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subscriptions for present sot induce them to remain. They even advise Indians to retain our Commissioners until their prisoners are returned - if we yield to this demand of the Kickapoos they will Indian-like follow it by a dozen others. The prisoners are still detained here by high water, so they can be sent, if thought best. My own idea is, not to yield in the least, until they leave Mexico. What action shall I take if Commissioners are detained as advised. Rio Grande not fordable or likely to be for two or three weeks.

                                                                           (Sgd) C. C. Augur

Official Copy by mail. Brigadier General U.S.A. 237E. D.T. '73 Commanding ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 540. MACKENZIE, [left margin] June 11. 1873. Dear General MacKenzie,

                                               Your letter and its enclosure by Courier reached me on Sunday last.  I immediately telegraphed the state of affairs to Lieut. General Sheridan and for instructions regarding the return of the prisoners to Fort Duncan and what to do in case the Commissioners were detained by the Indians, as advised to do by the leading citizens of Santa Rosa.  I expressed to him my disapproval of the request of sending the prisoners to Fort Duncan.  I have heard from him to-day, he states that he is entirely opposed to the request of the Commissioners, but has forwarded it to Washington.  No action can be taken until the Authorities there are heard from.   Meanwhile I can refer to other matters: - If you have a favorable opportunity to go for the Lepans and Mescalleros do so, and be careful about your guides; Mexican guides should be used with great caution; do not let them get you into a tight place.  As long as our Commissioners desire to talk with the Kickapoos, so long refrain from any attack upon them, but as soon as the Commissioners have done with them, they are your chickens and you can gather them, whenever a favorable opportunity occurs.  I do not think it advisable that you write to Governor Cepede or to any other Mexican Official, except on matter of routine.  no explanations are necessary for us, except to our own Government, and whatever explanations the Mexican Officials may want, can be obtained through their own Government from ours.  Neither do I think it necessary to find out any precedents - none are necessary - but if they are, our Government is fully cognizant of everything that has transpired on this frontier for years.  Do not ask of Valdez, or for any other person, as Mexican Commander for the frontier, if ever so desirable; I fear that our request might act an as impediment to his coming.  The better way is to let Mexico act for herself.  Our Government has evidently determined to put a stop to further depredations on our frontier, by either Indians or Mexicans, and it will be sustained heartily by the Country.  If Mexico desire to make any arrangement for cooperation