Indian Disturbances on the White River

Here is an early reference to the Ozarks from an 1824 newspaper.  Though I have had complaints in the past about posting such items.  It is still a part of our Ozarks' History...warts and all.  May we never forget our past and the lessons it entails.

We learn, by gentlemen from Batesville, that the most serious alarm exists among the citizens above that place, on White river, inconsequence of the disorderly movements of the Shawnees, Delawares, and other Indian tribes, who have been removed to that section of our territory the last two or three years. Some of the old and friendly chiefs have given notice to the white inhabitants, that they cannot restrain the ardor of their headstrong young men, who are resolutely bent on murdering the whites, and the strongest apprehensions are entertained by them that they will very soon carry their savage designs into effect. Two or three old and respectable chiefs, finding the efforts unavailing to maintain peace on the part of the young and refractory men of their nation, we understand, have actually removed from the country, and are returning to their former-residence.

The white people, as may well be supposed, are panic struck. Some have already left their habitations and

improvements, and many others are preparing to leave as soon as possible; and it is the opinion of some of the most intelligent men in Independence county, that the country above Batesville will soon be abandoned to the Indians, unless some efficient measures are promptly adopted to secure our unprotected citizens from the aggression of their savage neighbors.

The General Assembly of this Territory have, for years past, petitioned the general government for the establishment of a military post on White River, which they considered indispensable to the security of

the inhabitants in that quarter; and recent events show that their fears were not without foundation. Indeed, it is the opinion of many, that, since such a multitude of Indians of various nations, roost of whom were arrayed against the United States during the late war with England, have been collected together in the northwest section of our territory, a military post on White river, is as necessary as at almost any other point on the western frontier. The assurance, contained in Mr. Conway's letter, that the Indians on White river shall be removed north of the limits of our territory, will, we sincerely hope, speedily be realized.

Work Cited:
"More Indian Disturbances." The Torch Light And Public Advertiser. Hagers-Town, Maryland. (June 15, 1824) 1. Access Newspaper Archive.  Donald W. Reynolds Library, Mountain Home, AR. 2 Nov. 2010.