No. 313.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. West.
Department of State,
Washington, November 30,
1883.
Sir: With reference to previous correspondence
concerning incursions of Canadian Indians into this country, I now have
the honor to transmit herewith, for the information of the Canadian
Government, a copy of a letter which I have received from my colleague
the Secretary of War, stating that the military authorities in Dakota
have apprehended a number of Canadian half-breeds, men, women and
children, some of whom are the same persons who were sent over the line
by General Miles in 1879.
I have, &c.,
[Page 535]
[Inclosure.—Telegram.]
Fort Buford, Dak., November 11, 1883.
To Adjutant-General, Department Dakota, Fort Snelling, Minn.:
Lieutenant Bell brought in eleven men, twelve women, thirty-eight
children, forty-six ponies, twenty-two carts, three spring wagons,
tents, bedding, &c.
Most of them are Canadian half-breeds; some of them are the same that
were sent over the line by General Miles in ’79. Lieutenant Bell
says it is a den of thieves. The meat of the cattle that were stolen
was found cachéd in camp. Humanity prevents me from carrying out
letter instructions, as the women and children will freeze, after
putting them across the line, without transportation.
Instructions requested. Their camp 30 miles from river, on White
Earth.
Headquarters Department Dakota,
Fort Snelling, Minn.,
November 12,
1883.
Commanding Officer, Fort Buford, Dak.:
Telegram of yesterday received. Send the Canadian Indians and
half-breeds across the line, and let them take such of their
property as may be necessary to keep them from suffering.
By command General Terry.
BRECK,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
