Page:1862 Territory of Dakota Session Laws.pdf/513

496

To the Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

memorialists, the legislative assembly of Dakota Territory, respectfully represent, That your department could materially enhance the business and growth of this territory by making Fort Randall the distributing depot for the North-West, instead of Fort Leavenworth. Your department must be aware that freights can be transported via Fort Randall to Laramie and Salt lake much cheaper than by any other route. While the route by the Niobrara valley is equally practicable, the distance in overland transportation is at least three hundred miles less than from Fort Leavenworth. It is needless to remind you of the obvious advantage to border settlements resulting from the establishment of an important military depot in this [their] midst. It is an assistance with which all other territories have been favored except Dakota. We ask what we believe will result in a great saving to the general government, and at the same time confer substantial benefit upon the people of Dakota. And we shall ever pray.

Be it resolved by the council and house of