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Headquarters District of the Indian Territory. Camp Witchita, Witchita Mountains. [along side of page] Alvord 1869 4-24 81 [number in circle]

Colonel and Brevet Major General B. H. Grierson. Comdg. District of the Indian Territory.

       General:-  In accordance with your personal instructions I have the honor to render the following report of affairs regarding Indians in this section of your district, for the week ending this day.
       On the morning of Monday, 19th instant it was discovered that about thirty lodges of the Cheyennes whose arrival under "Little Robe" was reported by you on the tenth instant had packed up very early and moved rapidly West through the mountains. "Red Moon" being the leader of the party.    The chiefs of the portion remaining came to camp when sent for and claimed that the seceeders had only gone to Elk Creek on a buffalo hunt and would join the column of Arapahoes and Cheyennes en route for Camp Supply, on the Washita River.   During the day, however, I caused the trail to be carefully examined by reliable Comanches and from the various circumstances attending the movement satisfied myself that the party had started upon the representations of two men who had come to their camp from the plains the night before, had moved rapidly and with no intention of returning in this direction.   Their status became then that of prisoners of war violating their parole which bound them to remain quietly here until the 20th instant then move with the Arapahoes to their reservation via Camp Supply, and there await the action of the Department or superior commander, in determining the terms of the acceptance of their surrender.              In the absence of yourself and General Hazen no immediate action was taken beyond the preparation of a detachment of troops to pursue the delinquents, but as Gen'l. Hazen upon his return at sunset fully approved the movement, Major Kidd started soon after dark with one hundred and fifty men of