104 [2] 
Head Quarters, Western Department, 
October 16, 1823. 
Sir: In compliance with tlie wishes of General Atkinson and 
Colonel Leavenworth, I have to request your attention to the com- 
munication of the latter, enclosed herewith. 
I am decitledly of the opinion that the conduct of the colonel, with 
that ot his oflicei's and men, was such as to merit marked applause: 
and that if the President of the United States should be pleased to 
confer any token of his approbation on either of the officers en^aared 
in the late expedition. Colonel Leavenworth himself has a well 
founded claim to the first notice. 
^ It is reported that Mr. Pilcher, agent to one of the Missouri trad- 
mg: companies, and at the same time sub-agent for Indian affairs, has 
undertaken to censure Colonel Leavenworth, upon the ground of his 
having made a treaty with the Ricaras before they had been properly 
Upon this subject, it may be remarked, that Colonel Leavenworth 
by virtue of his command, and pursuant to the law of nature and of 
nations, had a right to dtcide as to the measure of punishment due to 
the enemy, and to dictate to him terms of capitulation: subject, of 
course, to the approval or disapproval of the proper authorities above 
Aim: nor is it to be apprehended that his government or country will 
be likely to blame him for having abstained from a sanguinary mea- 
sure. The victory most acceptable t. an enlightened and virtuous 
nation, is doubtless that which is obtained at the least expense of 
With great respect, 
I have the honor to be, 
E. P. GAINES, 
Maj. Gen. by Brevet, Commanding. 
The Hon. John C. CAiHouNy 
Secretary of War. 
A true ropy, 
Charles. J. Nourse, 
Mjutant General, Acting, 
Fort Atkinson, Sept. 7, 1823. 
ihf^^'' ^ ^^^^ 'V^^**® ^ *^"*^ *° recommend to the particular notice of 
the government. Captain Riley and First Lieutenant W. W. Morris, 
IgainsUheTricrs'"' '"' '"'"^"^^ '"""^ ^''^ '^'^ -1>«^»^-" 
