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LAST INDIAN TROUBLES IN IOWA.
In pursuance with the plan of organization, Adjutant Dodge addressed Colonel Means of Sioux City, under the impression that he was in command of the company organized there. The communication should have been addressed to Captain William Tripp, who was in command of the company. The letter reads:
" HEADQUARTERS MIL. WES. IOWA,
"COUNCIL BLUFFS, May 8, 1861.
"COLONEL MEANS:
"Dear Sir- I am informed that you have command of the military company in Woodbury county. As your point is considered one of importance on our frontier, I am directed to urge upon you the importance of an immediate and thorough organization; and that you will report your command immediately to me that arms can be forwarded you as soon as they reach this place. The governor has placed the organization of the western portion of the State under separate command, and one or more regiments will be immediately formed and placed in condition for actual service.
"The company should be thoroughly drilled, and, if possible, adopt some cheap and durable uniform. I shall endeavor to have some arrangement made for quick communication with your place, and would suggest that couriers from your command be provided, that in case of difficulty it may be reported immediately at headquarters. The companies in Monona and Harrison, as soon as they report, will be instructed in this matter.
"I am very respectfully,
"G. M. DODGE, Acting Adjutant
" Per order of C. BALDWIN, commanding."
Previous to these measures being taken by the State, however, the people at Sioux City, and perhaps at other places along the border, had organized companies of "Home Guards," as they were called. Under the more thorough
