remain entirely
neutral, and 10 cause their neutrality to be
respected -pcaceaLiy II practicable foyci-
bly, u necessary.
The 23d article Of the treaty with Mex
leo requires both the contracting parties
10 prevent by force all hostili,ies and in
cursions on the part Of the Indian nations
living within their respective boundaries,
SO That the United States Of America will
not sUiter their Indians 10 attack the Cit.
xens OF the Mexican States &c.
The provisions Of tins article am par
tIculafly Instructed TO cause TO be enfor-
ced, and have, pursuant TO Instructions,
taken measures TO make known TO The va
rons Indian tribes inhabiting tifa' portion
OF the United States bordering upon The
Mexican territory, on the waters OF the
Red and Arkansas rivers, the dtternilna
ton OF the government TO prefent any
hostile ineursions into Texas, and have
directed that The Chiefs be called upon TO
incuIcate upon their people the necessity
of carefully abstaining from any violation
of the aD0re mentioned eugagements,--
and have moreover informed them, pur
suant 10 the orders OF tue President, THAT
VII mol hesitate 10 use the force at my
disposal for the purpose Of preventing any
such designs.
have learned from several Of our cii
Eens entitled 10 credit, that one Manuel
Flores. a Mexican Spaniard, but for years
past citizen Of Spanish town" ln.this
State, near the Sabine Ridge, has been
lately commissioned ~ persons protesting
TO act by the authority Of the Mexican
government, for the purpose Of eutlcing
the lnGians IN the western prairies on our
SIDE of the boundary line TO Join them in
The war of determination now raging in
Texas and that with this view, the Agent
Manuel Flores, accompanied by a stran-
ger, has passed MP the valley OF the Red
River, and has lately prodn ed considera.
Die excitement among TIE CadiIo Indians.
Ana have very recently learned from Sc.
Verai intelligent persons in Texas, and
others who have lately been there, tina,
many OF our Indians have gone over to-
the Texas side Of The line.
These facts and circumstances present
to me the important Question whether |
am TO SIT still and suffer these movements
10 he so far ma'uicd as TO place the white
settlements 90 both sides Of the line Who'll
iy within the power of these sayages --or
whether opght not instantly prepare the
means OF deieuce so as TO compel them TO
return 10 their own homes and hunllng
grounds?
canuot bnt decide in favor oe the lat
ter aitenatve which tbs question pre-
SCENTS; Tor nothing can be more evident
than an Indian war. commencing on eth.
er side at The liue, will as surely extend TO
bo'h SIDES, as that lighted qlick match
'hIust ii.to one side Of pow der magazine
would extend to the explosion Of both
sides.
But an without mounted men, the on.
~ description of force which will enable
me 10 lo'erpose an efficient check to the
daily Increasing danger which every in
tt!IIgent citizen with whom have CONVEX
sed upon the subject, apprehends.-And
appreheudlng as do, ttat the loss of
month, which II would require to submit
the case to the decision Of the President
Of the United States, might prove latol 10
large potion Of the frontier inhabitants,
have determined 10 solicit Of your Ex
cGlencY brigade. to consist Of two or
three hattalicns Of volunteels-as many
10 be mounted as practcabie-to repair to
this place as soon as may be convehie MT,
by companies or bsttallons; 10 receive
Their arms and camp equipments at New
Orleans and Baton Rouge. There may
be eight or ten companies to a battalion.
Should the war in Texas be brought TO
a close without the apprehrnded Indian
hostilt'es, Tie volunteers viii be dischar
ged forthwith.
WITH great respect,
have the honor 10 he
Your obedient servant,
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