Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-01-07
CRAVE CHARGES.
Statements Concerning General
Porsythe and Ills Command.
Gen. Niles Orders ContfatulitcFy Tale.
grams to SeYsnth CaIaky Withheld,


WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.-The following
correspondence in regard to the Forsythe
case was made public today; December 80
Gen. Sehoheid telegrsphed TO Gen. Miles,
expressing his belief that be would soon be
maste: of the situation, asking his thank,
be given TO The '.brsve seventh cavalry for
their splendid conduct.
Jan. /, Gen Miles telsgrsphei to Gen.
SchoAeld: "Your telegram of eongraiu-
islion 10 the Seventh Cavalry received
As the action of the colonel commanding
will be matter OF serious consideration
and will undoubtedly be subjected 10 in
vestigstion. l thought it proper to advise
you In view Of the above facts, do you
wish ycar telegram transmitted ~ sent! II
is stated that the disposition of the four
hundred soldiers snd four pieces Of ar.il-
lery was fatally defective, and q large num-
ber of soldiers were killed and wounded by
the FIRE from our own ranks and Z very
large number Of women and children were
killed in addition to the Indian men.
Gen Sehoheli telegrsrhed Jan. 2, 'In
view Of the aspect Of the case presented in
your telegram yesterday, il will be better
not to deliver my message to the Seventh
Cavalry ill | have seen your report after
the Investigation you propose" He tele-
graphed Gen. Miles again on the same day
Your dispatch to me yesterday and that to
the sdjutant general has been shown the
President. and in reply the secretary Of
state directs me to cay: The President
heard with regret Of the fate ct your ef-
forts to secure q settlemen. Of the Sioux
difficulties without bloodshed. He suggests
that possibly the wstchful observation Of
hostile bands that would prevent their
breaking into the settlement and give the
Ind ans time to recover from their present
excitement would be we'll. He leaves all
this to your better information and discre-
ton and would not have You omit anythieg
necessary to protect the settlements. He
hopes the report of the killing of women
and children in the affair at Wounded Knee
is unfounded ard directs you 10 cause
immediate inquiry to be made aud report
the result to the department.
II there was any unsoldieriy conduct,
you will relieve the responsible officer, and
go use the troops engaged there to avoid it's
repetition. / wish 10 add TO the Presidents
suggestion hope which I still entertain,
in spite of the unfortunate accident which
occurred, that you may be able, by con-
vincing the Indians that the purposes of
the army are not hostile to them, but
friendly ard dictated by desire to secure
to them future peace and prosperity, to OBJ
tain their surrender without further con-
dtct."
Gen. Miles telegrsphed Gen. Schofield
Jan. B.: 1.-The directions of the President
and yourself is jlst the action anticipated
ard taken. Nearly all Of the Sixth ard
Ninth cavalry, the Second ard Seventh in
fantry with enc hundred Indian scouts are
practically on three sides of them along
Beaver and White river and Pocup;ne
with Gen. Brooke in command; this may
hold them in check. an in close com.
munica,ion with them and have informed
them that the cnly cafe read is toward the
agency and about half are anxious
to come in. They are making despl-
rate efforts TO keep all at wsr.
l consider it very important tha. the five
officers recommended be placed in charge
of the five agencies. Please inform me il
this is approved or disapprovsd, / have a
very great amount of Information concern
ing the conspiracy. 1t involved all tribes
Ia the Northwest ard the wild tribes in the
Indian territory. Sitting Bull would have
been at the head. and the move was to be
made in the spring. They expected to
strike ives. to where the ghost delusion Or
iginatcd, in Nevada"