The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-02-20
THE INDIAN WAR,
The Next Indian Campaign---Pre-
parations for Frontier Defence,
LETTER FROM GEN. SHELLEY TO
THE GOVERNOR.

The following is letter from General
SIBLEY addressed to the Governor in an
swer to inquiries relating to- the military
preparations for the chastisement of the
Sioux and the protection of the frontier:
HEApeuAETEEs n DlsrRror OF MISsrsorA,
DEPARTMENT Or THE NORrIwEsr,
ST. Paul, MINI, Feb IA 1868.
HIS Eccelency, Ater. Rtonsey, Goreyno,- of hin
nesota, 81. Paul, Minn.
SIR-I have the honor to state that your
communication of yesterday reached me
this morning. In reply to the enquiries
therein contained relating to the disposi,
ton of troops stationed in this military dis
trict and the precautions taken against ap-
pretended stealthy attacks by the hostile
Sioux upon the frontier settlements in the
spring, proceed to give you briefly such
information as can properly be made pub
lie at the present time.
1have not failed to inform myself from
the most reliable sources of the condition
OF affairs among the several Indian tribes
in this district, and to- communicate it Of
ficially from time to time to the headouar-
ters OF the Department. With regard to
the expedition you refer to, can only state
that have assurances that my reuuisi-
tions will receive proper attention, and the
military stores and other supplies reuuir-
ed duly furnished. The plan proposed by
me has not yet been acted upon by the
higher authorities, and I can therefore
give no further assurances with reference
to the campaign until the decision is made.
| am endeavoring to dispose of all my
available force so as to afford the most
protection to the more exposed points. An
order has already been issued to the COM
manding officers at the several stations
along the line where no defensive works
have been erected to employ the men of
their respective commands in constructing
stockades, within which the settlers may
find refuge in case of threatened attack.
There will be scouts employed also to give
notice if the Indians make their, appear
ance at any point of approach to the set
Elements, and l am about dispatching a
party OF reliable HalfBreeds up the Min
nesota river to remain there during the
spring, who will advise me in case the saw
ages show themselves in that quarter. If
the requisitiOn for arms and ammunition
are filled, will be enabled to arm all the
infantry regiments with Springfield mus
kets, and in such case shall apply for au-
thority to turn over the arms now in the
hands of most of the companies for distri-
button by the state to the people of the To-
calities most exposed for their defense. l
would respectfully suggest that companies
of Home Guards be formed under the
authority of the State, so that, in case
of necessity there may be concert of ac-
tion on the part Of the settlers. Such an
organization would do much to prevent a
panic, and tend to appease the apprehen-
sions of the people generally.
Having adverted in brief terms to the
precautionary measures adopted for the
security of the border against renewal of
the scenes of last summer, close by as.
suring you, that so far as have the means.
they shall be employed to the best advan-
tage to protect our citizens, and appease
the fears of the settlers.
My own beliefis that the hostile Indians
will make no descen. upon the border un-
til they find they are not themselves to be
attacked in their prairie haunts. Still, it
is well to make preparation at all points
to repel them should onslaughts be at
tempted.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
III. H. SIBLEY,
Brigadier General Commanding
One OF the Texans who boarded the
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