The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-05-12
Dispatch from Col. u. r. Smith u
3 s-ssaf,l 0eas MalAHo0B. rgrt~s-. IT,

I n 3 d.
= Adjutant General NA1Msoss received
yesterday the following dispatch from
Dol. B. F. Smith, commanding militia at
Mankato: IVA - ~
49, MASKA7o, May 2, 1866.
o. Adlm,oss ADJ. Gems: -
Gu.-Geneal Order No. S has been received.
and will proceed to organize the men and
squads as ordered, and with as little delay as
possible; but the extent of Territory embraced
will necessarily take some time. shall con.
slider well before making recommendations for
the commands. A hasty, excitable man will
not be sought for, but such as will be satisfied
that some necessity exists for calling out his
men before he does so; otherwise they will be
in the saddle most of the time, without any
reasons therefor, or good results obtained.
Ny old organizations at Garden City, Yer
non, Shelby and Winnebago City, have acted
promptly in the present case, and promise to
be efficient. have ordered posts established
have sent an officer on the line to establish one
or two more further South. These posts are
to consist of five men each, and sent request
to q squad OF cavalry at Garden City, (of Col.
Phenders command, } to station q part of his
force at Medelia. have not been able to meet
with, or correspond with Col. Pfender, but ex-
pect our former arrangement to be observed
until changed by further agreement on con.
sultation. am very glad to know that Col.
Pfaender Is still in command at Fort Ridgely.
o'clock, P. M-While writing this note
messenger arrived from whom learned that
q party Of cavalry from the Company at Gar
den City, with some Of our men who was on
the trail, since yesterday morning had over.
taken band, and had, at two different points,
exchanged shots. One Of the cavalry fell and
died in three minutes; CHS name do not re-.
member; he has family in Dacota Coz The
ground was unfavorable for our men, and being
the men worn down by the long pursuit, the
Sergeant in command abandoned the contest,
and came here with his force, who, after din.
ner have now returned with reinforcements
from this place to renew the chase. The af-
fair took place about seven miles east, or near
the road to the Winnebego Agency. ! have
great hopesiof success. I have requested, (by
meesenger) that . party be sent out from st.
Peter to intercept the Indians, or at least to
join in the chase, provided our men should
become worn out.
We have not yet heard from Co. L. which
was sent to assist Us. Our arms are, many
of them the old repaired Springfield musket,
but we are still short OF supply, even of
them. We want, if we could have them.
some carbines. We want also, supply of
cartridges, 50 and So, with A for revolvers.
have no time TO make regular acquisitions. If
there is anything that can try the temper of
men, it is this milited institution; but as it is
the best we can do, we do the best we can.
The arms sent Us have not yet arrived.
have sent an express to meet the boat.
A messenger has just arrived from Willow
Creek, west of Vernon. A party of fifteen In
dams made their appearance, stole three horses
three of them returning west, the others
continued east to the timber. A party Is In
pursuit in both directions. The thing is thick
ening upon US and help is indispensably neces-
sary. We don't want to be left without aid If
aid can be had. All our best and most able
bodied men are in the army, and we are weak
in able-bodied men. What can be DONE if
anything, let it be done without this intolera-
bic delay and lazy marches. ..... ..... ..
With hope Of reaching you In advance of the
mails, will try and send this by special mes
senger. B. F.. SMITH.
p. 8. Lieut.. Parteman has Just arrived.
Says he has found six different trails leading
into the settlements.
The people are flying to the villages for
safety. B. +. SMITH.