Federal "Horse Marines."
--We have published allusions to a new project to conduct was the river, as having been originated at the
North.
We find the following description of the flotilla and its attachments in the Chicago
Times;
The naval brigade is about to commence operations against the guerillas that infest the shore of the
Mississippi, and plunder and bure steamboats, and murder inoffensive persons.
The capture of these rascals has been almost an impossibility, on account of their peculiar made of warfare, and the immense advantage they have had of escape.
The brigade mentioned may not annihilate the robbers, but it will undoubtedly, diminish the number of their depredations and render their attacks more difficult.
To effect this purpose, two boats have been arranged to accommodate a hundred cavalrymen, with their horses, who will be transported up and down the river constantly.
Berths for men and stalls for the horses have been provided, and all are protected from musket and rifle shots by a covering of very heavy oak plank.
A large stage has been hung on cranes ready to be swung down by an invisible power, when the boat has landed, and over this bridge the ready horsemen are expected to rush, sword in hand, upon the objects of their vengeance.
The idea is a good one, provided the steamer happens to be just where the guerillas are. Herein lies the difficulty.
They will not let their presence be known while such a formidable enemy is in sight.
However, owing to the nature of the country bordering on the
Mississippi, it is the best we can do. A cavalry force is much needed — in fact, is the only one that can operate effectively; and, if it is impossible to do so on land, they must do the best they can on water.
That the project may realize the most sanguine hopes of its originators, is the wish of every one who desires the free navigation of the
Western waters.s
