No. 278.

Mr. Fish to Mr. Nelson

No. 136.]

Sir: I transmit a copy of the reply of the Secretary of War to the letter of this Department which was accompanied by a copy of your dispatch No. 336, of the 10th ultimo, relative to Indian affairs. It will be noticed that General Belknap deems, it advisable that the required consent of the Mexican congress to the entrance of United States troops into that republic, near the frontier, for the purpose referred to, should be obtained. You will, consequently, adopt such measures for that purpose as may seem to you proper and likely to be successful. In a matter, however, which must, if not judiciously managed, wound the sensibilities of a people so averse to anything like an invasion of their soil by foreigners, it will be necessary to move with great delicacy and caution, not merely with a view to compass the object desired, but to avoid giving offense by even proposing it. Confidence, however, is reposed in your discretion.

I am, &c.,

HAMILTON FISH.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Belknap to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge your reference to this Department on the 28th ultimo of a copy of a recent dispatch from the United States minister to Mexico, informing the Department of State that, in accordance with the request of this Department, the Mexican government has authorized the governor of the State of Chihuahua to co-operate with the United States military commander at Fort Davis in a campaign against the hostile Indians in Texas; but that the United States troops cannot be permitted to pursue the Indians into Mexican territory without the consent of the Mexican congress; also, calling attention to the offer of the Mexican government to assist the United States authorities in restoring to the territory of the United States certain straggling bands of Indians now in Mexico.

In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the military commander at Fort Davis has been led to expect the co-operation of the governor of Chihuahua in his campaign against the Indians, and it is, therefore, only necessary now to ask that, with a view of assisting any future operations that may become desirable for the protection of the citizens of both sides of the Rio Grande, the Mexican congress be requested to grant the requisite authority for the troops of the United States, under such conditions as may be deemed proper, to pursue within the Mexican border such hostile Indians from the United States as may flee into Mexico to escape their merited punishment.

With regard to the removal of the fragmentary bands of Indians, you are informed that the Indian Bureau is now engaged in the necessary arrangements for their removal, an appropriation of §25,000 having been granted for the purpose.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. W. BELKNAP, Secretary of War.

The Hon. Secretary of State.