The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-07-02

The Red Skins COngregntfng ON tho
Washfta-Colonel Davidson's Report to
the Department OF the InteriOr-Serfous
Troubles Threatened by the KiOwas-
The Precautions Necessary to Prevent
Open Hostilities.
WASHINGTON July l, 1872.
BY reference through the War Department infor-
nation was received by the Secretary Of the Inte-
rior to-day from Lieutenant Colonel Davidson,
dated Camp Supply, June 8, to the effect that the
main camp of the Cheyennes was, at that date, ON
the washita. about eighty miles from Camp Sup
ply, and that, with them, were 200 Kiowas
who intended to depredate along the road
from Camp Supply to the Arkansas. Colonel David
son adds:-
This comes from the camps Of the ArrapahOes
and detached camps of the Cheyennes, as
camps. Little Raven, of the ArrapahOes' sent my
scouts in with an escort from his band, as he did
not think It safe for for them without It, The main main
Fork to Red Hills, so as to be near their agency
and keep out OF the troubles ! believe the Chey-
ennes, or large part of them, will now join the
KiOwas. l shall hold my troops and detachments
strictly on the defensive until l get other
orders from the General. l shall constantly
patrol the road from here to Fort Dodge, looking
out for the safety OF all trains. respectfully
quest that the general order with regard to the
concentration and arming OF all trains coming into
the Indian country be repealed 1t seems to have
become dead letter: also suggest, In view Of
Cheyennes, that a telegraph be run from Fort Hays
to Fort Dodge.
This communication is endorsed by Major General
Pope under date of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas,
June IL, as f0llOws:-
Respectfully forwarded to the Assistant Adjutant
General OF the Military Division OF the Missouri for
the Information OF the Lieutenant Gen.
eral commandng:-I do not anticipate any gen.
eral hOstties with these Indians during the
present summer; but to avoid theits and petty
depredations on their part have given detailed
orders that trains proceeding to and from Camp
supply be concentrated before their departure,
and their teamsters and employees be armed, and
that strong escorts be furnished to them.
Indian Agent Tappan writes to Commissioner
Walker, from Fort Berthold, Dakota under date of
May "a, 'That there have been unusual movements
among the Sioux near that agency. large body
OF hostile Unkapapa, Munecanso, &c, consisting Of
some seven hundred lodges, were gather
ing together on the Little Missouri River,
eighty miles distant from Fort Berthold, on
the line Of the Northern Pacific Railroad,
and It was reported by friendly Indians
Buttes, had formed junction professedly to stop
the building of the railroad. Agent Tappan ex-
presses the opinion that the Northern Sioux will fol-
pursue, and adds :-"From Information received at
various times during the winter from different
bands OF Sioux who have visited this agency, their
intentions seem to be to endeavOr to prevent the
building OF the railroad at all hazards"
Mr.. J. A. Wall superintendent of Indian Affairs
for Montana, reports, under date Of Helena, June
Is, the gratifying intelligence of the peaceful dis
position OF the Teton Sioux, and, from information
he has received from Agent Simmons and Others,
he believes that the department may rest assured
that matters are In very favorable shape for per-
manent peace with these heretofore troublesome
Indians.
Adjutant General Townsend telegraphed to Gen.
eral Augur, making inquiry as to the truth OF let
ter published In the Galveston CtUtifdn rom Fred
ercksburg, Texas dated 10th June stating that
General Mckenzie, OF New York, Lieutenant Smith
and eight men were surprised by sixty Indians, be-
tween Fort Belknap and JacksbOro and that out OF
the thirteen of McKenzies party only three escaped.
The reply Is as folows:-
San ANTONIO, July l, 1877.
To Adjutant General TowSsRSD:-
Not one word Of truth in II. Mckenzie was at Fors
Grimm and well the 10th Of June and was start
the I'D. GENERAL AUGUR