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before stated along the line of travel west of
the settlements. There have however been
more or less depredations the present season
North, and more within the vicinity of the
settlements owing to the causes above mentioned
and I find it of the utmost difficulty to restrain
them. The sound of war quickens the
blood and nerves of an Indian. The reports
that troops were wending their way to this
Territory has also had its influence upon
them. In one or two instances this was
the reason assigned why they made the
attacks which they did upon some herds of
cattle, they seemed to think if it was to
be war they might as well commence and
begin to lay in a supply of food when they
had a chance. If I am to have the directions
of the Indian Affairs of this Territory and
am expected to maintain friendly relations
with the Indians, there are a few things
that I would most respectfully suggest to
be done. First. That travellers omit their
infamous practice of shooting them down when
they happen to see one.

Whenever the Citizens of this Territory
travels the roads they are in the habit
of giving the Indians food, tobacco and a
few other presents, and the Indians expect
some such trifling favor, and they are emboldened
by this practice to come up to the