Edw’d Thornton to By the President: W. Hunter, September 9, 1879

No. 235. Sir Edward Thornton to Mr. Hunter.

Sir: With reference to previous correspondence upon the same subject, I have the honor to inclose copy of a minute of the privy council for Canada, which has been forwarded to me by the governor-general of the Dominion, and which relates to the Sioux Indians who, escaping from the United States, took refuge in British territory.

As a continuance of the residence of those Indians in that territory may lead to the most serious difficulties and disturbances, I venture to hope that the Government of the United States will give its earnest consideration to the suggestions made by the Hon. Alexander Campbell, acting minister of the interior for Canada, by contributing in a friendly manner to relieve the Dominion of Canada from the burthen which has been imposed upon it for upwards of two years by the presence of the Sioux Indians who were driven into its territory, and will give to the Canadian Government its co-operation in its endeavors to effect their return to their native land.

I have the honor, &c.,

Copy of a report of a committee of the honorable the privy council for Canada, approved by his excellency the governor-general on the 25th day of August, 1879.

The committee of council have had under consideration the report hereunto annexed from the honorable the acting minister of the interior in reference to events which have recently occurred in connection with the body of Sioux Indians who were driven into taking refuge in British territory by United States troops in 1876, and whose case has already been the subject of a correspondence between the two governments, and they respectfully report their concurrence therein, and advise that a copy thereof, and of the present minute, when approved, be transmitted by your excellency to the British minister at Washington for the information of the Government of the United States, in order that such steps may be taken by that government as they may think proper to induce the Indians to return to their allegiance.

Certified: