Lawrence , Sitting Bull Commission, Fort Walsh to the United States commissioners, October 17, 1877

James F. McLeod to the United States commissioners.

Gentlemen: In answer to your note I beg to inform you that after the interview of the commissioners with the Indians, I had a “talk” with the latter.

I endeavored to press upon them the importance of the answer they had just made; that although some of the speakers to the commissioners had claimed to be British Indians, we denied the claim, and that the Queen’s Government looked upon them all as American Indians who had taken refuge in our country from their enemies.

I pointed out to them that their only hope was the buffalo; that it would not be many years before that source of supply would cease, and that they could expect nothing whatever from the Queen’s Government except protection as long as they behaved themselves.

I warned them that their decision affected not only themselves but their children, and that they shouid think well before it was too late.

I told them they must not cross the line with hostile intent; that if they did they would not only have the Americans for their enemies, but also the police and the. British Government, and urged upon them to carry my words to their camps and tell all their young men what I had said, and warn them of the consequence of disobedience, pointing out to them that a few indiscreet young warriors might involve all in the most serious trouble.

They unanimously adhered to the answer they had given to the commission, and promised to obey what I had told them. I do not think there need be the least anxiety about any of these Indians crossing the line, at any rate not for some time to come.

In haste, most respectfully, yours,