No. 274.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. West.
Department of State,
Washington, December 20,
1882.
Sir: You will remember that the recent
correspondence between this Department and your legation touching the
movements of hostile Indians
[Page 482]
on either side of the northwestern boundary led to an understanding that
this Government and that of the Dominion of Canada should, as far as
possible, co-operate to preserve peace and repress depredations on that
frontier by giving notice to each other of the movements of the
hostiles.
In this sense I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a telegram
of the 4th instant from the commanding officer of the United States
forces at Poplar River, Montana Territory, reporting that the Milk River
country is overrun with half-breeds, Crees, hostile Sioux, and armed
Yanktonnais, and that a collision between them and white hunters “would
not be surprising.”
As a collision might involve the interference of the military force and
the possible pursuit of the hostiles to the Dominion border, it seems
proper to bring this intelligence to your notice, to the end that the
authorities of the Dominion may be advised and prepared for any
necessary action in protection of Canadian interests or otherwise.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure.—Telegram.]
Poplar River, Mont., December 4, 1882.
To Breck, Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Snelling,
Minn.:
First Sergeant Neeland, Company B, with Sergeant Boost, Company F,
and two Indian scouts, struck camp of half-breeds and Crees near
Campbell’s houses on Milk River Saturday night. Breeds and Indians
fled with their horses, leaving in Neeland’s hands 58 carts and
harnesses, 20 hides, 10,000 pounds meat, and other property. Have
ordered Neeland to destroy all he cannot bring with him and return
at once to post, as I fear breeds may get reinforcements of Crees
and attack him. Scout Culbertson reports Milk River country overrun
with half-breeds, Crees, and “Lame Brulé’s” band of hostile Sioux,
Yanktou Indians; and I presume others are getting arms, ammunition
and whisky in unlimited quantities at Norris’s place, thirty miles
above Dry Fork. White hunters are in close proximity to Indian
camps, and a collision would not be surprising. Intend, if possible,
to make trip through that country myself in few days and make full
report.
Headquarters Department of Dakota,
Fort Snelling, Minn.,
December 8,
1882.
Captain Read, Camp Poplar River, Montana:
Dispatch to Breck received. Your orders to destroy property are
approved. I shall be glad if the weather permits you to make the
trip which you propose, and shall defer action till I hear further
from you.
ALFRED H. TERRY
,
Brigadier-General.
Official copies respectfully forwarded to the headquarters
Military Division of the Missouri.
ALFRED H. TERRY
,
Brigadier-General U. S. A., Commanding.
Department
Dakota, December 8,
1882.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters Military Division of the
Missouri,
Chicago, December 12, 1882.
Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army, for
the information of the General of the Army.
P. H. SHERIDAN,
Lieutenant-General, Commanding.
