| OCR Text |
Show compelled to incur some expense, but shall be as economical as possible. I shall have to hire some ten or fifteen, an Interpreter etc. to accompany me, and shall make all other arrangements, as far as possible, subject to your advice and instruction, which I shall expect on my return. I regret that I have not been able to receive positive instructions in relation to my duties, and more particularly in regard to expenditures, and the particular kind of expenditures. I fear that I have already gone too far-all I can say in this subject, is, that in attending the Snake Indians to the Treaty of Laramie, although somewhat expensive, it has done much good, and will have a very happy effect upon our Indians operations in future. One thing, however, is certain-all operations with the Indians cost money, perhaps more in this Territory than many other places. I have therefore, thought it better to incur a little expense, for purposes, which I deemed of importance to the Indians and to the Government, than to wait for instructions so distant and difficult to obtain. Besides, I can see no use in my remaining idle, when there is important work to perform-particularly as it will have to be done, at some time, and perhaps at a much greater expense. Will you be so kind, as to say to me, on the receipt of this, what will be the proper allowance to these men, who accompany me, either as their per diem or monthly pay. I fear you will consider me somewhat pestiferous-but you must recollect that I have had no instructions by which I could form a correct opinion of the extent of my powers and duties, or the particular wishes of the Government. I was directed to report to the Governor, which duty I performed without delay--He having no instructions as he informed me I was left to act upon your verbal instructions, to take such steps as in my judgement would best conduce to |
