Rvol L, Pt I to John W. Geary, April 16, 1861

MAJOR: Superintendent Geary has just returned from the Nez Percé

Reservation, where he has succeeded in making a very satisfactory arrangement with the Indians in reference to the mining region. The Nez Percés agree to yield to the miners the country north of Clear Water, and allow them the right of travel on the trail to the ferry near Red Wolf’s Crossing of Snake River, the only stipulation of the Indians being that the remainder of their country shall be protected from the encroachments of the whites. This is but fair, seeing that they have been promised no compensation, and therefore, upon the request of Mr. Geary, who urges the necessity of the movement, I shall send Captain Smith’s company to the reservation probably by the 22d of the month. The distance is not greater than 100 miles, and the company can be recalled in a few days if their services are needed elsewhere. The horses will thrive on the rich bunch grass which abounds in that region, and, moreover, the presence of troops will give confidence to the Indians, who have always placed great reliance upon the military. I think that if Company H, First Dragoons, now at Fort Dalles, could be sent to re-enforce Captain Smith, that the presence of the squadron in that country during the summer would effectually prevent any disturbance. The Nez Percés have always been, and are now, disposed to yield a great deal and remain friendly, provided the Government shows a disposition to uphold them in their rights; but if this is not done I fear there will be trouble. I would beg leave to offer a suggestion with regard to the summer’s operations on the emigrant road. The subjugation of the Snakes, so effectually as to bring them to sue for peace, would require a large and expensive force, perhaps ten or twelve companies, necessarily requiring a large number of citizen employés as packers, herders, guides, &c., and the result would not be certain, as their country affords great facilities for concealment and escape. The remaining squadron of dragoons, with a company of infantry trom this post, would keep the Indians from their fisheries all summer and afford ample protection to whatever emigrants may come across; besides, the expense would be almost nothing. For a force of that size nearly all the packing and work could be done by soldiers. :

very respectfully, your obedient servant,