, 1855-09-28
Belliugllanl Bay.

We take the liberty of making few ex-
tracts from private letter recently receiv-
ed from our friend, Ed. c. FITzHUGH, Esq,
of ,Whatcom, Bellngham Bay, which we
herewith subjoin. We regret that we are
unable, satisfactorily, to reply to Mr.. F.'s
enquiry respecting the military post which
has been promised for the protection of the
citizens Of Whatcom county, and the sparse
ly settled country in that direction. That
a well garrisoned command is indispensibly
necessary for the protection Of Bcllngham
Bay and the settlements adjacent, any per-
son at all acquainted with the geography
Of the country in that direction will readily
admit. The Bay is completely exposed,
unarmed and ungaurded TO the approach
Of incursions of hostile Indian tribes of the
north, who might at any tine, in their large
war canoes make descent upon the defence
less inhabitants along the Soahd and Straits,
and annihiIate all the settlers along the
shores, before a report, even, Of the devas-
tation could reach the military station at
Fl. Steilacoom. In these times Of Indian
troubles and outrages, it is peculiarly
important that all exposed portions Of our
territory should be strongly guarded, and
we know of no point requiring it more alb
solutely than that in the neighborhood Of
Bellingham Bay. Mr.. FTzHUGH inquiries
"Can you give mo any infUrmatinn about the mill.
itary post that 20 be established We are very much
exposed, there being only some eight men on
this Bay. Two Of those northern Canoes loaded with
armed Indians, could easily exterminate every man,
woman and child In this part Of the country and make
their escape without any person in your part Of the
country being informed thereof II Is really time that
this state OF things should cease-and protection to
this sparsely settled country-this fronter-looking
upon the hostile tribes OF BrtishRussa America be
afforded. The soldiers might as well remain In soth-
ful and inactivity In the States for any good or
service they afford this part Of the territory Can you
not dawa proper attention to this subject Z"
Wcarc delighted at the prospect of which
Mr., Fitzhugh gives ntimation, Of more
vigorous prosecution Of labor in the coal
fields at Bellingham Bay, in which Mr. +.
is interested. The development of any re-
source calculated to bring money into this
territory, is a matter in which all our citi-
zens have an interest and solicitude. In
speaking in connection with the coal mines,
Mr., Fitzhugh says;
The company, of which am member short
time since, sent up from California, Mr.. Henry TooMY
70 prospect and obtain all the details In regard 10 the
mines, with an object TO more vigorous prosecution
Of work on claim, you may expect 70 learn, ere
long, that getting out from 100 TO 200 tons of
coal per day. Mr.. 7. intends urging very heavy as
sessment Of the company, and consequently a more
vigorous prosecution Of our work may be expected.
have now the only long wharf in the territory It being
800 feet in length, and its extension continued daily
As soon as get my steam engine and pile driver
(which will be shory) shall build 1t out 10 20 feet
water 50 that the largest vessels lie alongside and
load.n Ni ilf
We hope the coal mines Of Bellingham
Bay. will prove as lucrative as gold mines,
to Mr.. Fitzhugh, and to the company to
which he is attached.