The facts set forth in the accompanying memorial and
papers show that the dangers to which our fellow-citizens are exposed
are so imminent that I deem it to be my duty again to impress on
Congress the strong claim which the inhabitants of that distant country
have to the benefit of our laws and to the protection of our Government.
I therefore again invite the attention of Congress to the subject, and
recommend that laws be promptly passed establishing a Territorial
government and granting authority to raise an adequate volunteer force
for the defense and protection of its inhabitants. It is believed that a
regiment of mounted men, with such additional force as may be raised in
Oregon, will be sufficient to afford the required protection. It is
recommended that the forces raised for this purpose should engage to
serve for twelve months, unless sooner discharged. No doubt is
entertained that, with proper inducements in land bounties, such a force
can be raised in a short time. Upon the expiration of their service many
of them will doubtless desire to remain in the country and settle upon
the land which they may receive as bounty.
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