Scrapbook of newspaper clippings, 1863-1864

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Register Feb. 14 1865

DAKOTA CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REGISTER.

The Logroller Family—Dakota Officials and the President's Circular—Indian Affairs—Millitary [Military] Matters—Gov. Saymour's Message, and the War Feeling in Dakota.

YANKTON, FEB. 10th, 1863.

DEAR REGISTER— Ha! we have a jolly crew, With "Logroller No. 2," And "Logroller No. 3" What shall all we Logroller's do? Shall we "roll" a "log" or two? Or shall we shoulder "spikes and flee?" No; let us call Logroller's Son, To bring out "Old Log. No. 1," And join us in our logging bee.

Since you last heard from me I have been blessed with an increase in my family, by the birth of "Logroller No. 2" in the Vermillion Republican, and "Logroller No. 3" in the Dakotian.

They are "illegitimate offsprings," however; but I awoke one morning and found them at my door, and my wife, Charity, took them in, on probation, as members of the "Logroller Family." Indeed, it makes me feel old and feeble to see so many young Logroller's around me looking up in my face, and claiming to be children of "old man Logroller." They have both received a little nourishment, and they now begin to kick and scratch each other. "No. 2" is a spunky urchin, and has already shaken his fist at some big men at the Capitol. "No. 3" has clinched "No. 2," and is now holding him by the "short hair." They are both good grit and neither one utters a whimper. I would attempt to separate them if I had the courage, but I fear they will both turn upon the "old man" and drub him out. Nevertheless, if they persist in their Heenanistic manifestations, I shall feel compelled to slap them both soundly and turn them from my household; or else, I will change my name and never roll another log. They are fine boys, however, fat boys, having been pre= viously rocked in a Government cradle, and fed with an official spoon. They are making a nice confession in the way of ventillating the faults and frauds of the Republican party. "No. 2" has got a tongue in his head, and "was born with teeth." "No. 3" bites less, but kicks and strikes like a young Zebra. I shall keep out of their reach for the present, until I see which one walks with the people.

Dy [By] the way, Mr. Editor, the people of Dakota begin to be heard at Washington, and are reviving in spirit to hear of the reported promotion of Gen. Sibley to the command of the Indian war; and to learn, also, from the Department that our officials will hereafter be required to reside in the Territory, attend to their duties, and work with the people. It is well known that our great complaint has been, hitherto, that our rulers were unwilling to stay among us and assist in building up the wealth and fortunes of the Territory. With one exception they have made their homes in Sioux City, Iowa, for the past year, and have been paying to the citizens of that fortunate town the handsome sum of $400 a month for board of themselves and families; for the simple reason that it is much more safe and respectable to live in the city, than to reside away up here in the unpolished society of farmers, mechanics, and Indians. But "Ole Abe" has heard of these truant boys, and sends word to them to shoulder their knapsaks [knapsacks] and start for the field of their labors, and there stay. Here is his "circular," which has been recently forwarded to every official in the Territory:

Treasury Department, Comptroller's Office, Jan. 5th, 1863.—Sir: The first section of an act approved June 15th, 1852, chapter 49, phamphlet laws, page 10, is as follows: 'That whenever an officer of either of the Territories of the United States, shall be absent therefrom, and from the duties of his office, no salary shall be paid him during the year in which such [absence] shall occer, unless good cause therefore [shall?] be shown to the President of the [United] States, who shall certify his [opinion] [line torn] sufficiently of such

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cause to the proper accounting officer of the Treasury, to be filed in his office.' Application for his official certificate having been made to the President by a Territorial officer, who absence was not on leave previously obtained, or thereafter sanctioned, and it having come to his knowledge in the investigation of that case, that officers of the Territories occasionally absent themselves from the place place of their duty for considerable time, under circumstances in which the President may have reason to doubt of the sufficiency of the cause, to the prejudice of the public servicel; to avoice which, in future, I am directed by the Secretary of the Treasury, under instructions from the President, to address this circular to all officers of the Territories, notifying them that the President, will not, in any case hereafter, certify the sufficiency of the alleged cause of any absence of the officer of the Territory when not on duty by order of the proper Department or the President; unless such absence shall have been communicated to and sanctioned by the proper head of the Department, according to the analogy of what is already practiced in other branches of the Government. To avoid delay in settling and paying your salary, you will be pleased to address a letter to this office, in season to arrive by due course of mail before the end of each quarter, stating whether you have or have not been absent during the quarter, from the Territory and your duties. The above regulations and law will be henceforth strictly enforced.

Sincerely yours, ELISHA WHITTLESEY Comptroller

Mr. Editor, the only two officers of Dakota, who have ever lived within sixty miles of the above requirement, (Sioux City) are Secretary Hutchinson and Attorney General Gleason. The rest have violated it most shamefully, both in letter and spirit, by being absent from the Territory and thier [their] duries more than three fourths of the entire year. Will they now obey it, or will they belie it to the Presisent? We shall see.

Military matters in the Territory are progressing slowly, no orders having been yet received for the mustering in of the two cavalry companies now being raised under Captains Tripp and Fuller. These two companies, if once mustered in, equipped, rationed and paid by the Government, would be a sufficient protection to quiet the fears of the people, and encourage the planting of our spring crops. By that time Government could certainly spare three or four companies of infantry to be stationed in the Territory. We would not assume to call for any unnecessary protection from our Government in time of war, nor do we; but we believe the Government is willing and able to grant us the aid we derire [desire], and would long ago have sent us the necessary protection, had it not been for a gross dereliction of duty on the part of our chief exponents and representative men at Washington.— They flee for protection in the time of danger, while we must stand and fight for our homes and families. I do not say that there is danger, or will be; but there may be, and the people feel and fear it, when it is known that the punished and enraged Sauntee's [Santee's], of Minnesota, have taken up their abodes in the valleys of the James and Missouri. An exhibition of military strength on the part of our Government will do more to subdue the Indians, than a hundred little victories gained with small detachments of soldiers. The war can be made offensive or defensive. Five thousand mounted men could drive all the Indians of the Northwest beyond the mountains, while 500 could defend the settled portion of the Territory against the whole Sioux nation. Gov. Saunders, of Nebraska, is distributing a strong force of dragoons all along the Nebraska side of the Missouri, for the protection of the settlements of that Territory. So long as the ice bridges the river the Nebraska troops are a defense to Dakota; and if we do not soon receive protection of our own, we shall begin to pray to God instead of the Government, in order that the river may retain its flooring of ice throughout the summer season. Thirtyone Sanntee's [Santee's] consisting of men, women and chidlren, have recently come down the Missouri, in a starving condition, and have surrendered themselves to the military authorities at Fort Randall. A detachment of cavalry has been ssnt [sent] after ten more lodges now encamped 70 miles above the Fort. Among those already captured was found a stolen herse [horse?], taken last season from a settler on James river.

The unknown cattle spoken of in my last letter as having strayed into the white settlements, have proved to be those that were driven off by the Indians, last fall, from the settlements in Clay county. The Yanktons and Pawnees have recently made a treaty and scaled the contract by an exchange of ponies and squaws.

Aside from military movements and Indian rumors little of interest occurs in the Territory. The citizens are generally engaged in building block houses by day, and in dancing and dreaming of Indians by night. The grand sociale of the season

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came off at the Hotel de Ash, on Franklin's birth day, under the auspices of the "Printer's Festival." Most of the notables and aspirants of Dakota have fled to Washington, to offer their services to the President in filling vacancies in office.— "Poor Uncle Sam," what a legion of friends he has—outside of the army.

Governor Seymour's Message is already in the household of every pioneer in Dakota, and it is read as the evening chapter, on these wintry nights, by almost every fireside and family group in the Territory.— This is the only Territory organized since the days of Jefferson, I believe, wherein the political sentiment of the people and Legislature was averse to that of its rules and the President. But the people of Dakota, like the people everywhere, begin to enquire [inquire], "what is all this war of blood and missery [misery] for, and when will it terminate?" Go ask the half million of our countrymen, who have left the plow and anvil, the loom and workshop, their wives and children, and are standing today on the field of battle amid the roar of artillery, the groan of the dying and the blood of their brothers; go ask the thousands of widows and orphans in their dark and dreary homes, where nightly kneel and weep our country's mothers, and whisper to God a prayer for their trembling little ones, while the audible burst of the war thirsty cannon is rending the heart of the Nation. We ask the political leaders of the North, "what are we fighting for?" They answer, "to conquer the South, liberate the slaves, and force adhesion to the Union." The South replies, we are fighting for our rights and liberties, we never desired war, we begged for our rights, we asked you to compromise, long before the first shot was fired on Sumter, a dollar waster, or a life lost. Is this so? Let us see. In a Senate debate, of March 21, 1861, on the Crittenden Compromise, (found in the Congressional Globe of March 11,1861,) Senator Pugh said:

"Before the Senators from the State of Mississippi left this Chamber, I heard one of them say, who now assumes, at least, to be President of Southern Confederacy, propose to accept it, and to maintain the Union, if that proposition could receive the vote it ought to receive from the other side of this Chamber."

Senator Douglas said: "While the Crittenden proposition was not in accordance with my cherished views, I avowed my readiness and eagerness to accept it, in order to save the Union, if we could unite upon it. No man has labored harder than I have to get it passed. I can confirm the Senator's declaration, that Senator Davis himself, when on the Committee of Thirteen, was ready, at all times, to compromise on the Crittenden proposition. I will go further, and say that Senator Toombs was also."

Senator Toombs said, in his Senate speech of Jan. 7th, 1861:) "But, although I insist upon this perfect equality, yet when it was proposed—as I understand the Senator from Kentucky now proposes —that the line of 36 deg. 30 min. shall be extended, acknowledging and protecting our property on the South side of that line, for the sake of peace, I said to the Committee of Thirteen, and I say here, with other satisfactory provisions, I would accept it."

What a sad mistake was the rejection of that compromise! What a deluge of blood and gold, want and misery, tears and sadness would have been saved our country had the Nation, at that time, shut down the gate of War and closed it with the bars of Peace. But that day is past, and the question which now arises with every earnest man of the North is, "Can we yet compromise, consistent with honor, and save our country?" We answer yes; the people can, but our rulers never will. Pride, ambition, positions and profits of politicians and Generals, will keep this war open will the rivers run red with the blood of our countrymen. There are thousands of officers in the field to-day, who, rather than have hositilities end, and their salaries cease, would see the war go on and the Union destroyed. Our Republic to-day is like the tottering ruins of some ancient temple, wherein the kings and demigods are scrambling for the jewels and gold, before the downfall of the mighty structure. When this war began, it was the confident cry of the North that the Rebellion would be crushed with the raw enlistments of three months volunteers. Since then we have raised an army of nearly a million of white men and have called upon the slaves for help. The whites have appeared and gone to battle, but the blacks seem to prefer slavery to the smell of gun powder. The fact is the heart of the people is not in the cause.— This is a war for the negro, not for the white man; for Slavery not for the Union.

This Nation can exist, and grow great and powerful, "half slave and half free," and the people have learned this fact in the history of the last century.

We are no apologist for the South and never have been, (for the North should receive the sympathy, if not the support of every man;) but we do protest that the present war is unwise and unnecessary. We believe that there are certain rights to be guaranteed the South as well as the North, that the Constitution was not framed for

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the stronger States, but for all the States, and that compromise is the only restorative peace to the Union. We, of the North, are unwilling to grant a single concession, while, with our own eyes, we daily see the breach of disunion growing wider and deeper with every shot that thunders across the guls of Secession.— War will never unite the States; wisdom, justice, reason and compromise, can alone accomplish that great object. Never did a noble people rally and fight more freely and bravely, than have the loyal millions of the North, for the last two years. They have blockaded the Southern sea cost [coast], storemd the enemies strongholds, and marched to the cannons mouth at the bid of incompetent Generals, to be mowed into heaps of the dead and dying. Ours have been battles of attack, theirs of defense; and our repulses—not their victories—have rendered them bold, proud and unconquerable. In an open field, the Union army would drive the Confederate forces before them like chaff before the wind. But it is now asked "will the South still compromise?" We fear not. They have already established a Government, with its President, Cabinet, Senators, Representatives and foreign Ministers, and now to proclaim an armistic [armistice], ignore their government, rest upon their arms and send their delegates back into the halls of the American Congress to make peace, would be such a humbling of the pride of the chivalric South, as was never before witnesses on this continent. Let us hope and pray that it may be so; and that the leaders of the North may lend the ear of wisdom, that before the blasts of another winter the thunders of battle may cease, misery end, peace return, and the old "Union of States" once more move onward under one flag and one Government. LOGROLLER.

N.B. By Ex. Pub. Doc. received by last nights mail, I perceive that our Delegate in Congress, Gen. Todd, has succeeded in getting a recommendation from the Secretary of the Inferior before the House, for making appropriations of $46,000 for the building of roads, bridges and public buildings, &c., in Dakota, to which we say, well done, General; we thank you for for trying, even if you fail in your endeavors. L.

A dispatch from Fort Randall states that Lieut. BACON had just returned from a scout of six days, and that he had captured and brought into the Fort 32 Indian prisoners with a quantity of ponies. The Company suffered much from cold. By making a forced night march they succeeded in surrounding the Indian encampment, thus cutting off all chance of escape, the Indians upon finding themselves surprised surrendered. A portion of them have been identified as belonging to the party engaged in the Minnesota massacre. They are said to have been abundantly supplied with provisions. Lieut. BACON is entitled to much credit for his energy and perserverance.

We are sorry to learn of the sudden death, in Dakota Territory, of our young friend W. W. TRIPP. He was a young gentleman of rare qualities, and was held in high esteem in this community. His death occurred on yesterday.

Judeg WILLIAMS, of the Dakota Federal Court, is at the Wauregan House suffering from very severe illness.

Sioux City Register S.P. YEOMANS, .... Editor. SATURDAY, FEB. 28, '63.

We publish today a letter from Dr. TOWNSEND, surgeon at Fort Pierre, which will be found to contain valuable information with regard to the Indian forces above. The Dr. is an old citizen of this place and is well known as a man in whose statements the utmost reliance may be placed. It may then be assumed as an unquestioned fact that a formidable hostile force consisting already of over a thousand warriors are consentrating on the Missouri river within 250 miles of Ft. Pierre, and that their intention is to make a descent upon the settlements as soon as the weather permits them to advance. It is furthermore apparent that they are promised arms and ammunition from white men who are in communication with them. It is the part of wisdom to look those facts in the face and to make such preparations as we can to meet the shock. We do not dispair of getting such assistance from the government as will afford security and inflict merited chastisement upon this congregated host of savages. We are informed that Gen. Cook has advices which assure him that a force amply sufficient will be provided in due time, and that an expedi tion will certainly be organized to proceed from this place up the river. If this be so all will yet be well - but without this it is a foregone conclusion that an immense region of country will be abandoned within a few months.

DAKOTA CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REGISTER Fort Pierre, February 12th, '63. The monotony at this place was relieved yesterday afternoon by the arrival at Fort LaFromboise (a post two miles above this) of a party of friendly Indians accompanied by a white girl about eleven years old, whom they had succeeded in purchasing of the Santees. The party was composed of four friendly Indians sent out by Major Galpin about the 12th of January last. After travelling fourteen days without meeting any Indians they arrived at Painted Wood where they found the Santees encamped in force numbering three hundred lodges and 1000 warriors. There was also in the same encampment one hundred lodges of the Yanktonas. They purchased the girl of Little Crow soon after their arrival, and would have succeeded in obtaining the rest had it not been for the advice and interference of a half breed from Devils Lake who arrived during their stay there, and made them presents of tobacco, and promises that the whites at the North would furnish them with powder and ball, and would assist them in fighting the whites next summer. Two of the head men of the Yanktonas, Strike the Ree and Wawoe-san-ta, also interfered in behalf of Little Crow, who finally informed the party that he would keep the prisoners, four in number, three boys and one girl, and would tie them to his belt mext summer when he went to fight the whites. Painted Wood, the present Santee Camp is 250 miles above Fort Pierre, and Devils Lake is some 200 miles from Painted Wood in the direction of Ft, Abercrombie and about 80 miles from that place. There are 300 lodges of Santees at Devils Lake. The party report the snow deep, but plenty of buffalo; they also report that the Indians are loosing all of thier ponies, but that they have plenty of cattle. They have a serious epidemic among them which is thinning their ranks very rapidly. This epidemic has prevailed for over a year, a number of cases having occurred as far down the river as Fort Pierre. A Black Foot Chief who visited me a few weeks since to obtain medicine, informed me that a good many hundred of his people had died with the diseose during the past summer. A few cases of this disease have been brought to this place for treatment. It is the worst form of erysipelas. White Lodge, one of the Santee Chiefs, and a great bragadocio, informed one of the party that the Santees would be down [column 2] in a short time to burn Fort Pierre and Fort LaFromboise. While the party were at the Santee camp they were informed that last October a party composed of Cut Heads, Big Heads and Yanktonas attacked Ft. Berthold, one of the posts of the American Fur Company, and killed four whites - also, at a later date, the same party attacked the same post, burnt it with its contents, and drove off 35 head of cattle. (Information from other sources throw doubt on the last statement.) The portion of the Yanktonas who are friendly say they will do all in thier power to rescue the balance of the prisoners. A small party of Un-pa-pas came within a few miles of the Fort and stole five horses belonging to the friendly Indians who had gone after the prisoners, during thier absence. Five Santees were prowling about this Fort and Fort LaFromboise, two miles above here, one night last week; the only damage done was burning some hay stacks belonging to Major Galpin at Fort La Fromboise. If we had horses to pursue them they might have been caught as they were on foot. There is no propability of our having any fighting to do here during the winter - but may have in the Spring when the grass starts. The girl who was rescued is from near Yellow Medicine, Minnesota. Her name is Lavina M. Engal. Her father was killed at the time of her capture. She is entirely destitute and homeless, her mother dying about two years since. She has a brother, twelve years old, who is still a prisoner with the Indians. She will probably remain here for some time. JUSTUS TOWNSEND.

»» We are indebted to Hon. J. B. S. TODD for late copies of the Daily Globe. We notice in the Congressional proceedings that Gen. TODD has succeeded in getting an appropriation for additional clerks in the Dakota Legislature. ____________________________ >>> Capt. TRIPP's Company of Dakota Cavalry has been accepted by the War Department. We are glad to know that so fine a company with so good a commander are between us and the Indians. ________________________________ >>> Hon. J.B.S. TODD has been again nominated by the President, Brigadier General. We have advices which leave no doubt of this confirmation. It is supposed that the General will have an important command in connection with the operations agains the Indians. There are but few men better acquainted with the Indian country, or more conversant with Indian habits and mode of warfare. ______________________________________ >>> Hon. M. K. ARMSTRONG of Yankton, has been with us and we find him as usual keenly alive to the best interests of the Northwest, and in favor of preserving the Constitution and maintaining the Union for the benefit of white men. We are always glad to see him. _____________________________________

Sioux City Register S.P. YEOMANS,......Editor SATURDAY, MAY 9, 1863.

CONSOLIDATION OF TROOPS - Under authority from the War Department Gov. Kirkwood has issued an order for the consolidation of the the three companies of the 41st Infantry stationed at Fort Randall, and the company of Sioux City Cavalry, with the 7th Iowa Cavalry now at Davenport. Two additional companies are still required to complete the Regiment, and it is proposed to make these up from the State troops now under command of Col. Sawyers. The Regiment will b officered as follows :- Colonel - SAM'L W. SUMMERS Lieut. Colonel - JOHN PATEE Majors - G. M. O'BRIEN, H. H. HEATH. This will make a good Regiment. The officers above named are well known in the State as old and prominent citizens, and will no doubt discharge the duties of their respective positions to the satisfaction of the command and with credit to the State. There is only one thing in the way of the immediate consumation of the plan proposed to fill up this Regiment, and that is that the men now upon this frontier in the State service are unwilling, for the present, to go South, not because of aversion to that sservice with them, but for the reason that they are all men who have families or friends residing in this vicinity, and they feel that there is a necessity for theur presence here to afford protection agains the Indians. To accomplish the work assigned him Gen. COOK ought to have a force of 3000 men, with a smaller force than this he cannot, with safety, make the offensive movement designed, and at the same time securely guard the extended frontier, which will be exposed, and upon which depredations are even now being committed, and hence the necessity of having the State troops occupy their present position. But with a positive assurance that this new Regiment, or even the detachment composed of such troops as are now here, will remain and operate under orders from Gen. COOK, until his return in the fall, the Regiment can be completed in ten days. ________________________________ MINNESOTA INDIANS _________ Concurrent testimony from so many different sources leave no roon to doubt that it is the settled determination of the Government to remove these Indians to some point near Fort Randall. Their number is variously estimated by those professing to speak advisedly from 1,600 to 7,000. It is said that six steamers have been chartered to bring them up the Missouri. Now there may be wisdom and policy in the movement, but we do not see it. If these Indians are harmless as reported, we do not see the propriety of their removal at all. If not, while it may be a happy riddance to Minnesota, it certainly cannot conduce to the comfort of their neighbours on the Missouri. Fort Randall is only one days travel from Yankton, the Capital of Dakota, and only two from this place. We have already more Indians in our vicinity than we can control, and to augment the number by such as force as this emigration contemplates will in our opinion without a permanent and adequate military force to overawe them, absolutely ruin the prospects of this country. But there is another feature to this movement which we woudl like to have explained. The Sioux Agency in Minnesota is considerably north of Ft. Randall, and is not probably 300 miles distant by land; it could be easily traversed and with but a trifling expense in from 12 to 15 days. Why then should these red gentlemen be accommodated with the use of six Government steamers for an excursion of over 2,000 miles. __________________________________

DAKOTA ___ The Michigan State Press, published at Ann Arbor, contains a very excellent, practical and trutful address, delivered at that place, on the 11th ult., by Hon. Geo. D. Hill, Surveyor General of Dakota, upon the resources of that Territory. It contains just the kind of information that is needed by those who are seeking a home in the Great West, and ought to have an extensive circulation. We have only room at present for the following extract : - "Having been apponted in March, 1861, Surveyor General of the Territory of Dakota, I entered soon thereafter upon the duties of my office. Twenty years residence in the State of Michigan had given me some idea of the capacity of the West; but I confess that, until I crossed the Mississippi - passed over the fertile plains of Iowa, and entered the valley of the Missouri, I had no appreciation of the natural resources, capacity for production, and unlimited future wealth of the Great Northwest." "The route by which I have traveled from this, my place of residence, to Yankton, the Capital of Dakota, where my office is located, is nearly an air-line westward, passing through Chicago and Dubuque to Cedar Falls, in Iowa, the termination, for the present, of the Dubu que and Sioux City Railroad, thence through Fort Dodge and Sioux City, Iowa, which is situated near the mouth of the Big Sioux River, about three miles below its junction with the Missouri; the Big Sioux constituting the dividing line between Dakota and Iowa. Yankton is situated upon the Missouri river, sixty-five miles above Sioux City. The course of the river from Fort Randall, about eighty miles above Yankton, to Sioux City, being nearly East. " "Sioux City is an important business point. At present, the head of regular steamboat navigation on the Missouri, it has a population of about one thousand, a good landing, and has a large trade with Nebraska and Dakota, furnishing the settlers and traders with most of their supplies, and buying of them the surplus products of their farms - furs and such other articles as they wish to sell or exchange for goods. Sioux City is beautyfully situated on the Missouri river, protected from the winds by the hills which surround it - has an active, enterprising and hospitable population; mostly Eastern people, who have established churches and schoolhouses - an extensive steam flouring mill, sawmills, stores, shops of all kinds, good hotels, and as the traveler leaves its pleasant streets, crosses the Big Sioux river on a Ferry Boat, guided by a rope extended from bank to bank, and strikes out westward up the Missouri bottom, he feels that he has left the conventionalities and luxuries of life behind him, and is entering upon the rough and rugged, yet fascinating experience of the far western poineer."

Our old friend Bramble of Yankton, has returned from the East and has evinced his good tast and appreciation of the good things of this world by bringing with him an amiable co partner for life's journey. May joy be the portion of the happy pair.

The contract of supplying Gen. COOK'S forces with fresh beef, we learn has been awarde to parties in Dakota at $10.65 per hd. It will require some 400 head of good cattle, and the bid is considered a very low one.

The Shreveport for Fort Benton passed up on Thursday last with 85 passengers bound for the gold mines. Mr. SCHUSTER had the good fortune to receive his first installment of goods.

The long expected U. S. Paymaster has made his appearance, and has imparted a full measure of joy and gladness to the military camps hereabouts.

Acting Governor Hutchinson and G. W. Kingsbury, editor of the Dakotian have returned to the Territory.

We were much gratified during the week to make the acquaintance of J. R. Dewitt one of the most prominent and enterprising citizens of Dakota.

[column one] We have just received intelligence by a special messenger, that on Tuesday night last Mr. JACOBSON, a well known and highly respected young man, and another gentleman, while returning from the Indian Agency, and encamped upon James river at GREENWAY'S Ferry, were suddenly fired upon by a party of Indians, and Mr. JACOBSON was instantly killed, and his companion wounded by three balls through an arm and an arrow in the back of the neck. Immediately upon hearing the alarm Mr. GREENWAY seized his gun and reached the camp in time to see but one of the assaulting party, he fired upon him, and compelled him to retreat in such haste as to leave behind his rboe and medicine bag. The horses of Mr. J. were found the following morning some distance from the camp having apparently been abandoned by the Indians in their haste to escape. We learn that upon being appraised of the fact Gen. COOK dispatched a squad of men in pursuit of the murderers. This event is much to be deplored as it will increase, to a fearful extent, the alarm which had already existed in the Territory, and induce many persons to abandon the country. We trust it may have an effect in inducing the authorities to send the 7th Cavalry to garrison Fort Randall and protect this extended and exposed frontier during the absence of the troops about to proceed up the Missouri. ____________________ Six Companies of the 2d Nebraska Cavalry arrived here on Tuesday last, and have pitched their tents at Camp Cook. - They are a fine body of men, and should an opportunity offer, there is no doubt but they will do the country good service in killing Indians. They are, we presume, frontier men, inured to hardship, familiar with the rifle, and have but little sympathy for the "poor Indian." In a word they are just the kind of soldiers for this service, and we have no doubt but they will prove themselves brave and efficient in their new field of operations. Most of the officers are well known citizens of Nebraska, and need no praise at our hands, they are intelligent gentlemen, who, whenever called, will reflect credit upon the Territory from which they hail. A detachment of this Regiment is still at Dakota City in command of Maj TAFFE and will soon join their comrades, prepar atory to a movement westward, on or about the 20th inst. _____________________________________ We have now posted in our imme diate vicinity about 2000 troops, yet there has not been a single instance of disorderly conduct, not a drunken man has been seen upon our streets, nor has there been the slightest disturbance of the peace of our community. This speaks well for the character of the men and the discipline of the officers. ____________________________________ Packet's ferry boat across the Big Sioux, is said to be the best craft of the kind in this country. He is is just now reaping a rich harvest. _____________________________________ Messrs. BOOGE and PARMER have returned from St. Louis, and will receive, very soon, large stocks of Spring goods. _____________________________________ The condemned Minnesota Indians arrived at Davenport last Saturday. They number 278 males, 16 females and 4 children. Of the men, 253 are sentenced to be hung, and 19 to be imprisoned for terms varying from one to ten years. The women attending them are for the purpose of washing, cooking and attending to the sick. They are all Sioux, except one Winnebago, and are descibed by the Gazette as rather intelligent, some of them professing Christianity, and having printed books in their own language, and slates upon which they learn to write. It is said their leaders are mostly to blame for their bloody deeds. The more desperate ones are ironed singly, while the others are manacled in pairs. They are to be seen by visitors to Camp McClellan, be tween the hours of 2 and 4 o'clock only, each day, Sundays excepted. They will remain at Davenport several months. _______________________________ [column two] DAKOTA CORRESPONDENCE OF THE REGISTER.-- NO. 26.

Norwegian Stampede- Settlements - Indians - Gold Mines - Politics - Delegate Contest, &c., &c. YANKTON, May 6th, 1863. DEAR REGISTER: - The Norwegian stampede has about subsided, and has resulted in a pretty clean sweep of the Norway settlements from Yankton to the Big Sioux. Nevertheless, we will not mourn over what has passed, but will strive to look with uncomplaining eyes upon the deserted homes and abandoned fields of our once thriving settlements. We may be cowards and fools to dream of danger when 2000 cavalry are encamped in the keyhole of the Territory; but it should be remembered that one hundred miles of settlement lying between said encampment and the Yankton Agency is left open to the pleasure of the whole Santee nation -- and this fact alone is calculated to awaken fear and cause sad faces and lonely hearts in the home of many a pio neer family. When dark night hangs its mantle over 400 miles of the red man's plains, it is quite a different thing for men with thier helpless women and children to sleep within sound of the Indian war whoop, than to rest secure within hearing of the signal shot of two regiments of cavalry. In the latter place we are all brave men; in the former were seized with quite a different sensation. Mr. Editor, how would some of your good people feel to ride through our Territory and perceive here and there a little girl pale with sleepless nights and daily fear, following her father in the furrow and carrying a heavy musket for his immediate use in case of danger. And passing along a little further we observe another anxious child sitting upon the threshold of her mothers cabin door, and watching the distant hills and plains for the form of the moving redman. Sir, is there a wrong in all this, and where does it lie? If Gen. COOK has been ordered to concentate all his troops at Sioux City until he is ready to march them straight through the Territory to the British line, then we say he is right in obeying orders. But if our government has become more prone to speculation than justice; more deaf to the cries of her people than her politicians; if she is unable to hold a Territory which she has purchased for a million and a half of dollars and opened to settlement and invited emigrants only to be butchered by a lawless band of Indians; if this be the drift and purpose of our Republic, then we say the sooner she sink to the gulf of destruction, the better for the people. It has been said that "Dakota was not worth fighting for," that "the inhabitants were needlessly frightened," and that "three old women could protect the Territory." But I have observed that all who make these remarks are sure to be found in the rear of 2000 cavalry, with the Indians far in the invisible foreground. In one sense, it may with truth be said that there is no danger to the settlements, the same as there was no danger at Washington at the time the Union army made its grand charge on that frightened city. Neither was there danger at Bull Run, and still our army fled with its officers as though the earth was pregnant with rebel batteries. A people will perish in a state of fear and anxiety sooner than of blank dispair; and although it may be folly to cry "Wolf" when no wolf is near, yet a child that has once had its hand in the lions mouth is very apt to dread another such experiment. We of Dakota have once experienced such a calamity, and if the Government will now take care of her murderous Indians, we in the Territory will take care of ourselves. We have already raised for the Government two companies of cavalry, and we have not to-day a soldier stationed in all our settlements, notwithstanding the fact that the camp-fires of all the hostile bands of the northwest are nightly kindled within the borders of our Territory. In our present situation we are like stool pigeons chained to the outposts of the Frontier, to invite a massacre and tempt the Indians within striking distance of the Government troops. We are informed however, that Gen. COOK is blameless in this matter, and that he has been ordered to march his entire expedition into the heart

[column three] of the Indian country and attack his enemy. It will prove a sad movement and can only be realized by the defenceless settlers who will be left unprotected in thier fields and villages. I freely admit that much of the fear of the people is extreme and unwarranted, but that should not prevent steps being taken to allay a fright which threatens to depopulate the Territory. It is a rule of all good Generals to keep their sentinels out, even in the abscence of danger and when the enemy is far in the distance. If no danger is apprehended, why is a night guard kept out by 2000 cavalry now encamped at the heel of the Territory, while 100 miles of settlement are left open to the nightwatch of Little Crow and his sentinels? It is said here to day that Gen. COOK intends establishing a line of scouts from Fort Randall to the Sioux river, and connecting his own division with that of Gen. Sibley. If this be so, it will serve as a great protection to settled portions of the Territory, inasmuch as the trail thus followed would pass between us and the Indians. In such a case we could almost take care of ourselves provided the scouts were not too far removed upon the plains to warn us of approaching danger. We shall await with anxiety the movement of the troops. The 3,000 Minnesota Indians which are to be transported to this Territory are to be located in the region of Crow Creek, near Fort Lookout, on this side of the river. We have no particular objection to thier being brought into Dakota provided the Government will send troops enough to keep them from cutting our throats. When they arrive at their new home they intend to wash the blood from their hands, garments, knives and tomahawks and live in peace. If so, you may look out to see the Missouri run red soon after the "great wash" takes place. Many of our best citizens are leaving for the new gold mines, some by land and some by river. Judge Tufts and Colonel Hagaman will go by first steamboat. All who go are confident of making a golden fortune and expect to return in a year to exhibit their "300 lbs. of pure dust." It is beyond doubt that the gold beds are deep and inexhaustible, but it is said there is one difficulty in the way of digging it, occasioned by the necessity of blasting through six feet of solid silver in order to get to the gold. This is indeed a tough case and will undoubtedly keep many away from the mines. Many of our officials and prominent citizens are returning to their places in the Territory. Mr Kingsbury has arrived and resumes the publication of the Dakotian next week. Hon. D. T. Bramble has returned with a bran new wife, and one that is not afraid of Indians. F. J. De Witt is here, and J. B. S. Todd is looked for every day. (blue outline) The U. S. Court opens next week. No news of who or where is our Governor; and nothing of importance respecting the Delegate contest, except the testimony of Hon. J. Y. Buckman, late member of the Legislature, who, it is said was sworn before a U. S. judge in Washington, and made oath that at the Red River election there were but five white men in the country, all the rest being half-breeds, and one of the Judges of election was a British subject from Selkirk; that after the polls were closed it was found that all the votes were cast for Todd, but in order to make the case appear more plausible, they arranged the returns so as to give Jayne 18 votes and Todd the rest. Mr Buckman ran upon the same ticket and was elected by the same votes and served in the same session with Donaldson and McFetridge, as members from the Red River. If this be true as it is said, there is no adverse proof, it is a shame and disgrace to the Territory to allow that distant region of half-breeds and a few white traders a representation in the Legislature. The act should be repealed immediately upon the reassembling of the next Legislature. - This would have been done at the last session had it not been for the persistent and stubborn vote of "copper-headed" Armstrong, who rather than see a Democratic district disenfranchised blindly sacrificed in the interest of the Missouri Slope in order to make a Democratic Legislature. Had Red River been a Republican [column four] District he would have fought and voted till midnight, in his efforts to wipe from the statute books the law giving them a representation. He may not have known the facts as set forth in Mr. Buckman's evidence, but if he did his own constituents should hold him to accountability. - With this evidence the Delegate contest will hang doubtful between Todd and Jayne, although the former has an undoubted legal majority on the Slope. It is said that among others Major Burleigh is laying his path for the next Delegate election, and I must confess that he is taking a course to make himself emphatically a people's man, provided he was not a Republican. He lives with his family in the Territory, is promoting the interests of settlers by building houses, opening farms, importing cattle, raising fruit orchards, &c., and assisting in establishing society, schools and churches. He has done more for Dakota than all the officials the Government has ever sent here. Give us a few more such men, though their political faith is black as night, and we will soon make Dakota an inviting home for immigrants. LOGROLLER.

Sioux City Register S. P. YEOMANS,...... Editor SATURDAY, MAY 2, 1862.

Additional news of Indian depredations are just received from Spirit Lake. Four or five men are reported to have been killed near the Iowa State line, and a body of some 40 Indians are said to have been seen in that vicinity. A good deal of apprehension is again felt along the border. Col. Sawyer, in command of the State troops, has already taken the necessary precautionary measures to secure the safety of the exposed settlers. We rejoice heartily in the assurance that a day of reckoning for these savage miscreants is at hand. We trust that retribution though long delayed, may now be swift, sure and ample.

We are glad to see evidences that the settlers of Dakota are becoming satisfied with the preparations making for their protection. There is no longer any doubt but a sufficient number of troops will be at the disposal of Gen. COOK, to enable him to make such arrangements as to remove all grounds of apprehension. We once more urge upon the farmers to plant largely. There will be a demand for all that can be raised.

The perfection with which Capt. MILLARD'S Company perform the most intricate cavalry evolutions, at the sound of the bugle, is a subject of general admiration. The officers are entitled to credit for their success in imparting instruction, and the men for their industry in acquiring the information so essential to military success.

We learn it has been decided to transport Minnesota Indians to their new abode, up the Missouri, by steamboat. There are said to be some 3000 of them, and arrangements are about being consummated for the shipment hither.

There are reports, said to be authentic, that recent Indian depredations have been committed in Minnesota within 40 miles of our State line. A house is said to have been assaulted and two or three whites killed.

Owing to the number of steamers required for Government transportation, our merchants are having much trouble in getting their goods freighted from St. Louis. We hear of the most extravagant prices having been offered and refused.

We are pleased to meet Mr. KINGSBURY, Editor of the Dakotian. He is stopping at the Wauregan House, homeward bound from a visit eastward. He proposes to recommence the publication of his paper without delay.

Our hotels are crowded with strangers, and dwelling houses were never in such demand as at present.

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[hand pointer] ROSTER OF GENERAL AND STAFF OFFICERS, 1ST MIL. DIST., DEP'T. N. W. -- Brig. Gen. JOHN COOK, Commanding. Capt. B. F. SMITH, A. A. G. and Chief of Staff Capt. GEO. C NELSON, (Post) A. C. S. Capt. S. BAGG, (Post) A. Q. M. Capt. A. H. MILLS, (Brigade) A. Q. M. Capt. M. S. CROSWELL, (Brig.) A. C. S. Lieut. Wm. L. MANN, Aide-de-Camp. Lieut. P. J. B. MARION, do Lieut J. C. RUTAN, do Lieut. J. A. HEARN, Ordinance Office.

[hand pointer] Official notice has been received at Headquarters that the 2d Nebraska Cavalry would leave Council Bluffs for Sioux City on Monday last. They will probably reach here to-day.

[hand pointer] Capt. BAGG, Post Quarter Master, and M. BAILEY, Assistant, arrived on Wednesday last and reported at Headquarters for duty.

[hand pointer] The pupil's of Mr. WRIGHT'S School entertained themselves with an interesting May Party on the 1st inst. They had a merry time.

[hand pointer] Hon. J. B. S. TODD is daily expectted from Washington. He has an extensive circle of friends in Sioux City who will be glad to see him.

[hand pointer] Gen. JACKSON, of the Dakota City Land Office, made us a visit during the week. He is always welcome.

[hand pointer] Major GALPIN of the American Fur Company has arrived from below, and is stopping at the Hagy House.

[hand pointer] Judge BLISS of the Dakota Federal Court has returned from the East, and is stoping at the Wauregan House.

The Dakotian. OFFICIAL PAPER OF THE TERRITORY. GEO. W. KINGSBURY,- - - EDITOR. YANKTON, DAKOTA TERRITORY Tuesday, : : : : : May 12, 1863.

Idaho and Dakota.

One of the last acts of the thirtyeventh Congress was the erection of a new Territory with the following described boundaries, viz: "beginning at a point in the middle channel of the Snake river, where the northern boundary of Oregon intersects the same; then follow down said channel of Snake river to a point opposite the mouth of the Kooskooskia or "Clear Water river; thence due north to the forty-ninth parallel of latitude; thence east along said parallel to the twenty-seventh degree of latitude west from Washington; thence south along said degree of latitude to the northern boundary of Colorado Territory; thence west along said boundary to the thirty-third degree of longitude west of Washington; thence north along said degree to the forty-second parallel of latitude; thence west along said parallel to the eastern border of Oregon; thence north along said boundary to the place of beginning."

To the region embraced in these limits above defined, Congress gave the beautiful and significant appelation of Idaho -- "The Gem of the Mountains." It is fit that we present such suggestions as occur to us touching this new Territory, and its relations to Dakota.

Idaho is made up of a portion of Nebraska, Washington and Dakota Territories, though chiefly from the last two named. We have quoted a description of its boundaries from the congressional act providing for its temporary government; but in order to localize and denote it more clearly, we will add that it is bounded on the north by Her Majesty's Possessions, on the east by Dakota, on the south by Colorado and Utah, and on west by Oregon and Washington.

[column two] It comprises thirteen degrees of longitude, extending from the 104 to the 117 west from Greenwich, and over seven degrees of latitude - the eastern half being bounded on the south by the 41st and the western half by the 42d degree of latitude.

More than half of Dakota has been included in Idaho and the latter is now the largest Territory of the public domain. -- It contains over 250,000 square miles of land, leaving Dakota with less than 150,- 000. Of points well known, Fort Larimie is in the south-eastern corner, Fort Union nearly direct north at the confluence of Yellow Stone and Missouri, is very near the line dividing Idaho and Dakota.

The far famed South Pass of the Rocky Mountains is near its southern boundary, and Fort Benton, the head of navigation on the Missouri, is situated in its northern central part.

The eastern section of Idaho is generally rolling prairie and includes large tracts of worthless land. The western portion is mountainous. The valleys of its countless streams are invariably fertile and productive. The main temperature of the Territory is about the same as northern Illinois. The climate is unrivaled - the air remarkable for its purity and salubrity.

Too little is known of Idaho to furnish anything more than a general chorographical sketch of its leading features. The Rocky Mountain range extends through the entire length of the Territory from north to south. The Black Hills are in the southeastern portion, and along the eastern slope of the Rocky range are the numerous mountain spurs known as the Wind River, Big Horn, Snow, Judith, and Bears Paw. On the western slope are the Salmon River and Bitter Root ranges.

The waters of Idaho flow in all directions, and feed both great oceans. He springs constitute the great reservoir of the continent. Green river, a chief tributary of the Colorado, whose waters find an outlet in the California gulf, takes its rise in Southern Idaho, and the Saskatchawan, which seeks an opposite course, flowing into Hudson's Bay, has its sources in northern Idaho. The Columbia, flowing into the Pacific, and the Missouri, Yellow Stone, the Big Cheyenne, the Niobrara, and the Platte, with their uncounted tributaries, find their sources within her boundaries.

Idaho is created under most favourable circumstances. Within the past year extensive gold fields have been opened in all parts of the Territory on both mountain slopes. It is already a settled fact that she contains exhaustless mineral wealth, more especially in precious metals. She is now looked upon as a second California, and the immigration moving thither is each day augmenting. It is predicted that her population will reach one hundred thousand in eighteen months.

The rapid settlement and the early development of its resources must have a favorable effect upon Dakota. Dakota and Idaho should cultivate and preserve the same relations as now exist between Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas. These mineral territories along the Rocky Mountains will furnish a market for the surplus produce of the Missouri valley, and the commerce which may be created between Idaho and Dakota must be of vital importance to both. It will require labor and influence, however, to establish such relations, but the people of Dakota should enlist earnestly in the enterprise at once. A good wagon road should be first opened from South-eastern Dakota to the head tributaries of the Missouri, and the authorities at Washington should be made to understand the necessity of pro-

[column three] tecting such route by a line of garrisoned forts. It cannot be over 650 miles from the Capital of Dakota to the heart of Idaho - the most direct and practitcable route from the Missouri river to the gold fields. A mail route should be opened at once from the railroad terminus, in Iowa, to the Captial of Idaho.

Another route should be opened up the Missouri to Fort Benton. We shall expect, if our officials of Dakota are diligent and faithful, to see all these things accomplished by another season. Idaho is our nearest neighbor west, and should she be speedily occupied with a large population, we may reasonably expect to attain that which is essential to our own prompt development, - a thoroughfare accross the plains in our latitude, which, may we not hope, would hasten the projection of the Railroad and Telegraph, and thus accellerate our growth, increase our wealth; multiply our population, and afford them peace; prosperity, and contentment.

The Question of Military Protection for Dakota

Many have left Dakota during the Spring, through fear of Indian depredations. Our population, small enough before, has been materially diminished; and unless ample protection is furnished immediately, there will be no farmers left on our borders. We are unable to understand why protection has not been extended. An important expedition has been preparing through the winter, and there have been troops enough in this Department to protect the settlements, and assure the people of safety, if they had been made use of for that purpose.

We have had confidence in the management of this department, and have believed that the commander was thorough master of his business, and fully equal to the duties assigned him. It is not to be expected that a commanding officer would unfold his plans to all strangers who may throng his quarters for place and profit, nor satisfy the curious gossipers who beset his office to tender unasked advice, and gather every item that falls, for the purpose of rehearsing them to the public ear, and thereby set in motion some exaggerated rumor or groundless charge; and it is just to presume that his knowledge of the whereabouts and probable purpose of the Indians, is superior to all others. Under this presumption and faith, we have felt secure, and urged others to feel as we did.

We have not been without apprehension, however, that the Indians designed mischief upon the opening of Spring, and we admit that we differed with the commanding General, believing that the presence of troops was necessary to protect the lives of the settlers - but we are still willing to accord a higher wisdom to the authorities who ought to know better than we can, and have the advantage of understanding the precise purpose for which Government has assigned them their place.

The recent attack at Greenway's ferry, has aroused afresh the feeling of insecurity, and excited many queries as to the real object of the expedition.

We believe if a few troops had been scattered through the Territory - the Indians would have stood aloof, and there would have been no need of a dead victim impaled with their arrows, to convince the authorities that they were actually among us with murderous intent inclined.

It may be necessary to retain two thousand troops in Sioux City, to complete their organization and perfect their discipline, and we grant that Sioux City is just as much entitled to protection as the scattered settlers of Dakota, but no more. We shall be content to await with patience, but not without anxious solicitude,

[column four] the development of the plan for practical operations of our Northwestern army.

Have we a Governor?

The question is often asked, has Dakota a Governor? Gov. Jayne resigned on the 4th of last March, and Hon. John F. Potter, of Wisconsin, was proffered the position. Rumour says, at one time, that he declined, and again, denies it. We should like to know, just for the sake of settling the question, just how the matter stands.

So far as the duties of Governor are concerned, they are being ably discharged by Secretary Hutchinson, and will continue to be attended to by that gentleman in a manner entirely satisfactory to all concerned. But the Secretary, we presume, as well as the people, would like to be enlightened in regard to Gov. Jayne's successor. Our curiosity will be satisfied when we ascertain who draws the salary? That's what's the matter.

A Bold and Defiant Murder! The Santees at Work! --- On Tuesday night of last week, Mr. ---------- Jacobson and Mr. Thomas W. Thompson, residing near Vermilion, Clay county, while encamped at Greenway's Ferry, on James river, were attacked by a band of Indians, who commenced the assault by firing upon the men while asleep in their wagon, instantly killing Mr. Jacobson, and severely wounding Mr. Thompson -- three balls passing through his arm and shoulder. As soon as the firing commenced, Mr. Greenway sprang from his bed, and discharged his gun at the Indians through the window of his house, at the same time calling upon the wounded man to take refuge in the house. In doing so, and in passing from the wagon to the house, Mr. Thompson was assailed by a volley of arrows from the Indians, one of which struck him in the back of the neck, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound -- the fore of the arrow having been fortunately to some extent spent passing through his coat collar, and coming in contact with a bone before it penetrated to a vital part. The Indians then decamped; taking with them the horses belonging to the murdered man but the horses subsequently escaped and returned to the vicinity from which they had been stolen.

The unfortunate men who have thus fallen victims to a barbarous, cruel and remorseless enemy, were engaged in hauling goods to the upper settlement, and at the time of the attack upon them, were upon their return trip, and within a few hours' drive of their homes. When they encamped at night, and lay down in their wagons to enjoy the sound and refreshing repose which is induced by a hard day's journey, they little thought that one should never see the morrow's sun, and the other be awakened by the blood-freezing yells of the savages, and feel their bullets and arrows tearing through his flesh. Probably they had been lulled in fancied immunity from harm, by the lusty and oft-repeated cry, "No danger" -- "Not a hostile Indian within five hundred miles of any settlement in Dakota" -- from the lips of the sycophants who bow the suppliant hinges of the knee, that "thrift may follow fawning" -- and whose language is always made to conform to the ideas and opinions of the powers that be.

What our citizens have feared, and to guard against which they have earnestly but vainly sought protection, has commenced -- the butchery of our people in isolated settlements. Heretofore our requests for military protection have been treated with indifference, if not with contempt; let us hope that they will re

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[top section cut off] ceive more attention, now that our representation in regard to the impending danger has been verified by the blood of two of our citizens. One of two things is inevitable—The settlements in Dakota must have ample military protection, or the Territory be abandoned by the settlers. A very few days will detemine the question.

Company B. Dakota Cavalry.

After months of energetic and commendable labor, Captain Tripp has succeeded in filling his company, and is now a part of the great army of the Union, having been duly mustered into the service of Uncle Sam, on the 25th ultimo, at Sioux City. Being largely composed of citizens of Dakota, we confidently expect this company will prove itself invincible in the hour of battle—and win, by their soldierly and gentlemanly deportment, as proud a name as has been accorded to their veteran brothers of company A.

Letter from Idaho Gold Mines.

Through the kindness of Hon. James Tufts, we are permitted to lay before our readers the following letter from Mr. Geo. Detwiler, who left this vicinity last summer for the upper Missouri gold mines.— Mr. D. is personally known hereabouts, and what he has written will be received with entire confidence in its truthfulness:

BANNOCK CITY, I. T. February, 19, 1865.

MY DEAR JUDGE: I have an opportunity of sending a letter by Mr. Clark. If you see him please extend to him those courtesies which you know so well how to bestow. We have had a mild winter here with but little snow. The miners have been able to work with rockers all winter. I have not accomplished much myself as yet, for this is new business to me, and I did not expect to see such a mild winter, and then I was anxious to see all I could of this mountain region. I have traveled about some, and intend to start again within a week or two, prospecting for diggings. I have prospected a little, and learned something about the business since I came. The mines here at this place are very good, but not very extensive. They are mining about seven miles along the creek; and there are six hundred or seven hundred men here holding claims. Some of them pay "big," but the greater number pay from $3 to $10 and $15 per day to the man. Five men here took out $611 in one day. I saw one pan of dirt washed the other day, which paid $19.

We have great excitement about quartz leads. Quite a number have been discovered, and some of them are very rich.— The Dakota lead is exceedingly rich. They take out from $140 to $400 per day. One quarter interest in this claim sold the other day for $3,000. Claims are selling for from $25 to $2,500. Some of them, I suppose, are worth it, but it is an uncertain way to invest money, for they give out sometimes. The best way to get them is to find them. I have been washing out gold, with a rocker, and had a man to help me. The first day we had $8.20, the second day $14.10, the third day $16.40, and to-day we have not weighed it yet, but I think we will have about $20. This is the extent of my mining, so far. Spring is now at hand, and I am going at it. I have a California miner for a partner, and he knows how to do it. We intend to go to Prickly Pear Diggings. There we get a good prespect [prospect] from the top down to the bed-rock. Here they get nothing until they get within two or three feet of the bed-rock. Everybody is of the opinion that the best diggings have not been discovered yet. I have prospected in many places, and [always get the color?]. There

[column 2]

will be a great many men prospecting soon. Some are going to the Yellow Stone some to Snake river, and some to the Gallitan fork of the Missouri river; also some to St. Mary's Lake. They found some good prospects up that way last summer. I believe there is plenty of gold in these mountains, but we have not men enough to prospect thoroughly. The merchants of this place have been on a spree this week, on whisky, at fifty cents a drink. This a fast place.

What do you think? Are you coming up here? You had better come, unless you have a good thing where you are. I intend to stay here until I make a good raise, and I think I can do it.

Judge, send me up two iron spancels, with lock and key, for horses. The Indians steal horses here, and I think if they are spanceled they cannot run them off.

I send this with Mr. Clark. If you see him he will tell you all about everything. I have not time to write anymore. Please write to me soon, or come up. Truly Your Friend, GEORGE DETWILER. TO JUDGE TUFTS, Yankton, D. T.

Hon J. B. S. Todd will accept onr [our] thanks for valuable public documents.

SURVEYS IN DAKOTA.—The last Congress appropriated $10,000 fer [for] surveys in Dakota.

Hon. J. Shaw Gregory has gone to St. Louis for the purpose of buying his Summer's supply of goods.

The Journals and Laws of the last Legislature are now at the binders. They will be completed and ready for delivery about the middle of June.

We understand that a detachment of thirty soldiers were sent in pursuit of the Indians who murdered Jacobson, by Gen. Cook. Up to the time of going to press, we had heard no tidings from them.

The Land Office at Vermillion has been doing more business this Spring, than at any and all seasons heretofore.— So we are informed by the gentlemanly Receiver, Mr. Wilkinson.

The expedition organizing to go in pursuit of the hostile Indians, now organizing at Sioux City, proposes to start sometime between the 20th inst. and the 1st proximo.

James or Dakota River is, we understand, provided with four ferries.— "Competition is the life of trade," but not the ferry trade. Gentlemen, if you would succeed, advertise.

Mr. Wm. Reynolds, of Indiana, brother-in-law of H. C. Ash, has taken up his residence with us. We are glad to welcome him, and hope the future may prove all his fancy paints it.

On our fourth page will be found a series of articles, prepared by members of the last Congress. We are promised a continuance of favors from the most intelligent and respectable members of that most intelligent and respectable body. Now is the time to subscribe.

The Spring term of the District Court, for the 1st Judicial District, commenced its session in Vermillion, last Wednesday. Judge Williston being absent, Chief Justice Bliss presides.

The session for this District will commence next Tuesday, the 10th inst.

The Missouri river, at present, is adapted for any other purpose than navigation. It is lower than had been known for years at this season of the year. The The June rise will render the river navigable for a time; but fro the greater part of the boating season, it will be almost impassable.

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We are credibly informed that Capt. Tripp's Company of Cavalry has been ordered to Yankton, and are expected here this evening. Their arrival will [restore] confidence in our settlers, and we may [yet] have the satisfaction of seeing our farmers return to their fields.

We understand that that portion of the 41st Iowa Infantry now [stationed] at Fort Randall, has been merged [into] the 7th Iowa Cavalry, and ordered to [be] amounted. Major Pattee goes into [the] new regiments as Lt. Colonel.

By the way, Major Pattee was in [town] with his family last week, en route [for] Sioux City.

The Pacific House, in [Council] Bluffs, is among the few excellent [hotels] which greet the traveler, in his [journey] westward. S. S. Bayliss, the [proprietor,] combines all those axcellent [excellent] [qualities] which render him particularly suited [to] fill the character of "mine host." [The] verdict of the traveling public accords [to?] the Pacific a prominent position [among] the best hotels in the country.

Rev. M. Hoyt preached an [enter-] taining and instructive discourse, [Sunday] evening, on the pernicious habit of [swear-] ing. It is a lamentable fact that our [young] men—the very flower of our city—are [ad-] dicted to the use of profane language [to] a shocking degree. The able manner in which Mr. Hoyt treated the subject, will, we trust, have a salutary efect upon those whom the garment fitteth. Mr. H. preaches next Sabbath, at 11 A. M., and in the veening. Let all attend.

PERSONAL.—Hon. D. T. Bramle returned from a lengthy trip east, last Monday. Having abiding faith in the divine injunction that "it is not good for man to be alone," he brought with him a "better half." The appearance of all parties bespeaks commendable taste and judment in such matters.

In common with his many friends, we offer our congratulations, and trust that the future may be as bright, promising, prolife and full of pleasure as their most ardent anticipations could desire.

The example of D. T. will bear imitation.—Bachelor, go thou and do likewise.

IMPORTANT.—The Commissioners appointed by Government to audit and pay the claims of all those persons who have suffered losses occassioned by Indian depredations, either in Dakota, Iowa, or Minnesota, will commence their labors about the 10th of June, at St. Peters, in Minnesota. Sufferers desirous to avail themselves of this opportunity to receive indemnification must prepare their accounts, have them properly authenticated and transmit to Hon. Cyrus Aldrich, St. Peters. All the accounts should be presented before the 10th of June.

Col. Rob't Hagaman proposes to try his fortunes in the new Territory of Idaho—and departs for that country by the steamer Shreveport, which is expected here daily. Bob will be "missed from the circle," sadly. He is a good boy,— smart, intelligent, industrious, and "quick at figures." We commend him to all who may become acquainted with him as a gentleman of integrity and large experience—and one who leaves behind him in Dakota a record adorned with all the noble traits of character which mark the honest man.

Quite a number of Dakotians have visited the East during the last few months—been reposing in the bosom of their families, "so to speak." Nearly all have returned, and without an exception, appear benefitted by the trip. Among those who seem to have derived more than ordinary benefit from the trip is N. Edmunds, Esq., of the Surveyor Geveral's [General's] office. [Every] indication proves that his

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visit has been pleasurable to himself, [and] profitable to the tailor. It may be said of him now, that he is ornamental as well as useful.

Major Galpin passed through town recently en route to Fort Pierre, where he intends "making connections" with the Shreveport, and continuing on to Fort La Barge.

In the development and success of the Northwest Mr. Galpin is deeply interested, and no one individual does more to further the interests of this country, than he. We can do no less than pray for fotune to crown his every effort.

The scene of the late butchery by the Indians, of the lamented Jacobson, is but five miles from Yankton—one of the most populous settlements in Dakota— and directly on the main thoroughfare between us and Sioux City. No wonder our farmers feel insecure, and seek the security of town every evening at nightfall. How much longer must this state of affiars continue?

FROM MINNESOTA.—More Indian depredations are reported from Fort Abercrombie. Four persons have been murdered near Fort Small. Indians have been seen in the vicinity of New Ulm— and have killed several persous [persons] on the Cottonwood.