[2] 
59 
I have but recently recovered from an attack of bilious fever, and 
my hand is not yet steady enough to write with ease, or very legibly. 
With great respect, I have, &c. &c. 
E. P. GAINES, 
Major General by brevet commandingf 6fc. 
Hon. J. C. CALHOUJiT, 
Secretary of War. 
No. 1. 
Head Quarters, "Western Department, 
Louisville, Kentucky, July 26, 1823. 
General: The report made to you the 12th instant, by Gen- 
eral Atkinson, that General Ashley, with his trading company, had 
been attacked by the Ricaras Indians, and defeated, with the loss of 
14 killed and 9 wounded, is confirmed by letters received last night 
from Major O'Fallon and Major Foster, of which I enclose herewith 
copies numbered 1 and 2. From Major O'Fallon's letter, you will 
perceive that other outrages, of a similar character, have been com- 
mitted by the Blackfoot Indians, who have killed Messrs. Jones and 
Immel, (late an officer of the army,) with five other persons. 
It appears, on the 22d of last month. Colonel Leavenworth march- 
ed with 220 regular troops, and 80 men of the trading companies, to 
be joined by a large party of Sioux warriors, against the Ricaras, 
who, being strongly fortified, the Colonel took with him some 
cannon. 
The Ricaras Villages are situated about 700 miles above Council 
Bluffs, and are supposed to contain about 600 or 700 warriors; 
should they be able to turn out 600 warriors well armed, and, 
united as they are reported to be, the movement of Colonel Leaven- 
worth, taking into view the great distance, and the several in- 
termediate nations near wliich he must necessarily pass, cannot but 
be considered as very hazardous; and, as any disaster on our part 
would be witnessed, or very soon heard of by the numerous adja- 
cent nations of Indians, a repulse, attended with the loss of but a few 
lives, would be to us a serious disaster, as it would tend to undo most 
of what has been done by the United States on the minds of the In- 
dians, since the first occupancy of the posts up the Missouri. 
The unprovoked outrages of the Ricaras call for exemplary pun- 
ishment; but a premature effort, on our part, will but widen the breach 
between us, and enhance the evil we thus attempt to correct. I trust 
the report of Col. Leavenworth, which is not yet received, will give 
a more satisfactory view of his measures and prospects of success, 
than I am at present able to afford. I have, however, great confi- 
dence in the discretion and conduct of that officer, and I am persua- 
