Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-08-01
NEWS FROM THE WEST.

NEWS FkUM THE WEST.
The ST. Louis Republican of the oath instant
gives the subjoined epitome of news brought to that
place by steamer which left Weston, up the Mis-
sour river, on the 10th:
During her stay at Fort Leayenworth the officers learn
ed that express had arrived that day from Gen. KKAR-
sErs army, but without bringing any news Of special inter-
est The progress of the expedition was considerably re-
taded by the bad condition Of the horses many Of which had
given out The Rangers travelling at the rate of twenty
five to thirty miles per day.
We notice that the correspondent Of the Reveile esti
mates the number of then under the command Of Gen.
KEARsEr at 1857. Two companies of Dragons under
Captains SUMNER and Cook followed very shortly after his
departure from Fort Leavenwoh increasing his force two
hundred This number will be further increased by the
addition of the Mormon infantry three four hundred
of whom to leave the Mormon camp under Capt Al
LEN, U. s. Army, to attach themselves Gen. Kearneys
command. Il is understood that Gen. KEARsRr will
halt Bens Fort for the purpose of recruiting his men,
and to await the arrival Of Col PRIcEs regiment
1000 strong When united, his whole force will be about
5000 men-a force sufficient under ordinary circumstances
to resist any army which be sent him. and quite
equal to the conquest of New Mexico no enocemensae
sent into that department from other districts"
The Nauvoo Eagle of the 18th instant contains
the following official papers in relation to the en-
listment of from three to FIVE hundred Mormons, to
act in the expedition under the command Of Gen.
KEARNEr. We learn from the source that Gen. Kear-
ney, in consideration of the Mormon Council having placed
five hundred at the disposal of the Government has
pledged himself that protection shall be given the emgrat
ing Mormons and that they shall have the of any the
Indian lands they may think proper select until they
ready to the Mountains The Mormons have in ac-
cordance with this arrangement, selected Grand Island on
far harfa IA,
tract and has salt spring upon it. There they will winter
and collect the entire Mormon population of the West pre-
paraory to their march to California spring They pro-
pose to push forward for this point rapidly possible
and after reaching it, to send back from five hundred one
thousand wagons for the purpose of helping along those
who may yet be in Illinois, Iowa. and Missouri This
be done with all possible expedition Grand Island is stated
to be between and two hundred miles Of Council
Bluffs At the last dates the requstion Of Gen KEAnNEr
rapidly filling up and the 18th the United States Off
gave the Mormons splendid ete ball. which is said
to have been fine affair will be observed that General
Keaney distinctly points TO California his place Of desti-
nation and that he spuates for the discharge of the Mormons
from service in that country
HKADaUARrERs ARMY THE WEST,
Fort LeaueaDorfh, June 10, 1896
Sin understood that there large body of Mormons
who DESTROYS Of emgang California for the purpose
of settling in that country and have therefore direct that
you VIII proceed 10 their camp and endeavor To from
amongst them four five companies Of volunteers join
in my expedition to that country each company consist of
any number between 70 and 100. The officers Of the
panes will be captain first lieutenant and second lieutenant
who will be elected by the pvate and subject your APP
prevail and the captains then to appoint their
ed officers also subject to your approval The companies
upon being thus organized will be mustered by you the
service of the United States and from that day will commence
to receive the pay, raons and other allowances given to
other infantry volunteers each according to his rank You
will upon mastering into the service the fourth company be
considered having the rank pay, and emoluments of
Lieutenant colonel of infantry, and authorized appoint
adjuan sergeant major and quaemaster sergeant
the battalion
The companies after being organized will be marched to
this post where they will be armed and prepared for the field
after which they will under your command follow on nv trail
In the direction OF Santa Fe and where you will receive
ther orders from me.
You will upon organizing the companies require provisions
wagons horses, mules &C. You purchase every thing
which necessary and give the necessary drafts upon the
suarermasier and Commssary departments at this post,
which drafts will be paid upon presentation.
You will have the Momons distinctly understand that
wish to take them volunteers twelve months that they
will be marched to California receiving pay and allowances
during the above me and at its expiration they will be dis
charged and allowed to retain their private property the
guns and accouements be furnished them at this post
Each company will be allowed four women as aundresses
who will travel with the company receiving raons and other
allowances given to the laundresses of our army.
With the foregoing conditions which hereby pledged Ia
the Mormons and which will be faithfully kept by us and
other officers in behalf of the Government the United States
cannot doubt but that you will in few. da be able to
raise five hundred young and efficient for this expedition
Very respectfully, your obedeni servant,
s. w. KEARNEY, Col. of LIST Dragons
Capt. JAMES ALLEY, LIST Regt Dragons,
Fort Leavenworh.