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Respectfully referred to the General commanding the armies of the United States, and his attention invited to that point of General Terry’s letter which refers to the habit of hostile Indians taking refuge within British territory when pursued. This actually occurred in the expeditions of Generals Sully and Sibley, and will occur again. Inasmuch as no part of the British territory west of the Red River of the North is occupied by a civilized people, I have reason to believe, on a proper representation, that her Britannic Majesty’s government will consent to a pursuit to a reasonable extent, say 100 miles. If the Indians learn that this ine does not offer them protection, they will be deterred from the commission of crime.
No damage can possiby arise to British property or nationality, as our troops are regulars, governed by the same general laws as prevail in the English army.
W. T. SHERMAN, Lieutenant General Commanding.
Headquarters Army of the United States, March 16, 1867.
Respectfully referred to the Secretary of War.