86 C 2 3 
Fort Recovery, 
July 21, 1825, 
Dear Major: Your favor of the 10th instant I have this momc^nt 
received, and I assure you, with great pleasure. I was higlily gratifi- 
ed that Majors WooI!ey and Ketchum came on to join us. Mr. Pil- 
cher 1 have requested to write you fully as to Indian affairs; and he is 
so much better informed than myself, that I shall leave that subject 
principally to him. He is, I find, very efficient, and has conducted 
greatly to my satisfaction. 
These Yanctons appear to be zealously determined to co-operate 
with us, but I have some doubts as to the continuance of their ardor. 
"We ha\e been obliged to make a halt here of three days, to wait for 
Mr. Pilcher, and to repair damages sustai.ted from wind and water. 
Afier so many disasters, I am happy to inform you that we are yet ef- 
ficient, perhaps as much so as when we set out. Our powder was 
miraculously preserved — several casks, which were under water all 
night, were entirety unnijured. I have borrowed ten rifles of Mr. 
Pilcher, and ran have twenty-three more of General Ashley, but eight 
only are necessary to complete — powder and lead I can obtain in 
ample quantities. If the Ricaras and Mandans unite, I shall proceed 
to the Mandans; and, if they keep the Ricaras in the village, shall at- 
tack them. We shall do our best to obtain a victory. The honor of 
the American arms must be supported at all events. But I can plain- 
ly perceive our force is not sufficient to inspire that degree of awe 
and respect among the Indians which I would wish. We make but 
a small show, on a large Prairie, by the side of 4 or 500 mounted 
Indians. If we can obtain a fair fight, our superiority will probably 
be more apparent. 
As I ha\e to write on the ground, in a heavy wind, I fear you will 
not be able to read my letter. You will, however, have the good- 
ness to excuse inaccuracies, and my want of time and means to send 
you a fair copy. 
I am, dear sir, truly, 
Your friend and servant, 
H. LEAVENWORTH, 
Maj. B. 0*Fallon. Col. U. S, drmyc 
A true copy. 
Chs. J. NouRSE, Mj Gen. JicUng. 
Head Quarters, Western Department, 
Septiinber 9, 1 823. 
General : I have received, through your aid-de-camp, Lieut. Eo 
Kirby, your letter of the 25th, in reply to mine of the 10th of last 
raouth. 
