60 [2] 
ded that the circumstances of the case justified the step which he has 
taken. But, be this as it may, the step is taken, and therefore, 
the force engaged must be supported. 
For this purpose, I have ordered General Atkinson to repair to 
the Missouri, where I have directed six companies of the first, and 
four of the seventh infantry, to be placed under his orders, which, 
with the disposable pan of the 6th, he will be able, not only to sup- 
port Col. Leavenworth, but to punish the Ricaras, and arrest the 
progress of Indian hostilities in that quarter, or at least to prevent 
its extension to the Pawnees (said to be nearly allied to the Ricaras) 
and other nations east and south thereof. 
Two steam-boats are employed to transport the six companies of 
the 1st regiment from Baton Rouge to St. Louis; this will occasion 
an expense of about §4,000. For the payment of this sum, and to 
meet the expenses of transportation, &c. of these companies from St. 
Louis, and the four companies of the 7th from Arkansaw to Council 
Bluffs, I have to request, that the Quartermaster Gericral may be in- 
structed to for'ward to the Assistant Quartermaster at St. Louis, the 
sum of S12,000, which is deemed to be necessary to meet the expen- 
ses of transportation, 6cc. which will be incurred in the movements 
to Council Bluffs. 
Very respectfully, I have the honor, &c. &c, 
E. P. GAINES, 
Major General by Brevet Commanding, 
To Maj. Gen. Brown, 
Commanding U. S. Jirmy, Washington City, 
A true copy : 
R. LowNDS, Jlid'de-Camp. 
Fort Atkinson, 
July 7, 1823. 
Dear General : Before an opportunity oftered to forward ray 
letter of the 3d iristaut, and which I herewith enclose, an express 
arrived with a few lines to Major Foster, mentioning the loss of 
LiiHit. Wickliff's boat and seven soldiers drowned. We have no par- 
ticulars, except that most of the property was saved, and that the ex- 
pedition was going on as usual, and expected to reach the Grand 
Bend against the 15th inst. At this post every thing goes on as well 
as could be expected. 
Yours, &c. 
BENJAMIN O'FALLON. 
General Atkinson, Louisville, Kentucky, 
I certify the above to be a true copy, 
U. LowNDs, %iid-de-camp. 
