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120

Letters forwarded from Headquarters Dep't. of Texas, in the Field, at Fort Sill, I. T. From Folio 120 to 189

                                                                          Hdqrs. D. T. in the Field, Fort Sill, I. T.
                                                                          November 26. 1874.

MO.MIL.DIV. [left margin] Lieut. General Sheridan, Chicago, Ills. Dear General,

                      On my way here I met at Denison the transportation Contractor, Mr. Graham, who told me that the Quartermaster here had control of his teams of sufficient capacity to haul one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, and that he could at once procure transportation to take about same amount from Caddo.  Believing this, I telegraphed you to send supplies for the Post on McClellan's Creek via Caddo.  On my arrival here, I find that the Qr. Mr. here has not one single team belonging to Mr. Graham and has never had but eleven teams of his, and they made but one trip.  I begin to feel that Mr. Graham is not reliable and that he may be equally wrong about the other teams, he promised from Caddo.  Under these circumstances the freight for the camp had better not be sent until something definite is known.  The trains in the field are much word down. Davidson lost about a hundred animals in the last sleet storm and I fear others have lost also.  I doubt if we can depend upon our own transportation for anything more, until after they are thoroughly rested and fed up.  My impression just now is, that it would be better to withdraw the columns from the field in December into nearest Posts, and let them recuperate until some time in February.  Then send them out afresh and keep them out as long as is desirable.