[2] 
83 
reason to believe, that he must have given them a trial of his strength 
about the first ot the present moiith. Sliould his white and red auxil- 
iaries have proven to be firm and faithl'ul, there is much reason to 
ho[!e tor the most favorable result. 
With great resj)e:t, 
1 have the honor to be, &c. 
E. P. GAINES, Muj. Gen. hy brevet. 
Commaniiing. 
Maj. Gen. Jacob Browjv, 
Oeneral in Chief, IVashington City. 
A true coj)y. 
Cu. J. JSouRSE, Mj. Gen. Mting. 
Head Quarters, Right Wing, Western Department, 
St. Louis f Jiugiist 15, 1823, 
Sir: I have received some unofficial information from the expedi- 
tion under Colonel Leavenworth, as late as tlie 19th ultimo, by a 
letter addressed to Colonel O'Fallon from General Ashley, an ex- 
tract of which is enclosed herewith. 
A Mr. Smith, who came down with the proceeds of the trappers 
and hunters of General Ashley, from the mouth of the Yellow Stone, 
gives, also, some verbal news, to the following eftect, viz: He left the 
Yellow Stone with Mr. Henry, with all the party under him, except 
twenty men left in the fort at the moutli of the Yellow Stone — pro- 
ceeded to join General Ashity at the mouth of the Shyau river. On 
passing the Ricara village, the Ricaras came down on the beach, and 
invited them, in a friendly manner, by signs with buflTalo robes, to 
land. Major Heniy, knowing the deception they were attempting to 
practice upon him, for the purpose of getting him into their power, 
proceeded down the river without holding any inter( ourse wit'i them. 
Mr. Smith informs me that Colonel Leavenworth was progressing 
on very well, and expected to accomplish the object of his movement. 
I, however, think the Ricaras will, on hearing of his approach, move 
off to the Mandaiis, or some disiant point. 1 have no idea they will 
remain in theii* villages for the purpose of defending themselves there^ 
consequently, it will require another season to bring those Lidians to 
a proper account for their transgressions. 
I shall be prepared to push the first regiment on, upon its arrival 
here. I have, &c. 
H. ATKINSON, 
Brigadier General United Atate%* Armij. 
Maj. Gen. Gaines, &c* 
A true copy. 
Chaklgs J. ISoursje:) Mjt. GenL Jlct, 
