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Major Roy referred the letter to me with instructions to remain here and carry out the wishes of General Hazen, giving me full power to call upon the Comdg. Officer here, for any assistance I might require. Captain Rife was evidently piqued at this Indian business being put in my hands instead of his, and altho' he did not venture to dispute my authority at all, was anything but anxious to help me. It so happened that he had to go to Arbuckle as a witness a few days after leaving Lt. Lee in command. That individual at once began to be ugly, he held in custody the large amount of Subsistence Stores for General Hazen, and refusing to recognize me as representing the General attempted to control the supplies. After a "big talk" with about 50 chiefs and headmen of the various tribes, whom I had been able to collect, as they came up to the requirements entitling them to subsistence, I made a call upon Lt. Lee for the necessary supplies to feed the, when he returned the same endorsed "In accordance with the written instructions give me by Capt. Rife, to whom all the stores now at the Post are invoiced, issues will be made only by me and of such articles as I may deem absolutely necessary." A very brisk, brief and pointed correspondence thereupon took place between us, which resulted in his being wise enough to yield and furnish the stores at the last moment, altho' he despatched a courier in hot haste to Ft. Arbuckle with an appeal, I understand. What came of the latter I do not know. I received no change in my instructions, and Lieut. Lee since the return of his messenger has done much better.