Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-02-26
DEFENCE OF THE WESTERN
FRONTIER.
To The Editors of the Boons Lick Times:

10 Inc Editors Of The Boons Lick Times:
AS it can scarcely be unintercsting, or
otherwise than gratifying, to any portion
of your readers, to be placed in possession
of the measures projected by the present
administration, in reference to our long
neglected WeStern frontier, hope il may
not be deemed obtrusvc in a subscriber
to solicit the publication of so much of the
report from the Engineer Department, as
relates to a proposition thus vitality i'm
portant--arising above all party consider
atoms, and commencing itself to men of
all crceds. This, it will be perceived, is
exclusive of and in addition to, the chain
of mountain posts from Fort Leavenworth
to the Cosumbia--a proposition which, ii
is understood, will be speedily reported
upon Gavorably) by the Military Com
mittee of the House of Representatives.
May it not be hoped that Congress, too,
will find leisure and repose enough, shortly,
to act definitely, promptly and properly
upon each of these grave and interesting
subjects!
EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT:
WESTERN FRONTIER, FROM THE SA.
BlNE BAY TO LAKE SUPERIOR.
The principles which should govern in fortify.
ing the seaboard, are not considered applicable
TO our inland frontiers which will very rarely
be found 10 call for regular fortifoations Hence,
in relation to thai portion Of the frontier now
der consideration, nothing more will be done
than to indicate the military positions or stations
which il is believed should be occupied by troops,
in order to accomplish the object in view, ard in
presenting estimates Of the probable cot of con-
sructng the necessary barracks, quarters, and
storehouses, combined with srch works OF defence
as circumstances may appear to require, to en-
sure their protection against the attacks TO which
they may be exposed.
The want Of personal knowledge Of our ex.
tensive western frontier, and the very limited sur.
veys which have been made in that quarter, have
rendered somewhat embarrassing the selection OF
positions; but it is intended merely to designate
places in geographical sense, leaving the par.
ocular sites on which the works should be erect.
ed, TO be determined hereafter by minute exami.
nations oil the country at and around those posi-
lions, which become the more important mas.
much as the original locations Of some of the pa.
ces that will be recommended 10 be retained, have
beenSconsidered faulty.
The southern section Of this frontier, extend.
ing from the Sabine bay TO the Red river, borders
all the way on Texas and has, it is believed, lit.
tie Or nothing 10 apprehend from Indian aggres.
sions. The Camanches, the only tribe Of any
power in that quarter, are represented gradual
ly recedng to The westward and the progress Of
the Texan settlements will tend to push them
further from our border. But our relations with
the Texan Republic, however amicable they
may be at present, would seem to require that
some military force should be stationed on or near
the boundary line; and it is, therefore, recommen-
ded to establish two small posts on the Sabine
liver, and to suppress Fort Jesup, which is con-
sdered too far within the frontier, or to retain it
merely as healthy cantonment.
As these would be posts of observation, having
reference TO national police more than to military
defence they ought to be established on the river,
where the principal roads cross it, by which we
should be enabled 10 supervise the chief inter
course with cur ncighbors by land, and, at the
same time, control the navigation Of the Sabine.
The points where the Opeousas and Natchito.
ches roads, leading to Texas strike the river, are,
therefore, recommended as the positions which
should be occupied, and at which barracks for
two or three companies defended by light.works,
should be constructed.
The middle section, which extends from the
Red river 10 the Missouri is Oy lar the most I'M
portant portion OF the whole Of our western from.
tier. Ii along this line that the numerous tribes
OF Indians who have emigrated from the east have
been loca ted thus adding to the indigenous force
already in that region an immense mass Of emf
grants, some OF whom have been sent thither by
coercion, with smothered feelings Of hostility
ranking in their bosoms, which probably wait
but for an occasion to burst forth in all its savage
fury These considerations alone would seem to
call for strong precautionary measures; oG. an
additional motive will be found in our peculiar
relations with those Indians.
We are bound by solemn treaty stipulations 10
intepose force, if necessary, to prevent domestic
strife among them, preserve peace between the
several tribes, and to protect them against any
disturbances at their new homes by the wild Ia.
dians who nhabit the country beyond The
Government has thus contracted the two.fold OBJ
legation OF intervention among, and protection Of
the emigrant tribes in addition TO the duty which
it owes 10 its own citizens, Of providing for the
safety.
This obligation, it is believed, can only be prop
erly fulGit,sed by maintaining advanced positions
in the Indian cpgnhy, with an adequate restrain
ing military force; AID that the duty Of protecting
our own citizens will be lest discharged by esab
fishing an interior line of posi- along the western
borders Of the States OF Arkansas and Missouri
as auxliaries TO the advanced posit,1ns' and tt
restrain the intercourse between the w,.'es an
the Indians, and serve as rallying points lGr tn
neighboring militia in times Of alarm.
With these views, it is recommended 10 main