Today in History:

1127 Series I Volume XLVIII-II Serial 102 - Powder River Expedition Part II

Page 1127 Chapter LX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -UNION.

FORT LEAVENWORTH, July 27, 1865.

Brigadier General P. E. CONNOR,

Fort Laramie:

The Sixth West Virginia and Twenty-first New York left some eight days ago.

J. F. BENNETT,

Assistant Adjutant-General.


HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE PLAINS,
Forth Laramie, Dak. Ter., July 27, 1865.

Colonel J. H. KIDD,

Sixth Michigan Cavalry, Fort Laramie, Dak. Ter.:

COLONEL: The general commanding has received information from Platte bridge to the effect that a war party of Sioux and Cheyennes, numbering from 1,000 to 1,500, or now attacking that place, and that the troops stationed there are nearly out of ammunition. The general commanding directs that You proceed immediately with the four squadrons ordered to report to You and the five squadrons under command of Captain Creevy by forced marches to Plate bridge for the relief and assistance of that garrison. You will report at these headquarters for further instructions.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,

GEO. F. PRICE,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, July 28, 1865-11 a. m.

Lieutenant-General GRANT,

West Point:

The Quartermaster-General has made a report this morning of requisitions from the department at Leavenworth indicating at expedition of magnitude and expense beyond the capacity of the appropriations to meet. The transportation estimates alone are $2,000,000 per month, and this exclusive of the cost of materials, &c. The Commissary Department also is in a state of alarm. I beg to direct Your immediate attention to this subject, as I am not advised of the extent or necessity of the proposed operations.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

SARATOGA, N. Y., July 28, 1865.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

I know of no expedition, or the necessity for one, of the magnitude reported in Your despatch. I will telegraph to Sherman to look into it and correct all extravagances.

U. S. GRANT,

Lieutenant-General.


Page 1127 Chapter LX. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. -UNION.