Washington telegraph., 1849-02-28
CIRCULAR.
Fort SMITH, Jan. 25, 104


In presenting a CIRCULAR to the pub
lie, in reference to the Company now
forming at Fort Smith for California, it
appears necessary that all Of the enqulrles,
or most of them, propounded by those
who are desirons of attaching themselves
to the Company, with view OF seeking
home in the beautiful, delightful and
rich region of California, should be an
swered as fully as possible. AS very
large number of letters have been recelv-
ed from various portions of the United
States, by the Agents Of the Company, it
would occupy their whole time to an
swer separately, these numerous letters,
they have, therefore, for the purpose of
satisfying every one, and giving all the
information in their power, concluded to
publish such questions and the answers to
1. THE Route.-What route does the
Fort Smith Company intend to travel
Ansacer-The route up the North
Fork of the Canadian river, as laid down
by Mr.. Joshua Gregg, in his "Conanaerce
of tie PralraeS,' and lately travelled by
by detachment of the United States
Dragons, under the command of Lieut.
Buford, to Santa Fe, leaving Santa Fe,
however, to the north, some distance, and
going near Albuquerque, Immediately to
Ell Passo, and perhaps take the route trav-
eled by Major Cook, U. S. A., in the year
1916 This road he describes in letter
to Col. Albert, as being comparatively
level, and the water and range good, with
only single exception of Is miles. The
whole distance from Memphis to the Pa
cifc, is estimated, by Lieut. Maary, of
the u. S. Navy, to be 1900 miles; and
Fort Smith being soc miles nearer, the
distance will be, according to his estimate,
only 1900 miles, but as straight road
has not vet been laid out we cannot give
any correct estimate Of the distance from
this point to the Pacific. However, we
feel certain the distance is much nearer
than was first anticipated. Wagons can
travel on this route with ease and safety,
the plains being so large, the ground over
which the Company will have to pass,
can be selected and bad places thereby
avoided. Two hundred miles of this
route is a plain wagon road, and for that
distance, provisions and forage can be
purchased at very reasonable prices. 1t
is supposed that the company will arrive
at the point of destinat ton. in so or 100
days from the time of starting. We would
here remark, that an excellent guide, one
well acquainted with the country, and
can speak the Camanche, and other Indi-
an languages, will accompany the expe-
dition.
2. What kind of wagon is preferable
Aas.-The lightest that can be con-
structed, that will be strong and durable.
Great care should be taken in the selec-
ton of good wagons, and teams, as on
those depend the speed, and success of the
company. Wagons may be made for
two, four, or six horses, or oxen; the
largest not to carry over $500 pounds, and
the smaller in proportion, and may be
drawn by horses, mules, or oxen. A
number persons going with the com
pany, intend taking oxen, as they are
supposed to be easier taken care of, than
either horses or mules. Each wagon
should carry one Or two good axes, one
shovel or mattock, one saw, 2 Or 3 chiseis
and apgurs, drawing knife, and TO every
family or mess, q good substantial tent
with all the fixtures.
3. What provisions are necessary?
Aus-Each person should take 100
lbs. bacon, $50 lbs. flour, 20 lbs. Coffee
80 lbs. sugar, and lard, salt, pepper, and
other smaller articles of food as may be
A.,
articles must be taken?
f. What arms and ammunition is ne
cessary
Aas.-Every man should be provided
with a good rifle, Or shot gun, a brace of
pistols, and good knife to be carried in
the belt, about 5 lbs. of powder, and 10
lbs. of lead.
5. Will merchants be permitted to take
goods?
Ans.-Yes.. But those taking goods
must not overload their wagons, and must
comply with the acquisitions in reference
to the amount to be carried by each
wagon.
6. Can stock1of any kind be taken?
Ans.-Such stock may be taken as can
travel without impeding the progress of
the company, and as much as each per-
son taking stock, can attend to.
7. Will it be safe TO take negroes?
Ams.-This question must be answer
ed by persons who are desirous of taking
negroes, as they can Judge as well as the
Agents. the conrse Congress will most
probably pursue in reference to slavery
in the new territories, but there will be
no objection by the company to their be-
ing taken by their owners.
Horses, mules, and oxen can be obtain
ed here, perhaps as many as will supply
the demand. Those persons who would