The halfbreeds of the North are for the most part a fierce & turbulent race, impatient of control, & so much feared by the Hudson Bay Co. that they are said to keep in pay some of their leading men, with a view to prevent outbreaks. They are not nearly so numerous as they have been represented, probably not exceeding 600 to 800 men, in all, and the white settlers, who numbered 1000 to 2000 a few years since, are mostly dispersed. I would suggest whether it might not be well to send a force, not less than 300 to 400 Dragoons, at the proper season, which would at once overawe both halfbreeds & Indians. Sir, Your Obd’t serv’t, ROBERT STUART, Act’g Sup’t Ind. Affairs. _Endorsement_: When the 5 troops of the 2d. Dragoons, now in Florida, shall join the headquarters of the reg’t., in the So. West (say in June) the 1st Dragoons may be concentrated, or nearly so, on the Upper Missouri, & thus furnish the detachment of two or three troops wanted for the within purpose. Three troops would be sufficient—Mr. Stuart does not give the southern limits of the halfbreeds. Feb. 20, 1842. _Postscript_: Of the 1st Dragoons, one troop is now at Fort Atkinson (Nebraska—ED.), 6 are at Ft. Leavenworth, & 3 on the Arkansaw. I still think 3 or 4 troops of horse, say even 150 men, enough. WINFIELD SCOTT. _Feb’y 25, 1842._ AUTOGRAPH LETTER OF EDGAR ALLAN POE. [Addressed to his uncle, William Poe, of Augusta, Ga. Dated Philadelphia, August 15, 1840. Valuable for its details of plan of a proposed new magazine, and his past connection with others.] DEAR WILLIAM, Owing to a temporary absence from town I did not receive your welcome letter of the 28th July until this morning. I now hasten to reply, and in the first place let me assure you that, if I have not lately written, it is rather because I have been overwhelmed by worldly cares which left me scarce a moment for thought, than that I do not feel for you the kindest affection as well as deep gratitude for the services yourself and brothers have so often rendered me.