No. 293.
Mr. Davis to Mr. West.
Department of State,
Washington, May 7,
1883.
Sir: With reference to the note of this
Department of the 17th ultimo to you concerning the raids of Canadian
Indians in the northwestern Territories of this country, I now have the
honor to inclose herewith
[Page 501]
for
your information a copy of a report received by the War Department in
relation to the capture of a party of British intruding Indians on the
14th ultimo, by the commanding officer at Fort Assinniboine.
Inviting your attention to the indorsement on the communication above
mentioned, of the 20th ultimo, of the department commander, directing
that the captured Indians should be conducted under escort to the line
and sent across with the rifles and ponies they had, unless the thieves
or stolen stock could be identified,
I have, &c.,
JOHN DAVIS,
Acting
Secretary.
[Inclosure.]
Helena, Mont., April 15, 1883.
Adjutant-General, Department of Dakota, Fort Snelling,
Minn:
Commanding officer Assinniboine reports capture near there yesterday
69 Crees—16 men, balance women and children. Took from them 5
rifles, 19 horses, and asks orders as to them and property. I am not
sure what action would be desired in this case. As to the property,
Crees have lately stolen many horses from Indians this side of line
and killed some cattle on the Marias. This does not appear
distinctly a stealing party.
RUGER,
Commanding
District.
[Indorsement.]
Headquarters Department of Dakota,
Fort Snelling, Minn.,
April 20,
1883.
Commanding Officer, District Montana, Helena, Mont.:
After considering your telegram of the 15th, the department commander
thinks best under the circumstances to send the Crees under escort
to the line, and send them across, with the few rifles and ponies
they had, unless the thieves or stolen stock can be identified. Take
action accordingly.
By order General Terry.
SAMUEL BRECK,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
