.MTAzMw.NjkyMDk

123

in hostilities. Since writing the above, I have conversed again with Col. Davidson and other Officers, on the subject of McClellan's Creek. They unite in saying, that the water question would not be an objection. They say however, that there is very little wood there - not enough to last four Companies one winter and there is no wood near there. They seem to think that the head of Gooseberry Creek is preferable to the Sweetwater, as better adapted for a post or cantonment than McClellan's Creek.

                                                                                          I am General, very respectfully
                                                                                                     Your obdt. servant
                                                                                    (Sgd)         C. C. Augur
                                                                                                      Brig General
                                                                                                      Commanding

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DAVIDSON, [left margin] Decbr. 3. 1874. Lieut. Col. J. W. Davidson, 10"Cavalry, Commanding Fort Sill, I. T. Colonel,

                                The Commanding General directs that, on Monday next, with three Companies of Cavalry and one of Infantry, you proceed to make a scout for Indians, north of the North Fork of Red River.

You will take supplies to last your Command until first of January. Lt. Col. Buell, 11"Infy., is now in the country between the North Fork and the Main Red River, and is supposed to have thoroughly scouted that country. Major Morrow proceeds to-morrow to scout the Country along and south of the Main Red, and over to Pease River. The General thinks your mail line of march should be along the Washita river - sending one Company of Cavalry to examine to the Canadian on the North, and another to scout to the North Fork on the South. The Country about the heads of Pond and Sugar Creeks and along Deer Creek should be thoroughly examined.

                   In case Indians are found, they are of course to be followed and punished to the extent of your ability, wherever their trail may lead.
                   It is not considered necessary to give you any further special instructions.  You are aware fully of the object of your scout and it is not doubted, you will make every effort to make it successful.
                                                                              Very respectfully
                                                                                 Your obdt. servant
                                                                           (Sgd)   G. B. Russell
                                                                                       Aide-de-Camp

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________