St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1864-03-17
- IND1ANA WAR;. ] {
sIlr1ER ron 'V1NERAL SHELLEY.
Plans for the Spring Campaign.
1Ae Indians = :. ssCh.stisSa.sEm~,
RToAts Protected, and the rf6h-s
tier Guarded. 50 :"

HRADouAlrRls, DIsrRior OF MINNESOTA. y
DEPARTMENT OF THE NORTHWEST, ~
St. Paul, MIMI, March 9th, 1864.
Editors St. Paul Press.
GENrLEMEN:-In consequence &c
the many applications made to ME for
information with regard to the oonteih.
plated military operations in this Dis
trict during the approaching season,
and the general interest manif Tested by
the people on the f,ontier, to learn
what dispositions are TO be made tor
their defense, l deem i, to be my du-
ty to state what is proper.to be made
public on this subject throtg ii the me-
dunn Of the journals in this CITY.
The programme fixed upon by Major
General Pope, embraces three distinct
objects. First, the chastiseiheEt 'aha
subjugation Of the bands Of savages on.
both sides of the Missouri River, who
continue refractory and hostile. Sec-
ond, the @protec .i6h Of the overland
route to Idaho by the establishment Of
strong military posts within the Indian
country Announcement distances. Thru,
the security Of the Minnesota and Iowa
frontier against the hostile raids. 50
To effect the Grst purpose u powerful
column Of troops will take the field as
early as the season will permit TO seek
aud attack the Indians who '> xfse reliably
reported to have made b formidable
combination to dispute the passage Of a
force into the country, and to attack
steamers bound for the Upper Missouri
River and any overland expeditions en-
route for tn gold region Of Idaho
The points where military posts are
to be established are not yet determined
upon with suite lent precision to enable
me to mention the precise location, but
they will be selected with the double
view of protecting the route to Idaho,
and Of deterring the savages from max
ing a demonstration in force towards
the white settlements should they be
disposed to do'so.
The third object mentioned, that Of
guarding the frontier againsopetey raids,
is to be accomplished by the occupation
by the troops Of such stations outside
the line Of settlements as will serve TO
check the passage Of hostile PARTIES, 50
far as the number OF men that can be
spared from field operations will per-
NIT, and by the constant patrol Of strong
parties of cavalry on both sides Of the
Minnesota river. Scouts will also be
posted at the most exposed points to
give timely warning ofthe approach Of
danger.
It must be remembered, however,
that hostilities exist between our Gov
>srnment and the Sioux bands, and
while they continue, the settlers on the
frontier should be prepared to co-opyr-
ate in the destruction of any small par
ties of savages who, driven to despera-
'tion by their present miserable state
of restitution, may Goose to incur the
inevitable risks of an attempt to peoe-
strate within the lines for purpose of
Iplunder.
would respectfully suggest in this
connection, that the thousand baseless
and exaggerated rumors always put in
circulation by frightened people, should
find no place in the public prints, as
they are prolific Of injury to the best
interests Of the State. All information
eft reliable character will be immcdi.
lately and cheerfully furnished from
these headquarters when Of importance
sufficient to be communicated.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servent,
1ssEt* r. H.: II: SHELLEY
Brigadier General Ctthnhshtfing.
I'VE are informed, though not ofici-
ally, that General Sibley will not &C.
company the expedition this season
The main force will proceed up the
Missouri under command Of General
Sully, while troops from Minnesota will
probably be in charge Of Col Thomas
Of the 9th regiment. If the LIST regi-
ment is filled in accordance With tho
Governors proclamation it will be re-
tanned 10 the State, and the 9Th sent
below, which will make Col. Thomas
the senior Colonel in the district 4
THE OLD STA ND