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M 3

Memoranda of Report of Genl. Sprague concerning the treatment by the Indians of their late slaves.

Returns, as directed, copy of a letter of J H Leard in relation to Indian outrages in the Indian Territory, against negroes

The other papers were referred to Genl. Reynolds for his perusal, with request that they be returned, but were sent by mistake to Genl Hunt at Fort Smith.  He ordered them returned at once, not yet rec'd.  Encloses letters from Chaplain Springer, and statement of Capt. Ballard Supt. Paradifta Ark.  Beyond their statements, little authentic has been learned in relation to treatment of negroes in Indian Territory.

Enough is known to convince the Asst. Com'r. that intervention of the General Gov't. is necessary to prevent barbarous cruelties.  Some of the better disposed Indians ask that Capt Ballard be directed to supervise in their territory.  On receipt of first papers, requested Maj. Genl. Reynolds to [[strikethrough]] send [[/strikethrough]] order Genl. Hunt at Ft. Smith to send a sufficient escort into the Territory with the Negroes who desired to visit their families who were still held as slaves by the Indians.  This request was at once granted.  Directed Chaplain Springer to select a few of the most reliable