Letter of the Secretary of War, Communicating... Further Information Respecting Armed Expeditions Against the Western Indians

[Washington, DC]: (n.p.), 1867. First Edition. Pamphlet. Fine. A Congressional printing of a typically frank report from General Sherman about what is essentially a state of martial law on the Great Plains. Sherman's boss, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant endorsed the report and forwarded it to the Secretary of War, who conveyed it to the US Congress.

Sherman writes that US troops in the Great Plains are protecting telegraph lines, mail routes, and the main roads used by Western emigrants. He states that the Army "will act against all people who violate the laws of Congress, or who endanger the lives or property of our people, be they white, black, or copper-colored. When there are no courts or civil authorities to hold and punish such malefactors, we must of necessity use the musket pretty freely..."

Sherman then describes actions to be taken with the Cheyennes, Kiowas, and Sioux. The first two tribes will be warned by Gen. [Winfiled Scott] Hancock, who "will confer with them to ascertain if they want to fight, in which case he will indulge them."

Gen. Christopher Augur, Sherman reports, has been ordered "to punish the bands of hostile Sioux who have infested that road [near Fort Laramie] for the past year; have killed many people; and are at open war. No mercy should be shown these Indians, for they grant no quarter nor ask for it."

40th Congress, 1st Session. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 7. March 21, 1867. 3 pages. First edition (first printing). A fine copy; a single sheet folded to make four pages (one blank). Never bound. Uncommon, especially in this original state.