New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-12-07
SHERIDAN,S REPORT.

The report of Gen. Sheridan accompanies
that Of the General OF the Army. Gen. Sheridan com
mand tho Military Division OF the Missouri, which en-
braces tho Departments OF Dakota, the Platte and the
Missouri, commanded respectively by Major Gen. W. s.
Hancock Breyet Maor.Gen c. c. Augur aud Major Gen.
j. NJ schoned. These three departments a terri
tory OF great extent In which most OF the civilized sem
civilized, and wild Indians abide. The Commander re-
ports that all the commands been economically and
successfully administered during the past year The
number of troops would be sufficient II the companies
are kept filed TO their maximum The report then con-
tinues follows: great many OF the settlers IN Mon
have been murdered and 900 500 head OF stock
captured ana run on wlth the last o. day anu nucn
bitter complaint has been made by the settlers on ac-
count OF nonproeeon the few troops stationed In Mon
being insufficient 70 meet the wants OF the case
There has also been great deal OF trouble along the
Missouri River, and number Of people murdered IN the
vicinity the military posts The friendly Indians and
the agents and employees at Big Cheyenne Grand River,
aud Nhtsone agencies have been jeopardy several
occasions rs the Wild Indians have at times had ther
way driving the cmplOyesinto the agency buildings,
catiie steps have been taken to remedy these evils es
far can by the erection OF bock.houses The post
three years In the early Spring hope TO be able to
send few troops from the Department OF the Platte ~
Although there have been numerous dcpredatIons in
the Department of Dakota, and some in fact In all the
much better than last year. The policy OF reservations
adopted by the Indian Department ~ In my JUDGMENT,
and deprcdaons. think that 1t may be necessary to
punish some OF the Sioux tho Cheycnnes and other
fully established ana tie reservation system made
cess but every effort will be made TO avoid any neces-
sty this kind the strong hone that the savages
may settle down their reservation and adopt more
peaceful and civilized life.
The Indians have run along the lines OF West
settlements and the cmgrHut and commercial lines
~ travel for many years, numbering ana punderlng
without any adequate punishment, and the Government
has heretofore sought TO protection to some 81 It's
by king presents To these sayages or
In word, while found necessary 10 enact the
most stringent laws for the government OF civilized
whites. 1t attempting 70 govern Wild brutal. and
savage people without any laws at ALI or the lnncon OF
any punishment fOi the most heinous crimes TINS sys
ten was not success II white man commits murder
rOb-. hang hill send HIN 10 the pebltenary.
an Indian does the same, have been IN the habit OF
giving him more blankets.
and profession except that Of arms, to which he
Il raised from child scalp is constantly dauged be-
fore his eyes aud the highest honor he can aspire 10 IL 10
possess taken by himself IL Is not TO he wondered
at therefore n lie aims FOR the honor when he grows up
especially II there IL 10 pdEishmont to follow the Oar
bIruus act.
The Government has always been very liberal 70 In
dams especially whenever they have settled on TeserNA
tons the lands allotted TO them have been OF the very
beet character making them, perhaps by lar the richest
communities lu the country.
The syhicl OF supplying the Wild band under the pres
cut mana cement Is working well; tho Indian gets All the
Government Intends him 10 have; ho cannot now plead
bad ftH and II he does give up his cruel and
destructive habits. other way 10 save the lives
and property u our Peop.e than TO punish hun uh'ii
peace becomes q desirable object
The troops at tie different posts throughout tho uI
tary division are quarteftI nlhcers ana mem eohori
ably. The expenses for tho ensuing year VIII Dc much
less than for the past; however, very largo portion oi
expenses u tho last year very properly charge
able Ia the indian Department. -
cauuUt this report without expressing my high
appreciation Of the ehceut management OF the present
Conu .-iouer % Iudau Affairs, aud assure him that
every r,rf vii b, nnde by the military 10 ngsist him
HE difficult AID highly rtspOns Ole duties AIN, General
very respectfully, your oDcdient servant,
+. H. SHERIDAN. Leutcnant-Geueral, U. Army.
Brerrt blaJarGcn. L. d. Townsend. AdJu;ant General,
Washington, u. {.