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101 
or seven liundred men, to ascend as far as the Yellow Stone. They 
may return the same season, or establish themselves above, as cir- 
cumstances may dictate. 
Upon the receipt of the communications from Col. Leavenworth, I 
have, in conformity with your orders and the instructions of the Se- 
cretary of War, ordered the detachment of the first regiment to halt 
at Belle Fontaine, where the barracks will be repaired, and the troops 
quartered for the winter. Although I think their presence at the 
Council Bluffs, t'^is fall, would have a good effect, yet I do not 
deem it indispensable: for they can arrive as early in the spring 
as supplies can for them, and, until the arrival of which, they 
could not move up the river. Besides, the 6th regiment is already 
strengthened by Capt. Fowle's land detachment, and the recruits 
that ascend the river will also join it — making a force sufficient for 
the defence of the post at Council Bluffs, and to overawe the neigh- 
boring tribes. I shall, however, upon any case of emergency, be 
aule to march with great promptness the detachment of the first to 
the upper country, where, from the products of our crops, they can 
be provisioned till spring. 
1 shall remain at this place, till the return of the express from 
Louisvillej say twelve days, when I propose, by your advice, to set 
out for Council Bluffs. I shall be able, by visiting that post, to ac- 
quire the best information relative to the feelings and views of the In- 
dians, and can return to this place in December, to attend to any 
preparations for operations in the spring, that circumstances may 
require. 
I am so deeply impressed with a conviction of an unfriendly and an 
unsettled state of feeling among the upper tribes, that I can but re- 
peat my opinion of the necessity of sending an imposing force into 
that quarter the ensuing spring. 
With very great respect. Sir, V 
1 have the honor to be, 
Your most obedient servant, 
H. ATKINSON, 
Brig, Gen. U. S. Ji. 
Maj. Gen. E. P. Gaines, 
Commanding Western Dcpartm^ent, 
Louisville, Ken, 
A true copy. 
Chs. J. NouRSE, Mj, Gen. ^ci'g. 
