"My Dear Captain Carey.—You see I anticipate your title, for I know it will come in return for the services you are rendering in this war.
"The Sioux here known as Friendlies, and the hostiles in the Bad Lands, are very uneasy at your being on the trail with your Cheyenne soldiers, and a greater security is felt by the army all along the line, knowing that you will head off any move the Sioux may make of importance.
"If it was not that General Miles is held in check by the President, he would quickly strike a blow that would forever put down these Indian wars; but as it is, he has to go with caution, as orders are constantly coming from as far back in his rear as Washington City, and so he is trammeled.
"Surgeon Frank Powell, your old and trusted friend, is here, hatching affairs like a hawk, and Buffalo Bill is on the alert for a move when orders come to him giving him the word to go.
"I am just back from the Wounded Knee battle-field, and it must have been a terrible affair.
"I have heard of your courage there, and that you left on the trail of Red Hatchet.
"If you find him I am sure the 'Hatchet' will be forever buried.
"With good will, believe me,
"Yours, John M. Burke."