Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1868-11-29
a WINTER WAR AGAINST THE IN
DEANS

The Indians are becoming troublesome
all along the Southwestern border. The
people along the frontier Of Texas have
suffered terribly from the incursionS Of
the Indians, and in Arizona they arc on
the war-path in large numbers, and four
successful raids have been made upon the
white settlements, in each Of which, men,
women and children have been butchered.
No intim2Gon was had Of these outrages.
The Indians had been as quiet and peace
ful as usual, dwelling, in some instances,
with the whites, and showing no hostile
intentions. The storm, therefore, came
unexpectedly, and found the settlers IN
prepared to meet it in proper manner.
This has been the case, says the Phila-
delpAia Age, in all the more recent hostile
movements Of the sayages. They mask
their intentions under q show Of unusual
amity, and while one party istalking
peace, another division is getting into
positions from which to infiict the
heaviest loss upon the whites. In some
instances, houses have been burned,
stock stampeded, and persons murdered
in one quarter, while in another presents
were being distributed to members Or
the offending tribe. All these facts show.
first, that an Offensive AMI defensive
league has been agl eed upon between
the tribes in the far West and South
west, and, second, that they are acting
on a well concerted plan, and under the
lead Of experienced chiefs. Many Of the
Indians who served in the Federal and
Confederate armies during the late war
are nov instructing their brethren in the
use OF improved firearms, aud that fact
accounts for the unusual number of
white troops killed and wounded in the
late battles and skirmishes with the
maraudeTs Of the plains. As the most
certain and efficient means Of ending this
Indian difficulty, the War Department
has determined upon a winter campaign,
and a vigorous and decided ono in all
particulars. Hitherto cold, snow and
ice have ended the operations Of troops
against the Indians. Tho former would
then 60 into winter quarters, and the lat
ter proceeded to some sheltered village
or valley among the mountains, and
there prepare for the ensuing season. In
these localities provisions had been stored
for winter use, and there forage and sub
sistence for their horses could be procured.
A few months spent in these depots, and
both men and animals would come forth
amply provided for an efficient spring
and summer campaign against the
white settlers and the United States
troops. But all this is now TO be
changed, and war waged against the In
dams in the winter. They will be pur-
sued to their hiding places, no matter
where these may be, ahd either killed or
compelled TO submit. With troops
burning their villages, capturing their
horses, carrying away ali the buffalo
meat dried for winter use, and seiZing
upon their women and children, what
paths will be open to the red men but
these leading toward submission? They
cannot fight in summer, when winter has
brought them no rest or relief; when
their horses are gone and the
tribes broker and dispersed. Such are
the main advantages Of a winter
campaign il the Indian country, and in a
few weeks tbs troops under General
Sheridan will move on the new pro-
gramme. The latter ayows his intention
TO track the Indians to their winter LARS,
even if these should be among the remote
Businesses of Texas, and to punish them
in such manner as to conquer aperms-
nent peace. The undertaking is full Of
toll, suffering, and endurance, for officers
and men, but the consequences Justify
the attempt