Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) to George A. Custer
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05068 Author/Creator: Sherman, William Tecumseh (1820-1891) Place Written: Lincoln County, Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 June 1867 Pagination: 3 p. : free frank : envelope ; 24.8 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Sends orders to Custer for military activities against the Sioux and Cheyenne in "the valley of the Platte." Directs him to "quietly disarm" friendly Indians of horses that appear stolen and send them to Fort McPherson or Fort Segwick. Indicates that if Indians avoid him or try to escape, Custer should kill the adult males and send the women and children to the forts. Links the Indians to "acts of murder and highway Robbery" and asserts that "we cannot afford to wait the slow action of the Tribes." Orders Custer to reject any conferences with the Indians, to "Tell them that you have come to act and not to talk." Written at Fort McPherson.
Head Qr. Mil Divn of the Mo.
Fort McPherson. June 17. 1867
Gen. G. A. Custer
Comd 7th Cavalry. present.
General,
I wish you to proceed with your command. And on reaching the Valley of the Platte at or above Fort Sedgwick to report to General Augur Comd Dept of the Platte where in he may be by telegraph or letter. You will find stores in abundance for you either at Fort Morgan or Fort Sedgwick but the latter place will be your best point for rendezvous.
On the 24th inst I want you. (if possible) to have a Confidential office at Fort Sedgwick to advise Genl Augur at Fort Laramie, when you are and at what time he may Expect you.
En route I want you to [scouting] over to the Republican, and Scout it up to and well abreast of [Morris] 50 miles west of Sedgwick. If you Encounter Indians [2] Indians who profess friendship, tell them it is all right. but quietly disarm them take all horses that look as if they had been stolen, and carry them with you, and send the Indians in to Fort McPherson or Sedgwick under small Escort, the Indians to be held there subject to future orders, or for conference. Any detachment you make for this purpose will take receipts for the prisoners of the Comd. Officer. and join the main body at Fort Sedgwick by the Valley Road. If Indians avoid you or attempt to Escape pursue and kill the males of an age to be mischievous and send the women & children as heretofore.
The Indians now on the Republican are Sioux and Cheyennes, and have done acts of murder and highway Robbery along this Road from Plum Creek up to Fort Morgan, and we cannot afford to wait the slow action of the Tribes. If any came to you for conference tell them they must start in now. at once [3] not to wait an hour for conference or for the collection of all their [illegible]. hold all such as hostages and send one or two out with the above message. Tell them that you have come to act and not to talk
Enforce your orders summarily.
I am with just respect
W. T Sherman
Lt Genl Comd.
[envelope]
#12
Official
W.T. Sherman
Lt Genl.
General G. A. Custer
Comd 7th Cavalry -
In Camp -
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