, 1862-08-07
THE INDIAN TERRITORY EXFE-
D1TfON.
Col Salo4non, of Wisconsin,, arrests
tol. Weer, and Assumes the Com.
mand Himself.


HEADQUARTERS INDIAN EXPEDITION,
July 2oth, 1862.
To Brig. Gen James G. Blunt, conrandin5 the
Department of Kansas:
s1n-I have honor, to report that have ar
rested Col. VIM Weer, commanding the "In-
dun Expedition" and have assumed command.
Amcpg lhe numerous reasons for this step-a
few of the chief are as follows: From the day
of our first report to him, We have found him
4 man abusive and violent in lis intercourse
viii b lis fellow officers. VIGOROUSLY intempe~
rate in lis habits, entire II dlsregarding militia
at end orders. refusing to inferior officers and
their rtpolts that consideration which is due
an officer of the United States army. Starting
from Co Ssk1n Prairie on the LIST inst, we were
poBbed rapidly forward to the vicinity of Fort
Gibson, on the Arkansas River, distance of
b. him to keep communication open below
ue. It seems he desired none. We had but
1V enty three days rations on hand. As soon
as le reached q position on Grand River four
teen miles from Ft. Gibson, his movements
suddenly ceased; We could then have crossed
tce Arkansas River. But it seemed thare
w:s no object to be attained ia his
judgment, By such move. There we lay en-
tircI} idle from the 9Th to the 18th. We had
At last reached tie Point whea sse had but
three days ratlons on hand. Something must
be done. We were in barren cou try, with
Il large force Of the enemy in front Of us, a
]a,g. and now impossible river between ns.
std no news from our trains or our base Of
OF erations for twelve days. What were we 10
do? Col. Weer called q council of war at
which he stated that the A!kansas river was
LON impassable to our forces-tual train
couta' 'nirg ccmmissary stores had been eS-
re. ted for two days; that three different set
Of curriers' stnt out same time previous, hat
| entirely failed to report; that he had received
| rliablt information that large force Of the
| dg1is River for the purpose Of cutting off our
| train. Upon this and Other information the
cuurcil OF war decided that our safety lay in
falling tack to some point where we could re-
| open ccEmunica'ion and learn the where
abouts Of our train of subsistence. To this
| decision Of the conacil he at first assented aud
said that he would arrange with the con-
| marders Of brigades the orier Of march. Sub.
sequentJy he Issued IN order putting the
| command on half ratioua, declaring that he
would not fall back, and refused utterly upon
my application to take any steps for the safe
conclude that the man was either iusane or
| PIT nasditated treache1y to his troops, Or,
?. rhspe, that his grossly intemperate habits,
long continued, had produced idiocy or
Vas jmperitled, and military necessity
dtmanded that something be done, and
that without delay. I. look the only step
believed ayailable to save your troops.
| I arrested this man, bare drawn charges
against him, and now hold him subject 70
yonr orders. On the morning Of the 18th
i commenced 3 retrogade march, and have
falien back Flth my main torres to this
pcint. You will see By general order No. !,
herewith forwardea, thai I have stationed
,I1e lst and I'd regiments Indiana home guards
as q corps of observation a1org: the Grand
and " rdigrls Rivers, also to guard the tordt
| Of the Arkansas. Yesterday evening con
rier reaehtd me at PEior's Creek with dis
patches saying that commisesrY train
WAS at Hudson's Crossing, seventy -6ve
niles north Of US, waiting for 50 "addt-
| tioIal force as an escort. Information also
reaches me . this morning that Colonel
Waite, with force OF twelve hundred men,
passed up the east side Of Grand River YES
| Ierday Tor the purpose of cutting of thl:
! train. + have sent out strong reconnottef1nE
| parties to the east Of the river, aud if the In
formation proves relable, will take sucs
further measures as i deem best, 70
its security. T.. design simply to 'holt
| The country ne are now in and vii
make no important moves except such q
I may deem necessary, for the pteserVa
ton Of this command, until receive epecid
Instructions from you. l6eud Major Burnet
with small escort to make his way throug
to you He will give you more at length th
position Of this command, their condition, &s
Very respectfully, your obedfsnt servant.
Colonel 9Th Wisconsin volunteers, commant
ing Indian expedition. 80