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    If this statement is to be credited, I regard it as very important and as affording an opportunity for breaking of this traffic and, at the same time, punishing the refractory Indians.
    That portion of it, giving names and residences of the parties Engaged, can be, I suppose easily verified by reference to the authorities in New Mexico.  Major Hatch's promise to this man, that under certain circumstances he will not be punished, and Eventually be permitted to return to his home, I believe to be invalid and void, and shall so inform him.    This man is a citizen of the United States and was captured while making war on the Government thereof, and can be pardoned by no one, but the President.
    I have instructed major Hatch to construct an Itinerary of this man's route from Alamo Gordo on the Pecos to Fort Concho, with as much accuracy as can be done from repeated questionings of the man, giving location of Indians and all waterholes and streams, grass &c., and the distances between each.
     This I will forward as soon as made.  It may assist the Lieut. General in determining the action, he may wish to have taken.
     Major Hatch will also be instructed to send out a party toward the head of the Colorado, to verify his statements.  I think it will be found the only Effectual way of breaking up these raids of Cattle-stealers, is to break up their Camp on Staked Plain.  It will be Expensive and troublesome, but I see no other way.  They are not only the headquarters of all the raiding parties, but afford refuge to discontented Indians on the reservation.  I have force sufficient, I think, at Richardson, Griffin and Concho to break up their Camps, and at once, if it be thought desirable to do so.  I will do nothing more, however, than I have indicated above, until I learn what are the views of the Lieut. General.
     He may wish to have concert of action on part of the other Departments to render the attempt more Effectual.  He may desire, too, to have time to secure the parties in New Mexico, before attempting anything here.
                                                                                I am, Very respectfully
                                                                                Your obdt. servant
                                                                   (Sgd.)     C. C. Augur
                                                                                  Brigadier General  U.S.A.
                                                                                        Commanding.