The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-09-19

Major Cullen on Our Frontier Defences
To the Editors of the Pioneer and Democrat.
am not much given to letter-writing
and should not now trespass upon your at
tention or that of the public, were it not
for the peculiar and unfortunate condition
Of our people A fortnight on the frontier,
amid the scenes of the late horrible massa-
ores, has, of necessity turned my attention
to the subject OF our frontier defences and
it will not be impertinent, perhaps, if l give
you the result of my observations.
The first object to be attained, is the
security of our frontier-not for the time
being, but absolute and permanent. To
this end l beg to suggest:
The establishment of chain of military
posts, extending from the Iowa line to our
most Northwesterly exposed frontier the
posts to be entrenched camps, say forty to
fifty miles apart each to be garrisoned by
three companies of infantry each to be
furnished with two mountain howitzers, on
prairie carriages, and, attached to each, for
the parpose of securing daily communica-
ton, squad of partizan horse. This plan
would require the immediate construction
of huts for winter quarters; the accumula-
ton, at once, of forage and subsistence, to
be take n from deserted claims, and paid for
by the &c neral Government. This plan in
operation, no body of Indians can penetrate
our State. Perfect security can thus be
attained, under which, alone, can the irons
tier be permanently repeopled. In addition
to the garrisons for these posts, would be
required regiment of disciplined cavalry,
With two light batteries attached, each
composed say, of four mountain howitzers
and two light riaed pieces, and all on
prairie carriages, to be used for vig-
erous campaigning. For such a flying
force, this chain of posts would answer as
depots for supplies-at which it could al
ways draw forage and subsistence, and from
any of which forays might be made into the
enemys country. The location of these
posts would, of course, need to be made by
competent officers.
In addition to the above, the State ought
to obtain and send into every settlement
arms and ammunition, and officers to in
struct settlers how to defend themselves, so
that every man may be picket, operating
on his own farm, and making, in the mass,
a body of most valuable partizan troops
Thus much, for the military defence of
the frontier.
The frontier protected, and thus rendered
again inhabitable, immediate steps ought to
be taken to enable the settlers who have
been driven off, to return to their homes in
a condition to ENJOY them. To this end,
liberal appropriations should at once be
made, by the Legislature now in session, to
compensate the settlers for the destruction
of their property, and to enable those whose
houses have been destroyed, to rebuild them.
The burthep ct such an expense would not
fall upon the State, ultimately; as the Sioux
annuity fund must be ample to cover every
cost of this kind.
respectfully refer these suggestions to
the consideration of the public, and e:pe-
cially to the Legislature now in session.
Before closing, wish to say word in
reference to the progress Of the Indian cam
paign, thus far. l have been with Colonel
SIBLEY's command since it arrived in the
Indian country, and I should not DO my
duty, if failed to say, that, with the means
at bis disposal, that officer has done all that
man could do. And, I venture on this sug-
gestion to those whose military efforts are
confined to criticism. that they would be
doing more manly and honorable service, if
they would shoulder their muskets, and
march to the frontier. shall return there
myself, in few days, and would be glad TO
take every grumbler along, fully armed and
equipped; and l will guarantee to all such
that Col. S1BLEY will find work enough and
fighting enough to satisfy them to their
hearts content, and to impress them with
the belief that he is neither Indifferent to
bis duty, nor incompetent for its prompt
and thorough performance.
W. J. CULLEN.
ST.. PAUL, Sept. 9, 1862.
Casualties in the Minnesota First.