This was sent to the Crawford-L list. The submitter gave me permission to send it to the Sebastian list. QUESTION: Does anyone know when Zachary Taylor, later Pres. Zachary Taylor, was posted to Ft. Smith? Regards, Nan 71532.734@compuserve.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ Arkansas Intelligencer Van Buren, Crawford County, Arkansas November 11, 1843 DEFENCE OF OUR FRONTIER In evidence of our former statements, that this frontier is neglected by the War Department, and that we are not protected by the "handfull of troops" in this district, we will furnish a few facts, which will go to show that our military guardians fail to extend the protection that they say they are so "competent to give us"; and that they are in time of need reluctant to forsake their inglorious ease, comforts and pleasures, and take to the field and render that military service for which they are commissioned to perform. Our frontier is yet in an unsettled condition and its peace and quiet have been disturbed, not only in the Indian Country, but our border counties have been thrown into excitement. The citizens have girded on their armor, and have marched to the field to restore peace to the country, whilst the United States troops were reposing quietly in their garrisonss, or pursuing the warlike avocations of shooting grouse, partRidges, and rabbits. One murder after another was committed along our border, not only among the Indians, but citizens of the United States fell victims to this "safe and quiet state of affairs". Did the military use any efforts to capture the murderers, or to restrain further violence? No. Citizens of the United States, licensed traders, and peaceable travellers were murdered in the Indian Country, not only upon the highways, but their domicils were invaded, their hearths ravished, their property plundered, their houses burned and they were butchered and cast into burning ruins. When this startling intelligence was conveyed to the Commanding General, which he received in forty hours after the perpetration of this last mentioned shocking deed, and when the assembled neighbors were using their best endeavors to discover traces of the perpetrators of this terrible act, with the intention of pursuing and capturing them-when a few United States troops could aid essentially in accomplishing that result, he was requested to send a command of troops to their aid. Did he comply with that reasonable request? Did he send the avenging sword to overtake the murderers of his countrymen, citizens of his Government, whom he sent here in all his warlike paraphernalia to protect? Did he use any effort to recover stolen property that was in possession of these robbers-the property of a licensed trader, under the protection of his Government? No, no, we emphatically answer to all these interrogatories. A short time subsequent to the events just cited, Mr. Vore, son of the victims of this last outrage, houseless, penniless, friendless, destitute of all but his "country's protection" bent his steps towards Fort Smith, where he saw, waving over its ramparts, the proud emblem of his country's power and glory, the refuge, the protection of American citizens in every other clime. He hailed it with anticipation of aid and protection. With the confidence of an outraged American citizen, he requested the Commanding General to send with him a party of troops to aid him in capturing the murderers of his parents; and recovering the property they carried off. What, kind readers, do you think was the response to this sanguine expectation? He was coldly and positively refused all aid!!! Either the Commanding General did not set sufficient value upon the lives and property of American Citizens, or he had not enough troops in his command to spare a party for that purpose. He may use either as an excuse; but neither will satisfy us. If he gives the former, we ask for his immediate removal to a quarter where the citizens do not set such value upon their lives and property. If the latter, we charge him with having misinformed the Department, when he stated the "affairs were in a safe and quiet condition" on this frontier, and that he had troops enough. By this he lost our confidence, therefore, we still ask for his "transfer." We can assure the Department that a full expression of the grievances and dissatifaction of this whole border community wil be laid upon the Speaker's table at the next session of Congress. What have the military done on this Frontier during the few past years? Nothing. We do not want more troops to do nothing. Be we want more troops to do something, to be actively employed. If we are not to have protection from the Army, we want it disbanded-the expense saved and we will defend ourselves. Although the Commanding General could not spare troops to avenge the blood of citizens; and at that time thought things on this frontier in a "safe and quiet condition", took some 10 or 12 men to guard his person from Fort Smith to Gibson. --------------------------------------------- Question: Zachary Taylor, later President Zachary Taylor, was posted to Ft. Smith. Does anyone have a bio on him? I'd like to know what years he was posted in the Ft. Smith area.