F. T. Frelinghuysen to Official copies respectfully forwarded to the headquarters Military Division of the Missouri. ALFRED H. TERRY , Brigadier-General U. S. A, December 20, 1882

No. 274. Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. West.

Sir: You will remember that the recent correspondence between this Department and your legation touching the movements of hostile Indians on either side of the northwestern boundary led to an understanding that this Government and that of the Dominion of Canada should, as far as possible, co-operate to preserve peace and repress depredations on that frontier by giving notice to each other of the movements of the hostiles.

In this sense I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a telegram of the 4th instant from the commanding officer of the United States forces at Poplar River, Montana Territory, reporting that the Milk River country is overrun with half-breeds, Crees, hostile Sioux, and armed Yanktonnais, and that a collision between them and white hunters “would not be surprising.”

As a collision might involve the interference of the military force and the possible pursuit of the hostiles to the Dominion border, it seems proper to bring this intelligence to your notice, to the end that the authorities of the Dominion may be advised and prepared for any necessary action in protection of Canadian interests or otherwise.

I have, &c.,