The Van Buren press., 1861-05-29
Regarding it as almost proyidential tha,

inhibition is enforced against even the trans
portation South of the necesssries of life, |
that these cargoes should be lodged amongst |
our people-who are as justly entitled to
them as those inhabiting any other portion
OF the original Union. But ministerial as
the legal right, the act conceive to be per-
!ecfiy Justifiable upon the score of self-ds-
fence and sclf-preservation. natures first,
noblest and universal law.
On the 23d ult., intelligence was received
from the authorities and the people of East
Arkansas and West Tennessee, that q large
force of Mr.. Lincoln's troops were assemb-
| ling rapidly at Cairo. having heavy ordin-
ance. horses and adjuncts necessary for ag-
gressivs warfare. Universal alasm and un-
easiness prevailed npon the eastern bord.r.
evincin8 well-grounded Apptshspsios tl.st
. descent from Cairo was contemplated
down the Mississippi. for the avowed pur-
pose Of laying waste to all which might,
pcrchance be in the way. Believing that
even short delay might invite an attack up
on our citizens. and knowing their utter
destitution of the means of defence, if in
vaded. dispatched message to Gov. Har-
ris, enquiring whether he by authority,
would cooperate with Arkansas in the de-
fence of the Mississippi. His assent to the
proposition was prompt and fully to the
point. Gen. Yell was called Immediately
into service. and orders issued by me to rem
devious such force as in his opinion be-
came necessary. opposite or near the city
of Memphis. and to act in conjunction, as
far as possible, with that city and the peo-
pie of Tennessee. in the common defence Of
that portion of the country confning his
operations, however, to our own limits, and
not for aggression, but for defensive purpo-
ses.
From his verbal report learn that he
has five hundred men uudcr arms at Mound
City, under strict discipline. armed and
equipped for the most efficient service
This much. in a military point of view. l
deemed my duty to do; the constitution
and laws passed in conformity thereto au-
thorizing and directing me to - protect the
State against invasion in such manner as
the exigency may require, and to employ
the army thereof for that purpose.
The timely convocation of your honora-
bic body, possessing plenary powers. under
the scope Of its delegated authority, repre-
senting the entire people of the State,
evades the necessity of assuming further re-
sponsibilities on my part touching these
important movements. until the status OF
government shall be authoritatively fixed,
and policy indicated for the future guild
ance OF those who may be charged in future
with the maintenance and defence of the
State. If left to me it must not be antici-
pate else, than that the last sinew in the last
arm of the last man in Arkansas. myself
with fhs rest shall be brought 10 requisi.
tlon rather than flag Of conquest and dis
honor shall be unfurle1 over our people,
For to us, it is war Of successful defence
or extermination-one of liberty or death
between which | cannot doubt that Arkan.
slams will hesitate to choose.
War. though no luxury. is, nevertheless,
an expensive indulgence, and requires mo
ney to conduct it successfully or at all.
Arkansas, regard as being in the most
exposed condition Of any State in the I'm.
ion. Her contiguity to the Indian terrific.
ries west, which countries are regarded by
the opposing governments respectively, a.
important-nay, indispensable adjuncts
will make her western borders almost the
exclusive theatre Of war west of the Mis-
sissippi. The germ OF present difficulties
was found in Kansas, and their solution
will be had in great battle to be fought o,
the same soil. predict.
1
. shores of the Mississippi. The topogra
t ply of the country, there. is inauspiciou'
| for defence, insalubrious for troops, aae
f presenting formidable obstacles for thei
. transportation or necessary local move
y ments or evolutions.
s With the cooperation Of Tennessee
however, our security is much increased
and successful defence made practicable.
: Amongst others to the State, there is
\ serious difficulty in the lack of arms. Th
t supply consists in 10000 stand Of infantr,
: cavalry service for one regiment, with thirty
pieces of artillery. all told-the latter gen
s orally of small calibre, and many pieces
unfit for service.
8 A moiety of these given to the eastern
| and western borders. would afford each sec
: tion or locality, arms for 5000 men. Thi
! force. though formidable under ordinar,
e circumstances, might, nevertheless. be con
{ frontet by an army of six times their uum
s Der, making an unequal contest or precipi
2 tate retreat inevitable.
e would suggest, therefore, that renewe'
: efforts be made for the acquisition of addi
( tional guns, to the extent, at least, of tn
, unexpended balance appropriated by tn
9 legislature for arming the State, amountin,
8 as will be seen. by the accompanying repor
q of the auditor marked E." aud herewith
|. submitted. s63. .O45 ID. subject, of cours
!. to the fulfllment within the time limited t,
: contracts already existing. and entered int
: by said commissioners. A com pliance will
8 which, however, need now be scarcely an
). ticipated.
!. In connection with this communication
. present the report of Adj. Gen. Burgevin
n marked GA" reciting as FAR as practica
# BILE the existing organization of the militia o
. the State, and Offering some suggestion
9 pertinent to the defence of the western
frontier, which l commend to your attention
If may venture to suggest any definit
: mode of operations for the defence of Ar
: kansas, i. is that from the volunteer forces
i now organized in different portions of tn
8 |State-commissioned, uniformed. and, il
many instances. equipped and well drilled il
0 company discipline-there be called int
! immediate service, and rendezvous At tn
s Arsenal at this place. number sufficient t
form five regiments. having proper regsr
n to the necessary proportions Of cavalry, a
q tillery and infantry. This force to be OF
!. panized, under existing laws. into battsl
# lions and regiments and after complete OF
4