The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1848-12-21

side with caravans in the spring of the year
would be wholly impracticable, as at that sea-
Ison, they are generally full, and the bottoms
being of quick sand, would make them impas-
sible for wagons. On the south side, the
crossing of large streams is entirely avoided,
besides, the distance is shorter and over COM
paratively level ground. The streams on the
south side are all very small. This is the way
travelled by Col. Leavitt and his party and we
are assured by Mr.. Hudson, who was one of
the company that the whole distance presents
Ia beautiful natural way for wagons, without
any impeachment whatever. Besides the Salt
Rock or Plains are situated on the south side
of the river. and at this place, we have no
doubt the Government will establish Militia
~ Post, and an Indian Agency To our mind
the road from Memphis, should be by ;he way
Of Little Rock, and from thence to this place
up the south side of the Arkansas river. We
are assured by persons who are we'll acquaint-
ed with the country between Little Rock and
this town, that a good road can be had, al
most the whole wa without hills, and would
not exceed 40 miles in distance. The Arkan-
sas river is navigable, generally, all the year
to Little Rock, and for great part of the year
TO this place. Above here the navigation is
very uncertain and boats cannot ascend to
Fort Gibson but very seldom. Therefore,
Fort Smith offers the best place for rendezvous,
for companies bound for Santa Fe or Califor-
mia. The evidence of scientific men, is
in favor of the route up the south Of Canadi-
an, and we need only mention the name of
Maj. Bonneville, as one, who favors it
Other names will appear, soon, that will add
weight to it, and of such character as cannot
be doubted:
MAJOR BONNEvILLE'S LETTER.
Carlisle, Pa, Oct. %, 1913.
Ny Dear Sir:-I thank you most kindly for
your paper of the 9th ult. 1t was indeed tru-
ly refreshing to notice the proceedings of the
meeting on the subject TO the route to Santa Fe
through Arkansas. 1t was first rate and most
laudable TO the cluster of worthless, who have
SO warmly and so determinedly stepped for
ward on a subject so interesting to our whole |
State. With all my heart, Iwish you all the |
success in this matter, which the subject so
deserves. This route possesses so
many advantages over any other, that the Gov
cannot turn away from facts so in |
useful 10 them. 1t is shorter, is |
more level, has water and good enca npments
every mile of the way; and now, that 1t. Blu |
lord and his company have passed they have
eft good il,-and he gives this route the |
preference by far 1t is settled al least one
third of the way, and beef and corn can be
purchased that far. 1t can be travelled ear
Ter in the spring and later in the fall, besides
possessing advantages not found elsewhere
he Canadian river affOrding quantities of
sweet cottonwood, rushes and winter grass,
enables parties of considerable size TO travel it
Ill seasons, even when the prairie bottoms are
'urnt, the Canadian bottoms are always safe
You still want one thing, however, to make
his route perfect. 1t is a Post where the
Texan boundary crosses the Canadian River
This point cannot be far from the present set
lements Cor you are aware that they stretch
Tut nearly 200 miles west of Fort Smith, and
would be as it were halfway house, where i
,arties might refresh and rest, if necessary
t would draw around it numerous traders, de-
irous TO participate in the trade OF the prai
les. The settlement, Creeks and Texans, :
would advance under its protection, and it is
he very spot TO control the wild spirits of
he prairies. This port would be suppl ed
With as much ease and security as Fort Washita
as ever been.
The Government, believe, contemplate es- l.
eblishing one or more posts from the States
0 Santa Fe. If you could secure this-for
ur State--you would, indeed, have &C.
emphasized, service worthy of your efforts
Your FRIEND
B. L. E. BONNEVILLE. 5
To JOHN T. WHEELER,
Editor Fort Smith Herald. s