Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-05-16

western frontier, when coullnenu 10 your attention. /
 If I may venture to suggest any definite mode of operations for the defence of Ar kansas, it is that from the volunteer forces now organized in different portions of the l State-commissioned uniform od, and in many instances equipped and well drilled in company discipline-there be called into immediate service, and rendezvous at the Arsenal at this place; a number sufficient to form five regiments, having proper re- gard to the necessary proportions ofcayalry, artillery and infantry. This force to be organized under existing laws into battal- lions and regiments; and after complete or qanization and discipline to be equipped and marched to the point where danger seems most to threaten. And so again, if circumstances require 1t, others be called to undergo the same training and prepara- ton to make them effective soldiers Without training and preparation of this kind at some point previous to entering the field the most disastrous consequences must be entailed upon our troops if an engage ment ensues The Arsenal grounds afford i rack ks, comfortable roomy, with equipments and subsistence at the place to supply them.
 The militia forces in many counties being very well drilled and commanded; m others, very poorly-to be held Tn reserve for emergencies. Our people are full oi patriotism and chivalry, and if the needful care be taken to prepare them for the con Aict, will give vouch- safe good account of themselves Thousands of fgallant spirits among us are clamorous for service, that thus far have not been accepted.
 In anticipation of the fact, however, that Arkansas must as the best and only hope of permanent protection, unite her fortunes with other seeded States ere long. And thus be relieved in great measure of the expense incident to war with the federal powers. I look confidently to the resources of the State in men and money, as sufficient to defend her soil from successful invasion. Blessed by providence with genial soil and climate, and the promise ot an abnn- dant harvest, she can and will succeed in her struggle for independence
 " And though few are their lights in the gloom of
 the hour,
 Yet the hearts that are striking below,
 Have God for their bulwark and truth for their
 power;
 And they stop not to number the foe"
 Isubmit also foryour information reports prepared by the Commissary General, NJ. L. Bell, marked ''B and C." showing in de- tail the amount of public property belong ing to the State pertaining to'the war de partment, designating that at Fort Smith, the Arsenal, and IIopefeld, which has been captured fromthe United States, giving an approximate estimate of its value.
 As legitimate and proper under existing circumstances, recommend that an agent be dispatched to each and every United States land officc, with instructions to seize all moneys that may be on hand and that the same be appropriated to public use And further, that the swamp land, internal imrr0vemAt, scninny a1h ai-'otihff'' -'otttihf'' sr'ae 4 cific funds be retained in the treasury for defensive purposes.
 That the collection of debts by execution, foreign and domestic, be suspended until peace shall have been restored or until such time in future as the ability of the people will warrant their collection.
 | present herewith also statementsD, E and F, prepared by the Auditor. The first shows the amount disbursed and for what purpose out of the contingent fund. "E' shows the balance uncxpended of appro- priaton made for arming the State. "F'' shows the amount of specie in the State treasury on the ith May, and the aggregate of internal improvement, saline and swamp land fund now on hand exclusive of $l22, GOO vet to be paid in by the sheliifs ot the State revenue. It is proper to remark that there are subsiSting contracts made by ny predecessor for levy and ditch work still unfinished, situated mostly in the Jackson port swamp land district which will, of ne- ccssitv, have to be provided for in land or money of said district, there being no cash on hand pertaining thereto, at this time. A small amount ought to be retain ed of this fund for the payment of contln- gent expenses accruing heretofore, and others nnimportant in amount that will obviously occur hereafter.
 Our present and future relations with the two sections of the original Union having been determined upon, 1t will become at once important that we should pay due re- gard to our red ncighbors of the west. By securing their sympathy and co-opera- tion, we will acquire valuable allies and be able to reciprocate favors by affording them protection against the abolition crusade, that is held in store for them by the north ern government The country occupied by the Indians immediately west of Arkansas is regarded with intense solicitule by the the government at Washington and that of inc Confederate States. Fertile, salubrious and most inviting in character and topog- raphy-in it's geographical position indis- pensably requisite to the southern govern mcnt-it ought not and cannot be aban- doned to the North if 1t is in the power of the South to retain it. And 1 regard it new as being in the most precarious condi- ton demanding from Arkansas, as matter of fsecurity to herself, immediate and prompt action
 earnestly recommend, therefore the ap- pointmcnt of commissioners familiar with Indian character, and such as will com. mand the respect and confidence of that peOple, deleSaleu "i'i au'iioity 'o oh.ei into preliminary arrangements preparatory to definite treaty stipulations hereafter to be ratified and solemnized with the Con- federate States. regard this as of press ing importance because of the utter incapa- city on the part of the Indians to resist alone the occupation of their country by federal troops or federal agents.
 As the only means of attaining definite information as to the feelings and purposes of these people touching the southern move ment, sent in January last, Maj. J. J.. Gaines to confer in person with the chief men of the Cherokees, Creeks and Choc taws. The result of which was, that the two latter nations were found to be the fast and enduring friends of the South; though by no means, in the unsettled condition of