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The occasion for such investigation has mainly originated in statements made 

 by Mr. 0. C. Marsh, Professor in Sheffield Scientific School, Yale College, con- 

 cerning matters which he observed while at the agency during November last. 

 As yet these statements have no definite form known to the office other than as 

 they have appeared in the public press, and as made verbally by Mr. Marsh to 

 myself. 



In the latter part of March last, Prof. Marsh brought to me certain samples oi 

 tobacco and flour, and sugar, which he said he did in accordance with a promise 

 made to Red Cloud in consideration of a promise by Red Cloud to procure an en- 

 trance for him into the Black Hills country for scientific purposes. He stated that 

 in a private interview with Red Cloud, that Indian Chief complained very bitterly 

 of his agent in many respects, and earnestly desired a change, and that he had given 

 him these as samples of the supplies which he was receiving from Government. 

 He also stated that the beef cattle issued to the Indians were small in size, and 

 otherwise of inferior character ; and that there was much confusion in agency 

 matters, especially in the issuing of a large amount of goods in a single day. 

 Prof. Marsh expressed his belief that there might have been an exchange of arti- 

 cles purchased for the Indians for others of inferior quality while en route between 

 Che} r enne and the agency. He also stated that his views as to agency affairs 

 were confirmed by conversations with other persons around the agency. 



Prof. Marsh stated that he had not taken any measures to satisfy himself that 

 the samples given to him by Red Cloud were fair samples of the supplies which 

 were then being issued, and could not say from his own observation that they 

 were fair samples ; but that on one occasion, when a sack of flour had fallen from 

 an Indian woman's arms and broken open, he saw the color of the flour as it lay 

 upon the ground, and thought it not much different from the sample furnished by 

 Red Cloud, but not being a judge of flour he could not make the comparison with 

 any degree of accuracy. The samples referred to Prof. Marsh did not leave with 

 me, and it is presumed that he has them still in his possession. 



His other statements in regard to agency affairs are of a still more indefinite 

 character. 



In an interview subsequently held with the honorable Secretary of the Interior, 

 Prof. Marsh was invited by him to reduce his statements of frauds or irregularities 

 in the Indian service to writing in such form as would best aid in their investiga- 

 tion. To this request Prof. Marsh has not yet responded, nor has he declined it. 

 I have this day notified him of your appointment, and again requested him to 

 furnish such statements or suggestions as may aid in finding the facts as to the 

 administration of Red Cloud Agency. 



If, however, Prof. Marsh should still decline to furnish such assistance, it is the 

 desire of the honorable Secretary that you proceed in the investigation, and avail 

 yourselves of all the means that can be found after arriving upon the ground, or 

 before, to learn the state of affairs ; and that you will, without fear or favor 

 investigate all matters pertaining to that agency so thoroughly as to satisfy your- 

 selves beyond a doubt as to facts upon which you will make a clear report relative 

 to its past and present condition and management, with such recommendations as 

 will enable the Department to take proper action in the premises. 



You will undoubtedly meet with persons of strong partisan feelings enlisted 

 both for and against the administration of the present agent ; and as you proceed 

 you will become fully aware of the misrepresentations which such partisanship 



