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Fort Still Ind. Ter. Aug. 9th 1869 Byrne Edward Capt. 10thCavalry

Invites the attention of the Dept. Commander to G.O. No. 2 Par I ((unclear)) Hd. Qrs. Ft. Sill and as he thinks an impression is likely to be formed at Dept. Hd. Qrs. that officers of this Post are in the habit of visiting Indian Camps for such purposes as persons reading the order may surmise states that he has not visited Indian Camps or been in the neighborhood of them since his is in this Territory. He further states that all the Officers stationed here, of whom 12 are married, have the reputation of being strictly moral with the exception of one, and gives his opinion in regard to the manner of correcting such abuses. He deems this explanation necessary in justice to himself and the officers of this company. Hd. Qs. Ft. Sill I.T. Aug. 9th, 1869 Respectfully returned to Capt. Edward Byrne 10th Cavalry for explanation. The order referred to was issued upon the request of the Indian Agent of this Reservation, is strictly in accordance with one issued from Dept. Hd. Qrs. and when issued, such an idea as that suggested by this communication, did not enter the mind of the Commanding Officer. He claims the right to judge what orders are necessary and proper. The imputation cast upon some one officer of the garrison, (name not mentioned) in the form in which it is expressed, may reflect upon someone for whom it is not intended. Captain Byrne will state to whom he wishes to impart instruction as to what course should be pursued with certain offenders, whether to the Dept. Commander, or to the Commanding officer of this Post. By order of Col. & ((unclear). Maj. Gen'l Grierson ((unclear))Woodward 1st Lt. and Adjt. 10th Cavy ((unclear)) Major ((unclear )) Post Adjt.

Fort Sill Ind. Ter. August 10, 1869 Respectfully returned. I do not presume to impart instructions to either the Dept. or Post Commander as intimated in the above endorsement. This communication does not question the right of the Commanding Officer to issue whatever orders he may deem proper, but is intended to those to the Dept. Commander that whatever cause or abuse rendered such an order necessary, the officers of my company are exempt from it. The order from Dept.Hd. Qrs. referred to by the Post Commander, was I believe issued at a time when the tribes were in an unsettled state during war, with a large force of troops and citizens in the immediate vicinity of their camps. Lieut. Beck P. Q. M. 10th Cavalry is the Officer referred to, and for the information of the Post Commander I will add that I preferred charges against him for appearing in public in