The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-03-19
SUPPLIES FOR THE UTAH EXPEDI
TION.
WASHINGTON, March 5th, 1858.


WASHINGTON, March 5th, 1858.
II is no longer TO be doubted that the situa
ton of the Utah Expedition will become crit
cal by the end of May, unless it be supplied
and reinforced. The arrangements made fol-
sending forward train of two hundred wag.
ons, with stores, to start as early as the l0tt
of this month, will, probably, afford the re.
quisite relief, if the train should arrive by the
end of May, or early in June. But it is doubt
ed by practical men whether the train can be
ready for starting before the lst of April
If it encounters bad weather and Mormon
hostilties, it may be delayed, or entirely cui
off. This train will not be dependent upon
grass for the animals, but will carry suffi-
cient quantity of provender.
Equally necessary for the safety Of the
expedition will be the safe return of Captain
Marcy from New Mexico, with a supply of
mules for the expedition, TO replace those
which have given out or perished The Nor
mons derde the idea of Capt. Marcy's sue
cess. A strong escort will be furnished him
by Gen. Garland.
Independently of the services expected
from these succors, it is absolutely necessary
that Col. Johnston's command should be rein.
forced. The Mormons may determine to
fight. Their policy has been simply to annoy
the expedition, and cut off the sources of
supply, trusting to the rigors of the season
to accomplish its defeat But the season, till
recently, had been unusually favorable; and
the Mormons, having received Gov. Cum
mings proclamation, and knowing that the
command of Col. Johnston will soon be sup
piled with means for moving upon Salt Lake
City, must now make up their minds either to
fight or to submit. If they prefer the former
course, they will use every effort to cut off
the expected succor, and, failing in that, will
make desperate stand in the mountain
passes.
The Executive Government will, il is said,
having these circumstances in view, organize
as soon as possible large force of regular
troops, consisting of the Kansas army and
troops to be withdrawn from the Indian from.
tier and the Notifications, and dispatch the
whole body, amounting perhaps to four thou
sand men, for Salt Lake.
The House of Representatives is engaged
in maturing project for m increase of the
military force, by raising volunteers. The
Military Committee Of the House refused TO
sanction the Administration plan of adding
five regiments to the regular army.
The bill brought forward, and now under
discussion, provides that regiment of mount.
ed volunteers be raised .or the protection of
the Texan frontier, and that tie President be
authorized to accept the services of four regi-
ments of volunteers. General Quitman ex-
planned and advocated this measure, at length,
yesterday, and apparently to the satisfaction
of the House.
If this bill should be accepted by the
House, there can be no doubt that the Senate
will concur in it.
None of these troops, when raised, would
be employed in the service in Utah. II is not
considered by the War Department, or by its
military advisers, that volunteers are suita-
bic force for the service. But :he volunteers
will supply the place of the regulars, where
they are wanted for the protection of the
frontiers.