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who are present on their reservation, and to withhold them from the families of those who are absent on raids as requested by General Sherman, as eminently proper. Inasmuch as the military authorities under the construction of your circular letter of July 12, unclear, to the Superintendents and Agents of the Indian Department, are unwilling to pursue and arrest criminal and predatory Indians within and upon the Indian Territory, and to recover property taken by such Indians into said territory, I suggest that you inform the War Department that hereafter, and until otherwise advised by your office, the military authorities may be permitted to enter the Indian Territory at all times in pursuit and arrest of predatory and criminal Indians, and for the purpose of recovering property and captives held by such Indians. I would also suggest that when the Military thus enter the Indian territory, they take with them an Indian Agent or Superintendent, if practicable, not to command the expedition but to witness the proceedings. I also suggest that you issue a circular to all Superintendents and agents affected by this modification of the circular referred to, informing them thereof.