66 [ 2 ] 
As Colonel Leavenworth will probably report by express the re- 
sult of his movement, I have reason to expect his report in the 
course of the next two weeks. 
Very respectfully, I have the honor to be, 
E. P. GAINES, 
Major General by Brt. Comm^dg. 
Hon. J. C. Calhoun, 
Secretary of War. 
Head Quarteks, Western Department, 
3S*ear Louisville, Ky. Jlugust 30, 1823. 
Sir: I received yesterday your letter of the 14th instant, by 
which I am j^ratified to learn that the measures adopted by me to 
strengthen the Missouri frontier, were approved by the President of 
the United States. 
By letters just now received from Gen. Atkinson, with the enclo- 
sures to which he refers, from Col. Leavenworth and Mr. Pilcher, 
copies of which I enclose herewith, numbered 1, 2, and 3, it ap- 
pears probable that the Mandan nation has determined to afford pro- 
tection to the Ricaras. The distance between them is about 130 
miles, the former occupying the country on the Missouri river, W. 
N. W. of the latter. It is moreover rumored that the Blackfoot 
Indians and the Sioux of the Missouri, will likewise unite with the 
Ukaras agaiust us. Should these rumors prove to be well founded, 
even as to any two of those nations, another season, with all the dis- 
posable force of the army, will be required for their chastisement. 
Upon this subject, however, the next report from Col. Leavenworth 
will, I trust, afford satisfactory informalion. Until the receipt of that 
report no additional arrangements are deemed necessary for the sup- 
ply of subsistence, or the concentration of force, beyond that which 
is now in motion. 
The 4th infantry at Pensacola, with the four companies of the 1st 
now at Baton Rouge, is the only part of the troops in this Depart- 
ment that can safely be added to the force already ordered to march 
under Gen. Atkinson; for, such is the number and qwestionable cha- 
racter of the Sioux on the Mississippi, with some other Indians in 
that quarter, that not a company of the 5th infantry can properly be 
considered as disposable beyond the immediate vicinity of its posi- 
tion; and I am of opinion that the frontiers of Louisiana and Arkan- 
sau require a force at least equal to the six companies of the 7th 
infantry posted in that quarter. One of these companies, however, 
