The Arkansas banner., 1843-12-02


 WHITE RIVER MAIL RoUTE.-The sub- joined petition (memorial it should be called), was handed to us, about two weeks ago, al Napoleon, for the purpose of insertion ln our columns. We cheerfully lay it before our readers; and, at the same time, express our concurrence in the main object sought to be attained by it: the extension of the line, so as to embrace Napoleon, as we'll as Mont gomery's Point. Indeed, when the paper was presented to us, we read it hastily, and signed 1t. Subsequent examination of all its features, and inquiry as to some of its state ments, make it proper for us to add few words of explanation.
 Since arriving here, we ascertain, what we did not know before, that the petition errs (unintentionally we are sure) in the state ment that 0the river mail does not arrive but twice weeko at Montgomery's Point. This is certainly an error; for the mail, from that point arrives here three times peek, and alWays brings an Eastern mall.
 The conclusion of the petition is not clear to our understanding: that .'it would obvi- ate the necessity of carrying the mail from Napoleon to Montgomery's Point, on its route to the Post of Arkansas, which could then go direct to the Post of Arkansas'' With these exceptions, the petition meets our cordial appreciation, and we hope it will be complied with. The present tri- weekly mail, from the Mississippi to this city, ought not to be changed; but that it should be extended to Napoleon, we think is demanded by strong considerations of inter est, and convenience, to the public. That the convenience, comfort and interest of tra- vellers would be greatly promoted by the change, we have the best reasons for know ing, from observation, and from both remote and recent personal experience.
 The additional cost to the contractors would not be considerable, and would, we think probable, be almost, if not fully, cover ed by the increased number of passengers thus brought upon the route.
 TO THE HON. c. A. wICKLIFFE,
 Post Muster General of the United States;
 ssY our petitioners. citizens of the States of Arkansas and Mississippi, respectfully repre- sent, that in their opinion the public conve- nience and the interest of the Post Office Department, would be greatly enhanced by extending the Stage and Steamboat route from Little Rock, via Rock Roe, to Montgomery's Point, on the Mississippi river, to the town of Napoleon, at the mouth of the Arkansas river, at its junction with the Mississippi- The town of Napoleon, as may be seen by reference to maps, is 20 miles below Mont gomery's Point, and has more extensive population and commercial intercourse with the interior, than any other point in the State on the Mississippi river.
 Napoleon IS the place of debarkation and reshipment of Government stores and muni- tions of war for the frontier and Indian coun- try. It has also been selected, and ground purchased by the agents of the General Co., vemment, as suitable site for the erection of Marine Hospital. Napoleon is also the county seat of the county of Desha; and the extension of the route would be great ac- commodation to the inhabitants of the coun- ty, passing to and from the various courts held at this place.
 The mail is now carried to and from Mont gomery's Point, three times a week but in- asmuch as the river mail does not arrive but twice week, we would respectfully suggest the propriety of altering the route from three times to twice week, and extending it to Napoleon, via Montgomery's Point, which, as we understand, the contractors are per feety willing to do for the same price they now receive; and it would also obviate the necessity of carrying the mail from here to Montgomery's Point on its route to the Post of Arkansas, which could then go direct to the Post of Arkansas
 Napoleon, .ark's, Nor. 8, 1S43.