DES MOINES,
September 8, 1862 – 12.30 p.m.
Hon. E. M. STANTON:
I have reliable information that Yankton Indians on our
western border, north of the Missouri River, have joined with the hostile
Indians in Minnesota, and threaten our whole northwestern frontier. The
settlers are flying by hundreds. I have ordered out 500 mounted men. We lack
arms and equipments, and must have them. I beg you will order General Harney to
Sioux City to take command and put down this outbreak. There is a regiment of
infantry at this place armed and equipped for United States service, except
tents. They had better be sent to the border to operate there under Harney, but
must have tents. The danger is imminent, and nothing but prompt action can stop
the terrible massacre. General Harney is just the man we need for this service.
Another regiment of infantry is organizing at Council Bluffs. This regiment
could be mounted and armed at once; it would be better than to send the
infantry. Something must be done at once.
SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD,
Governor.
SOURCES: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and
Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 172-3; The War of
the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Armies, Series I, Volume 13 (Serial No. 19), p. 620
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