.MTAzMw.NjkxMjM

613. 37 [stamp] GRIERSON [in left margin] June 25, 1872. Colonel B. H. Grierson, 10th Cavalry, Fort Gibson, I. T.

Colonel,

                 I am sorry that the interests of the service seemed to require that the number of Companies in and about Gibson should be reduced to two.  General Sheridan thinks that number sufficient for the removal of unauthorized settlers from the Indian Territory, and that - after all - is the main object of being sent there.  I have no doubt, the Railroad would like troops at all their important points, and I am sure, they would be very useful there, but we have no troops to spare.
                 The Indians about Fort Sill are becoming very troublesome, and making frequent raids into Texas.  The number of troops should not be diminished more than is absolutely necessary.  General Sheridan thinks the Companies from Camp Supply cannot be spared.  You will therefore have to do the best you can with two Companies, until matters become more quiet about Sill, and I do not wish you, to send away from that post any of the troops there, except in connection with the interests of that post.
                 As it is a round-about way to send mail for Sill to Gibson, I will give my orders to the Commanding Officer of that post direct - in fact it was intended, in making a District, to give you control f posts - but only of the troops engaged in the field under your orders in removing settlers.  This is why I informed you, that no District Staff was necessary.
                 General Sheridan believes, that you will have but little trouble in removing the objectionable settlers, when they once see, that their removal is determined upon.
                Your chaplain, Mr. Guion, with his family will leave July first, for Gibson.  His family will be an agreeable accession to your society.
                Please keep me informed constantly of your progress.
                               I am Colonel, very respectfully
                                    Your obdt. servant
                         (Sgd)   C. C. Augur
                                     Brigadier General, U.S.A.
                                     Commanding.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________