.MTAzNA.NjkzMjA

1873

been treated. Col. Frey's telegram was the first intimation received here, that it had been sent to Ft. Griffin. Orders were sent to Col. Buell, Comdg. that Post to have it returned at once to Camp Supply. Before this order reached him he sent it on with two companies of the 4th Cav to Ft. Concho, where Lt. Col. Merritt ordered it on with these Co's to Ft. McKevett. As soon as this was known, Lt. Col. M. Cook was directed to have it returned at once to Camp Supply. But before this order reached him he had sent it with the same Cos. to Ft. Clark. I cannot conceive the possibility of its being sent further and orders have been sent to him to have it returned immediately. I cannot help thinking the officer in charge of this transportation has failed to represent fully and earnestly to the Officers sending it on, the great inconvenience that would result to Camp Supply. Capt. Sanderson Comdg. Ft. Silll at the time is a careful and attentive officer and was honestly led I believe by the terms of the order he refers to, but I cannot understand the action of the other Comdg. officers, if they were aware of the great need of this transportation at Camp Supply. They have all been called on for explanation. I have been hurrying them up as much as possible to get the balance of MacKenzie's Regt. to him much needed at this time - and they were probably short of transportation for the emergency which they may have regarded sufficiently imminent to justify the use they made of the transportation. This case fully exemplifies the great inconvenience we are subjected to here by reason of the entire absence of telegraphic communication with interior posts, and our insufficient mail with Forts Concho and McKevett, we have a triweekly communication with Ft. Clark, Duncan, Stockton and posts above, a semi-weekly & with Griffin a mail communication but once a week. At this season of rains and high water, even this limited service is constantly interrupted. Should affairs on the Rio Grande render it necessary arrangements will be made with Col. MacKenzie to establish a line of couriers to connect with him.

D.T. June 4 1873 (Sgd) C C Augur Brig Genl. Comdg. [red ink] Official (Sgd) Colon Augur [red ink] A.D.C.

Clark Ft. C.O. [red ink] 178

Endorsement on letter of the C.O. Co." I" 4 Cav dated Ft Clark, Tx. May 30 1873 asking for an explanation of Asst. Surg. Buchanan, U.S.A. who states officially that the Compy Comdr Co. "I" was aware at the time he made a Certificate that there was present men who knew how the injury occurred to Sergt. Sassaman, the CO Co "I" having previously made a certificate to the contrary. Forwarded by Maj. Mizner, 4 Cav Comdg Post, May 31 1873 (LR 2370 DT 73) Recd DT June 7 1873 Respectfully returned to the CO Ft. Clark who will return this letter