John E. Stewart to Loring, March 4, 1863

Lieutenant LORING, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Fort Leavenworth, Kans. :

DEAR Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the detachment of Company I, Ninth Kansas Volunteers, whom I informed you were in pursuit of the Pawnee Indians, were compelled to fall back, not being strong enough to risk an engagement, and that I have sent a re-enforcement of 60 men, under command of Captain Read, who I have no doubt will give a good account of himself.

Last night two citizens arrived here, giving a most fearful account of the ravages of Indians on the Solomon River. Thesettlers were stripped of everything—cattle, horses, food, clothing, bedding, &c., and all their arms they could get. I have dispatched every available man to their assistance, retaining hardly sufficient for post duty, and it may even be necessary to send what are remaining. In such a case, would it be proper for me to call upon the citizens to guard this post, if I lefta commissioned officer here, and should I be justified in issuing rations to citizens thus called in? An early reply will greatly oblige.

I have the honor to be, yours, respectfully,