The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-12-11

4 .e9ehoier tuo pursuit OF huImhis, tnhn
with human beings, and in which the triumphs Of
success are mingled with pity, not far removed from
contempt, for an inglorous foe
The last advices from that quarter confirm the ex
peetations Of speedy and successful result TO the
campaign. All that high intelligence, devoted zeal
consummate bravery, and iIrepressibe energy, can
contribute to that result, will continue TO be exerted
Dy the troops and their gallant commander for whom
the difficulties OF contest, without resemblance in
the history OF war, seems to have no tenors.
The suggestions, in the same report, of the com
manding General respecting officers holding appoint
ments at the same time, both in the line and in the
stan with the right Of promotion in each and respect
ing the inequality Of pay between officers Of the
grade, IN the different branches of service, worthy
Of great consideration emanang as they do from long
Experience the result of intelligent and DISTINGUISHED
observation And the recommendation Of the present
eneralinchief concurring with those Of his lament
ed and distinguished predecessor, in relation pen
Sons, will doubtless attract the attention of Congress
TO that subject
/ The very moderate increase Of two regiments to
our Army, recommended in the same report, will un-
questionaby be received with all the confidence due
70 any suggestions from such source. The neces-
siy Tor such an increase the forts posts and
ortihcatlons, on inland and maritime frontiers
Will be apparent consideration of the plans for
the national defence which have been proposed, and
wholly or partially adopted A brief and connected
view OF those plans seems appropriate and necessary
for that purpose and TO full understanding of those
4
to the subject 1t is necessary, also in explanation
OF the estimates submitted for appropriations TO co n
tinue and complete the Of protection and de-
fence In presenting such view, the occasion will
be taken to make such observations may to be
required,
The defences Of the country may be regarded under
three distinct heads First for the protection of the
western frontier against Indian hostles. Second,
precautions against aggressions from the colonial pos
sessions of foreign powers in vicinity the north
And third the defence of our maritime frontier.
Under the first head, the plan communicated to the
Senate the Sd day Of January 1888, in pursuance
OF resolution of that body, and recommended
| by the then head of this Department was ap-
proved in its general outlines by the board Of
Isoficers-who reported on the subject in May,
l64O and appears to be well adapted to the purpose
II contemplated line Of exterior posts advanced in
TO the Indian country beyond the boundary of existing
cessons for the purpose of overawing and REFRESHING
hostllites among the Indians, against set
Elements; and an interior line Of posts, places of
refuge in cases of danger alarm, with depots for
arms and supplies. There seems to have been some
difference of opinion whether the forts to be estab
lished these posts should be constructed of wood
abundantly furnished by the country or of stone
or other equally understandable material. From the
information which has been received, and from the
uniform practice in Indian wars the better opinion
would appear to be, that stockaded forts with log
block houses would afford sufficient protection against
an enemy unprovided with artillery. The rapidty
and economy with which they could be erected, in.
many cases chiefly by the labor of the troops, would
give them decided preference Il is not perceived
why the interior line of posts many Of them as
may be necessary should not also be used depots
Of subsistence and military supplies. Six or eight of
the exterior line, and eight interior forts deemed
sufficient The following the forts established,
which may be considered forming parts of this plan
Of defence. Fort Jesup, 25 miles southwest from
Nachoches, on the road TO Texas; Fort Towson,
the confluence Of the Kiamichi and Red rivers,
IN the Choctaw nation 1926 miles from Fort Jesup,
and about SO miles from the western boundary OF
Arkansas; Fort Smith, situated on the Arkansas riv-
er, partly in Arkansas and partly in the Cherokee
Nation; Fort Gibson, about 60 miles northwest of
Fort Smith, on the Arkansas river, and 2O7 miles
from Fort Towson Fort Wayne the Illinois
river in the Cherokee Nation, not far from the west
ern boundary of Arkansas, 60 miles from Fort Glib
son; Fort Leavenworth on the right bank of the
Missouri river, $50 miles from Fort Smith; Fort
Smelling, at he junction Of the 81. Peters with the
Mississippi river SIP miles from Fort Leavenworh
Fort Crawford, 300 miles below Fort Smelling, on the
Mississippi river about miles from the mouth of the
Wisconsin; Fort Winnebago, al the portage be-
tween the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, about 80
miles from Fort Crawford; Fort Howard, at the |
head of Green Bay | is miles from Fort Winnebago;
Fort Macknac on the island Of MichiIimackinac, at
the outlet of Lake Michigan; Fort Brady, on the ST
MaIys river at the outlet of Lake Superior; and
Fort Graot, the ST. Clair river, at the outlet OF
Lake Huron.
Barracks are in progress at Turkey river in the I
Winnebago country and at Fort Smith and at Fort
Leavenworh extensive barracks have been completed
As the white settlements advance, and the Indians re- |
cede il will be necessary to push these exterior forts
further into the Indian country But is evident that
such line Of posts would not accomplish all the OBJ
iects which should be had in view in relation to that
portion of territory which extends from the
lakes To the Gulf of Mexico. Ii is in immediate
tact with numerous wild and warlike Indians who
are capable of bringing into the field number Of war
riors, estimated at from twenty to thirty thousand
From the intercourse which subsists between them
and the traders, and emissares of foreign nations,
they may be rendered formidable any descnp
ton of force that could be brought against u.s. To
secure proper influence them in peace and 10
counteract and control their dispositions war
territory and to protect traders, it
indispensable that chain of posts should be estab
lished extending from the Council Bluffs TO the
mouth Of the Columbia river SO as TO command the
avenues by which the Indians pass from the north
10 the south and at the same time maintain com
munication with the territories belonging to the
Pacific.
The present state of our relations with these In
dams, and other considerations which will readily
suggest themselves, to demand prompt attention
to these views and the adoption Of the necessary
sures TO execute them,
Second. The defences on the northern frontier
will necessarily be OF different character from those
already considered they must be designed for pro-
lection agant a powerful enemy possessing all the
means of warfare along distance of more than
thousand miles Naval forces on the lakes undoubt
edy afford chief reliance for defence and offence
10 furnish them shelter from tempests, the harbors
must be enlarged and rendered accessible and TO pro-
tect them and their supplies, well the property
and lives OF our citizens from enemy those har-
bors and the important Of the straits and rivers
connecting the lakes, should be fortified The com
prehensve and able views of the board of officers
this subject, in their report of May 1910, already
mentioned, cannot be strengthened by any remarks
from this Department
The omission to make the necessary appropriations, |
has prevented anything than partial execution
Of the defence OF the northern frontier. Fort Niagara
has been reported ready for armament and company
has been ordered garrison it, So much has already
been done Fort Oswego to justify the belefthat,
at the end Of the season, it will be in condition for
effective service Under the appropriations made in