of the Gadsden purchase.


TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED:

The undersigned, your humble petitioners, citizens of the United
States, and residents of the Territory known as the Gadsden
Purchase, respectfully represent:
ŒThat since the annexation of their Territory to the United
States, they have been totally unprotected from Indian
depredations and civil crimes.

That the protection of the Mexican Government has been with
drawn, and that it has not been replaced by any visible
protection from the United States.

That the annexation of the Purchase to New Mexico, carried with
it no protection for life or property.

That the present force of United States troops, four companies of
dragoons, reduced by desertion and death to about one half, is
entirely inadequate to protect us against the depredations of the
Apaches.

That many of your petitioners have expended their time and means
in opening and prospecting rich mines of Copper and Silver, and
have been driven from them by the Indians--losing their all, and
also many valuable lives.

That the Territory is immensely rich in minerals, especially