The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-09-11
ANTICIpATED INDIAN IHosTILlTIEs.

ANTICIPATED INDIAN {iOSTlLIIIES.
We find in the Nashville Banner of the 22d
inst. an interesting correspondence between MAJ
General GAINES aud Governor CANNON oil Zen
nessee, respecting the meditated hostile move
ments of the Cherokee and other Indian tribes
on the Western Frontier. We publish below
Gen Gaines letter 10 Governor c., which disclo'
ses the character of the supposed hostile move
ment. and the disastrous effects which, in the
Generals opinion, must arise from it to the from
Tier settlements unless the measures he indicates
are promptly taken to prevent them. We can
not but hope. however, with the editor OF the
Banner that the object of the Indians in holding
the council has been misconceived, and that no
hostile designs are entertained by them They
may have been called togetherby The Cherokees
10 take into consideration matters of business at
fectng their mutual interests '....r .4
HEAD QnARrERs, WESTERN DIVISION, !
St Louis Aug. 3. 1888. : d.
Sir:--I do myself the honor 10 transmit here
with for yonr information II copy OF letter
which have Just now received from 1t Col.
II. b. Mason, LIST Dragons, commanding at Fort
LeayenWorth, reporting to me the we'll ascertain
ed fact that the Cherokee Indians oil tin Arkan
sas have invited all the Chiefs, together with all
the principal braves of NIL the tribes (eXceptfhg
the Osages and Kansas) residing near our west
ern frontier north of the Red river to meet them
in council in the Cherokee Country on the Hi
nois river, few miles above the mouth of the
Barren fork about the ! 18th Of September, next
month.
The object of the council and the reason for
excluding the Usage aud Kansas, are unknown;
but the Lieut.. Col. states that there is no doubt
in his mind that the object of the council is to
effect a union of the different tribes preparatory
to striking Simultaneous blow upon the settle
ments Of Arkansas, and Missouri, from Red Riv
er to TO the upper mississippi.
Concurring as do i'm this opinion, and being
convinced that the Cherokees Of Texas and Ar
kansas have been instigated by the agents of
Mexico, who have been endcaVorng for more
than two years past TO organize combination
of Cherokees, with all the nations west OF Ark
ansas and the State of Missouri combination
CAPABLE of bringing into action upon our frontier
oyertweDty thousand mounted Warrors-a force |
that under cnterprSing leaders, would lay waste |
the whole line Of their settlements from the |
month OF the Sabine to the Falls of ST Anthony,
including the richest cotton growing section of
America on Red river with some OF the most
valuable Sugar Districts of Louisiana, indeed
the enemy is suffered to commence the work off
destruction before our measures Of protection are
malured.
With these impressions cannot but antici-
pate authority to concentrate upon the Arkansas
frontier, sufficient force to enable me TO check
the ncipient movements of the Indians.
Five thousand mounted Kentuckinns and
Tennesseans added to our present regular force
among which is LIST Regiment of Dragons,
(he best have ever seen,) would enable me eff.
fectually to thwart the desings Of the enemy-&
give better protecliea-lo the frontier than five
times that force would accomplish, after the
concentration OF the enemy and his successful
commencement in his savage works ofdestruc'
ton.
I have therefore respectfully to request ofyour
Excellency, the PRONUNCIATION of authority for
the formation of volunteer companes-to be
organized and hedready to march by tie first of
September, or soon thereafter as they shall
receive orders-to serve the United States six
months, unless sooner disbanded.-Shoud the
apprehended combination of most Of the differ
ent tribes of Indians invited, take place, shall
need for the defence ofthe western frontier, from
three thousand to five thousand men from your |
State. And shall hold mysefin honor and in
duty bound to make every requisite provision
for their health and comfort preparatory TO meet
ing the enemy-and above all to afford them
every proper opportunity to sustain the chivalry
of their State and take of the sick and
wounded.
am, with very great respect,
Your Excellcncy's most ob't. serv't
EDMUND p. GAINES,
NJ III.