Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1863-01-24
FRONTIER PROTEcrIGN.

By letters Just received from Fl. Pierre
from reliable sources, we have the most
positive assurance that We may anticipate
an Iudian war upon the opening Of spring.
This is the concurrent testimony of all
persons connected with the Indians The
same voice CT warning comes to US from
the Red River of the North, from the
Platte, and from the Upper Missouri
From the most remote and isolated points
the same testimony is given. All agree
that combined movement is in contem-
plntion, which will result in depopu!ating
the whole northwest unless the most
active and energetic measures are taken
to avert SO great q calamity.
The establishment of the Northwestern
Department with Major General in
command, and more recently District
with Brigadier in the field, tended to
quie. public apprehension, as the belle:
was generally entertained that plan of
operations had been. adopted which would
result, in chastising those tribes which had
actually engaged in hostilities, aud in
affording ample protection against any
renewal Of the border troubles. But the
season for active movements is almost
here, and there are no Indications that
the slightest preparation is being made to
meet the emergency. It is clear that no
troops can be spared from the southern
armies; hence new levies must be made
This will require time. The men are to
be raised, equipped and supplied-and to
have an effective force months will be
needed TO perfect and fully organize the
expedition. The delay Of few more
weeks will demonstrate that we must
adop. other measures for defence Seek
assistance through other channels, or pre-
pare to rely upon our own resources, else
We must be ready to abandon the field;
and the GU estion is an important one
What shall we do?
We would offer the suggestion that pub.
lie meetings be held and measures at once
taken to urge upon our Congressional
delegation and others who may have in.
fqence at Washington, the necessity of
immediate action for organizing an exps.
dition. The troops could be easily raised
Iowa and Minnesota alone could fur.
nish all that would be needed. and they
would speedily volunteer for this service
il government would but give the autho.
rity and surely if the proper representa-.
tons are made such authority will be
given.
We know that Gen. Cook is willing and
anxious to proceed in raising force This
is the object for which be was assigned to
this command, but he cannot act without
specific orders, and such orders do not
come to hand.
If it becomes a foregone conclusion
that we can have no government assis
lance then lie. US seek through our State
authorities for home protection, and fail.
ing in this we must organize for our own
defence, procure arms and ammunition.
build block houses, and prepare to defend
our homes Let not the scenes of last
season be enacted There is no neces sity
for panic; it will be cowardly to flee
before the foe appears. BY the use of
ordinary precaution in preparing for the
emergency, there may be designated
points where We may with perfec. safety
make stand against any number of In
dams likely to be brought against US
We should procure prudent and efficient
leaders and act in concert under their di.
rection. This country must never be sur
rendered to savage foe.