Writer says that the Secretary of War has answered Stambaugh's inquiry regarding Faribault's taking possession of his island and yielding only to military force. The Secretary of War replies that the appropriation is almost certain to be passed even though it had been defeated in the House of Representatives. Has written Bailly at Prairie du Chien suggesting the Sioux chiefs be urged to sign a protest against governmental possession unless the full value for the island is paid. Thinks such a protest would counteract Major Plympton's and Taliaferro's testimony that Faribault island was included in Pike's Treaty. Suggests the chiefs declare they never recognized Pikes Treaty; that they received no money or goods as a result of it; that the Treaty of 1837 stipulated money was to be paid for land on the West side of the river on which the garrison stood; and that the Indians would never have signed the treaty had not a promise been made to protect Faribault's claim. Thinks a paper of this nature signed in the presence of witnesses known at Washington would offset Taliaferro's efforts. Declares Scott Campbell, who has tried to destroy the claim, should be spoken to. Should Taliaferro succeed, all the claims of the Leavenworth Treaty would be confirmed, and he would be benefited great. Should Stambaugh succeed, he thinks Faribault ought not to receive more than $6,000 from the appropriation and that Stambaugh should receive the balance. Thinks Mr. and Mrs. Faribault should petition Congress for the passing of the bill on the grounds of injuries received from non-possession and non-payment of their claims.
