Mr. Young to Mr. Price.
Blackfeet Agency, Mont, August 23, 1883.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of official letter under date of August 4 last, and marked 13983–83, inclosing a letter to the honorable Secretary of State from the British minister “in relation to the alleged stealing of horses from Canadian territory by South Piegan Indians.”
The transaction described took place at from 50 to 80 miles distant from this agency, and from the commander of the military camp near there I heard at the time a report in all main points agreeing with that now received from the Canadian authorities.
At and before the time when the stealing took place, constant raids were being made by the Crees from the Canadian side, who were daring enough to steal from herds close to this agency. When pursuits were made fights took place, and lives were lost; but before proper protection was procured by the military camps over 200 ponies had been stolen and taken into Canada. None of them to this date have been returned.
The stealing referred to was in retaliation for these outrages, carefully concealed from the agent’s knowledge, but in accordance with the Indian’s method of obtaining redress for nis wrongs.
Very respectfully, &c.,
United States Indian Agent.
P. S.—The British minister’s letter returned herewith.