Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-09-07
QUARTERS, WESTERN DIVISION, ]
81. Louis, August Sth, 1888. (

Sir-l do myself the honor 10 transmit
herewith Tor your Information a copy of a
letter | have Just received from Lieut.. Col.
II. b. Mason, LIST dragons, commanding at
Forl Lesvenworth, reporting to me the as
certained fact, hat the Cherokee Indians of
the Arkansas have invited all the chiefs, to-
gether with the principal braves Of all the
tribes (except Osages and Kansas) residing
near our Western frontier North Of Red
river, to meet them in council in the Chero-
kee country on the Illinois river, a few
miles above the mouth OF The Barron Fork,
about llth September.
The object OF the council. and the reason
for excluding the Osages and 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 diff
fereut tribes preparatory to striking a sim
ultnneous blow upon the settlements OF Ar
kansas and Missouri, from Red river 10 the
upper Mississippi.
Concurring as | do in this opinion, and
being convinced that the C~herokees of Tex
as and Arkansas have been instigated by
the agents Of Mexico, who have been endeav-
oring for two years to organize a combina-
ton Of Cberokees with all the nations west
Of Arkansas and the state OF Missouri
combination capable Of bringing into action
upon our frontier over twenty thousand
mounted WARRIORS force that, under en-.
terprising leaders. would lay waste the
whole line OF their settlements from the
mouth ofthe Sabine to the Falls Of St. An
thony. including the richest cotton growing
section Of America. on Red River. with
some Of the mos, valuable sugar districts Of
Louisiana-if indeed the enemy is suffered
TO the work of destruction before
our measures OF protection are maturrd.
With these impressions | cannot but an
ticipa,e authority to concentrate upon the
Arkansas frontier a sufficient force to enable
r me 10 check the i~ncipient movements Of the
Indians.
E-----L.-.s- .r.
Tennesseeons. added to our present regular
forces-among which is the LIST regiment O.
dragoons-(lhe bes, | have ever semi
would enable me efeciually to thwart ths
designs OF the enemy. and give better protec.
ton TO the frontier than FIVE times that force
would accomplish after the concentration o.
the enemy. and his successful
ment 10 his savage work Of destruction.
have therefore respectfully to request o
your eHeeliency the promulgation Of author
ny for the formation Of volunteer compa.
nies-to be organized and held ready tc
march by the first OF September, or as soon
thereafter rs they shall receive orders-lo
serve the United States six months, unless
sooner discharged. Should the apprehend
ed combination of most ofthe difcren, tribes
of Indians invited, lake place, 1 shall need
ior the defence Of the western frontier, from
three thousand men from your state.
And | shall hold myself in honor and du,
" bound 10 make every requisite provision
Tor their health and comfou, preparatory to
meeting The ~enemy-and. above all, 10 az
ford them every opportunity TO sustain the
chtvalry oil their siate-and 10 Jake care oil
the sick and wounded.
an. with very great respect,
Your Excellency's mos, ob't serv't.
EDMUND u. GAINES.
MAJOR General U. S. Army. Commanding.
NEWTON CANNON. Governor Of Tenn.
Accompanying the foregoing letter is one
tom Gen Gaines. addressed TO the Secrets.
~ War, IL which referring 10 the Indian
movements. he says -
81 deem nto be my duty to say that. if |
am permitted TO obtain ten thousand volun-
ieers from the two grea, military states, Ken.
lucky and Tennessee, | will attend the Indi.
an Council, with that, or with any other
force that | may be permitted to call 10 that
poiEt.
And | will do. what | am in honor and
duty bound 10 do, rs the United States Off.
Ger entrusted with the command ofthe Yves
tern Division namely, afford protection to
The frontier inhabiian,s-that protection. the
work preparatory to which shall commence
before the work Of destruction is begun. |
VIII be ready 10 "repel Invasion"
Governor Cannon's letter in reply to Gen.
eral Gaines says -
That any force of mounted volunteers
that you may be authorized to call for. from
the state OF Tennessee, will be furnished in
the most prompt manner, at such point as
you may designate. Some companies are
now in readiness, waiting an opportunity TO
engage IN the service, and the mere promul.
CATION Of your letter with its accountant.
menis. will rekindle the long cherished de.
sire OF Tennesseeans to signalize themselves
IN our eounlry's defence, under your COM
mand.
The only difficulty ] apprehend, will be
IN restraining their ardor to the requisite
number that may be called for, as was the
case on a former occasion. when you sound
ed the war bugle. more than two years ago,
on the western border Of our union.
Only make the call for any number that
may be authorized, and our Young citizen
soldiers will rush forthwith TO The standard of
our country