No. 217.
Mr. Evarts
to Sir Edward Thornton.
Washington, March 15, 1879.
Sir: I have the honor to state that information of a trustworthy character has reached this department to the effect that there are about 2,500 armed and hostile Indians, at present under the command of Sitting Bull, near the border line between the United States and the British possessions, Sitting Bull himself being encamped on the British side, but his followers are to be found engaged in hunting buffalo at various points on the American side. From the best information received, it is feared that hostile demonstrations will be made by this force during the coming spring, or whenever the grass has grown sufficiently to warrant an aggressive movement.
It further appears that Sitting Bull has sent emissaries to all the various affiliated tribes in Montana and Dakota Territories for the purpose of enlisting them in his behalf should actual hostilities occur.
In view of the gravity of the situation, it is thought proper to request you to be good enough to bring the facts as herein stated to the notice of the Dominion Government, with an expression of the hope on the part of this government that all necessary precautions may be promptly taken to avert the consequences arising from the possible outbreak of an Indian war.
I have, &c.