The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-19
CITY OF WASHINGTON.


Oar 1Ualan AMatfs
The vast extension of our territorial limits by The
nexaton OF Texas and the acquisitions from Mexico has
brought us into contact and collision with some OF the
most warke and formidable tribes OF Indians that in
habit the continent This will become at once obvious
upon turning glance al the remote and inaccessible re-
gons in which they dwell and the peculiar habits and
means Of annoyance which they possess They are at
the present time assaling menacing the exposed from
tiers Of California, New Mexico, Texas, and OF the
northern States OF Mexico itself, to the protection OF
which we are bound by treaty obligations. Thus far the
policy OF this government has been strictly defensive
onewaitng in all instances for the Indians to begin the
assault This policy. Of course, gives the savages the
choice OF time, place, and mode OF attack and we
cordngy find that they strike blows at deienceless set
Elements and feeble parties OF emgrans almost always
successfully. and almost always with impnny. Muir
ders are perpeated, property is stolen Or destroyed
women and children dragged into captivity. and be-
fore parties OF soldiers armed citizens 10 the
rescue Of the Victims take vengeance on the savases,
they are safely ensconced in their distant Businesses
Every repetition Of these outrages will inspire them with
greater audacily This government seems TO look on
these bloody horrors if it was srelbound, and knew
no, how to act in the emergency Whatever smay see
~
will hold it accountable for the wrongs that are inflicted
and the blood that is she'd The few soldiers and slender
employed for the defence of the frontiers es
pecalIy in Texas. the reach Of aid, merely
deeoy into danger TO the hapless inhabitants They
seem 10 be guard, and yet they totally useless.
They not OF the right description Of troops,
they directed with judgment and skill. They appear 10
wait with commendabe patience in camps at San Antonio,
Austh the Lano, and Brownsville to be attacked by
the Cumanches Those Indians have other engagements
The true method Of waging war with these mounted
Indians Is as plain as that two and two make four II u.s.
moi 10 wait for them to strike and fly, but to follow them
into their mountain haunts seize their horses and prop
ey break up their camps and deposes of stolen goods,
and scatter their warriors to the winds. Those who are
familiar with their habits and pursuits easily direct
the course TO be adopted The season is now at
hand when this policy should be enforced. During the
months OF June July, and August the wet or rainy
prevails in those regions usually occupied by these
Indians and they avail themselves Of the fine pasturage
produced by the rains to recruit their horses collect
their property, women, and children, and make prepare
ons for renewed incursions the frontier settlements
They are fond OF their families and after getting them
together fine, secluded valley, Astounding with
grass wood, water, and game, they pass their time in
assemblages with real savage comfort and
dependence This is the "day and the hour to assail
them. Two three we-mounted regiments could easily
hunt them out, surround, and capture destroy them.
This would annhilate them, subdue their
daring spirit. Theywould then and feel power
and finding their mountain homes, always deemed i'm
pregnabe, exposed TO arms, they would yield be
at mercy This is the course the government should
at adopt and it is the only that be ef-
fecual Imbody few battalions OF Texas and Arkan-
rangefs for this service push with vgor and skill
and we believe that we would soon see these Indian
depreda,ions checked for all time come We are in
debted TO very intelligent gentleman, who has resided
for many years in that section OF country. for these sug
gestons. and they papaby reasonable and pract
cable that have deemed duty to lay them be-
fore The public We hope the vacnating. temporizing
policy that has hitherto prevailed will be abandoned for
this, other not unworthy of our national
character.