Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1893-12-07
LEWIS MCLoUTH. Pres.
FORT SIssEToN, Nov. %, 1S9
--- G. u pxsrn

FORT SISSETON, Nov. %, 1893.
EDITORS REPORTER & FARMER:
About the 9th of this month, there appeared
in your paper an unjust and libelous statement
concerning myself while in charge of the U. S.
property at Fort Sisseton. If you had been
content to copy the article from the Mitchell
paper, / should have had no fault TO find, but
when you attach your false comments, through,
malice or ignorance, Il know not which, it is
more than human nature can stand without re-
sentiment.
If the property has been so thoroughly de-
stroyed and wasted, why did Gen. Silsby re-
ceipt to me, for all of the property which j re-
ceipted for to the U. S., nearly five years ago,
and in nearly the same condition as when / re-
ceived it7 If | have stolen or allowed to be
stolen, the doors, 6Oors, windows, etc, why
did State Auditor Taylor, under date of July ~,
1891, after making a special inspection of the
property, at the request of Gov. Mellette, on
hearing the reports which you in yonr article
refer to, made by the same party that made
them TO you on Nov. LIST, report the property IN
excellent condition, and the charges false from
end 10 end? as is shown by his letter to me. a
part of which Is as follows:
when | arrived here / reported to Gov. Mel.
lette, and he was much pleased to know, thar
things were being cared for at the fort, and were
in such good shape. he had heard the SANG ru'
and myself, and it was gratifying 70 himto know
you we're taking such good care OF the properly
/ know You have a hard place to MI ana De
lieve you are doing your duty. The trouble, !
think, comes from the men you prevent aoihg as
they please GA and about the premises.
L. G. TAYLOR, Auditor.
Why did Deputy Land Commissions S.W
Bowman make report last July to Gov. Sheldon
in even stronger terms than the above II the
propcrty was in the shape YOU report II. 1 VIII
simply say that whatever property l have SOLD
while here was mine to sell with none to gain
say or make afraid" If l have stripped the
Fort where do the storm windows, storm sheds
doors, sidewalks, etc, come from that are nov
being sold at private sale.
The Fort has virtually been in the possession
! of the state since the 3rd day OF last August'an'
whatever waste and dilapitation there Is 10 o'
| found about the place has occurred since uo"er
nor Sheldon assumed charge on that date Aug
! Ard. There has been but one floor disturbed ans
hat was taken up from a condemned building
and nut down in the dining room OF the dweii
ing which / occupied. As for the DOORS VINO
oVs, &c, | did not receipt for them, but turne'
thcm over to tho state just the same.
The fences are all here, as viii appear by TN
.diutant Generals receipt 10 me. As for tn
care that was given the property | built an'
kept in repair at my expense a oarpeo WIZ
fence around the entire Fort, and the Sohuihl
were all swept out and cleaned twice a yea
while / was there, although my duties as Gus
todian did not require me to repair or clean IN
buildings in any way.
Tis true the timber is gone ba' had me SCI
Tiers not got it il would all have been destroSe'
nv prairie fires before this, and many q poo
needy family has had tho benefits, besides Fe
nortcd many cases tbnt the U, $. refused 70 pro
.oc,tc. Respectfully yours,
- r.. Il. NcUSI.Es.