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161

"Telegram." Washington, D. C.

                                                                               October 6. 1874.

General P. H. Sheridan, Chicago, Ills.

                      telegram of fifth received.  I have consulted with Acting Secretary Cowan and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

The conclusion is that if Satanta is among the number he should be delivered to the Governor of Texas. That the others who have committed murder or stolen cattle within the last two years should be tried by a Military Commission, that the horses of all who have been hostile and which may be captured should be sold at auction and the proceeds invested in cattle for the friendly portion of the tribe. Of course all should be deprived of their th [strike] arms. The decision, s to ringleaders ho may be exemcp from military commission, will be made hereafter. I have informed the President of this by telegraph. Acknowledge receipt. (Official) (Sgd) Wm. W. Belknap (Sgd) M. V. Sheridan Secr'y of War Lt. Col. & A. D. C. Official (Sgd) Colon Augur A. D. C. 5006.D. T.' 74 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                              Hdqrs. Mil. Division of the Missouri
                                                                                              Chicago, Ills.   Novbr. 11. 1874.

General W. W. Belknap Washington, D. C.

                                  I am ready to issue the order for a Military Commission for the trial of the Indian prisoners held at Fort Sill and the Cheyenne Agency in accordance with your directions of October sixth (6th)
                       The opinion of the Department of Justice of June seventy three ('73) seems to be to give full jurisdiction to such a Commission over the case of murder, depredations and horse stealing by Indians for the last two years.
                       Have you examined the case and may I ask you if your opinion coincides with mine.               Please answer speedily.