No. 363.
Mr. Blaine to Sir Edward
Thornton.
Washington, May 26, 1881.
Sir: Referring to my recent note of the 10th instant, on the subject of the incursions of the British Indians into Montana Territory, I have now the honor to acquaint you with the later advices received by this Department, which show the increased gravity of the situation and the imminence of hostile operations against these predatory frontier tribes.
Three hundred lodges of British Cree Indians and a number of half-breeds are still encamped upon the American reservation near Beaver Creek, defying orders to move, and saying they will fight if their removal be attempted.
Not less than 1,000 head of cattle are reported to have been killed during the past winter by British Indians, and it is alleged that the returning bands, on their way toward the Montana frontier, are stealing all the horses they can lay their hands on.
In view of this intolerable state of things, a popular uprising of the settlers on that frontier against these marauding savages maybe forced by the instinct of self-preservation, to the probable precipitation of a general Indian war, which calamity it is in every way the interest of both governments to avert.
It seems to be as clearly the duty of the Government of the United States to use every effort of moral persuasion to induce these Indians to return to their home in British territory as it is the duty of the government of the Dominion to co-operate to this end, and to control and restrain them when they shall have recrossed the frontier. And if, unfortunately, recourse to armed force be necessary to drive back [Page 589] these marauders, this government can expect from the comity of that of the Dominion no less than a determined effort to meet and disarm these dangerous tribes and place them in a position where they can do no harm.
In view of the urgency of the situation, I beg that you will, if possible, communicate with the government of the Dominion by telegraph.
I have, &c.,