My Dear Mr. Bernard:
"I write but a few lines to say that after the surrender of Big Foot's Band, on Wounded Knee Creek, yesterday, to Colonel Forsythe, the Indians broke faith, fired on the troops of the Seventh Cavalry, and a fierce fight followed, resulting in the killing and wounding of many soldiers and redskins. I regret to say, women and children being among the latter.
"The instigator of the treacherous act was a Sioux chief, who professes friendship for you and your family, and he escaped to the Bad Lands, in spite of my hot pursuit of him.
"That he will strike another blow quickly, I do not doubt, and I therefore beg of you, by the love you bear your family, to remove them without a moment's delay, to a place of safety.
"I go from here to visit my line of scouts, and shall then come to my main force near your ranch, where I hope to find you and yours far away.
"In haste, and with remembrances to your wife and daughter, believe me.
"Very sincerely yours,
"Kit Carey,
"Lieutenant of Cavalry, U.S. Army."
Having ordered the Indian soldier who bore this letter to deliver it with all dispatch, and then go to the main camp of the redskin scouts and await his coming, Kit Carey, accompanied by two of his men, set off on his rounds of visiting the other posts.