Collection is located with other small manuscript collections.
Collection Number:
A 024
Summary:
George Crook was a U.S. Army officer. The George Crook papers comprise letters concerning the Sioux campaign of 1876, the Apache campaigns
of 1883 and 1886, the Sioux Commission, 1889, and the relocation of the Apache Indian reservation.
Repository:
University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through
a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Biographical Note
George Crook was an Army officer during the late 1800s who was best known for his Indian fighting in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.
Content Description
The George Crook collection includes 22 letters from Crook to Lyman Walter V. Kennon, his aide, 1888-1890. There are also drafts
of letters to George A. Custer and Emmet Crawford. Letters received are from Wesley Merritt, Robert Strahorn, Ranald MacKenzie, Marion
P. Maus. Most of the letters refer to Indian campaigns and the relocation of the Apache Indian reservation.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access :
Collection is open to the public.
Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room.
Restrictions on Use :
Property rights reside with Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries.
Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs.
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the
Manuscripts Librarian in Special Collections & University Archives. The
reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.
Preferred Citation :
[Identification of item], George Crook Papers, A 024, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.
Administrative Information
Arrangement :
The collection is arranged in two folders, one containing original letters and the other containing copies of the same letters.
Detailed Description of the Collection
The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in
the collection.
Letters
Container(s)
Description
Dates
Folder
6
Crook (camp near Big Spring) to soldiers of the Kanawha Brigade
1 letter (2 pages)
Says farewell to the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 14th Army Corps.
July 30, 1863
6
Crook (Fort Fetterman) to George A. Custer
1 letter (1 page)
Refers to Custer’s letter of 25th; reports Gen. Reynolds will leave in couple of days with cavalry and infantry to
operate against Sioux in Big Horn country. Cannot determine in advance what Reynolds’ moves will be. Has no letter from Terry.
February 27, 1876
6
R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
1 letter (1 page)
Refers to delivery and execution of orders for the arrest of Reynolds and Moore. Comments on news regulations from the Adjutant General
regarding department funds. Has heard nothing official about Indian troubles in the Black Hills, but says newspapers are filled with accounts.
May 19, 1876
6
Crook (Fort Fetterman) to Command Officer, Ft. Laramie
1 letter (1 page)
States two more companies of infantry ordered report to Laramie. Requests their disposition to given protection to travel.
May 27, 1876
6
R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
1 letter (3 pages)
Reports arrival of Dr. McGillicuddy. Refers to disposition of troops for Sioux campaign. Has heard of Indian troubles,
and new congressional bill for another conference with Indians. Has no doubt Crook will be able to handle hostiles.
Reports Col. Ludington’s transfer to Pacific coast.
June 5, 1876
6
R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
1 letter (3 pages)
Reports that order have been given for repair of telegraph. Details arrival of various troops at Cheyenne.
Says Col. Carr anxious to use Pawnees as scouts. Has telegraphed Chicago for permission.
June 7, 1876
6
W. Merritt (in camp in Black Hills) to Crook
1 letter (4 pages)
Acknowledges receipt of two dispatches. Says troop movement will start as soon as possible. Complains of poor
quality of grass, and condition of cavalry horses. Discusses details of proposed march on Red Cloud agency.
Disagrees on details of country; sends sketch map of probably route.
October 8, 1876
6
Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to Crook
1 letter (2 pages)
Reports probable location of two Indian camps, Crazy Horse, and Sens Arc; says Cheyennes are thinking of uniting on Togue river. Believes many Indians will stay out this winter.
October 13, 1876
6
W. Merritt (in camp at the Ponds) to Crook
1 letter (3 pages)
Describes probable route of three columns toward Red Cloud agency. Hopes horses will hold out. Expects to reach Red Cloud on morning of 24th.
October 22, 1876
6
Robert E. Strahorn (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to Mrs. Crook (Oakland, Md.)
1 letter (9 pages)
Sends latest of his Tribune letters. Describes mustering out of Indian scouts, and
their loyalty to Crook. Comments at length of court-martial of Moore and Reynolds. Refers to letter in Omaha Bee
about Stanton. Has hopes Crazy Horse and hostiles may be brought in peacefully; hears conflicting reports from their
villages. (Note from Col. Stanton included: comments on Moore-Reynolds case.)
February 4, 1877
6
Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
1 letter (2 pages)
Comments on horse thieves and cattle thieves. Is wearing out his men and horses on details after such thieves. Wants Laramie to do more work.
March 29, 1877
6
Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
1 letter (2 pages)
Passes on news from Cheyenne who has come in from Cheyenne camp. Hears Cheyennes are thinking of coming in to agency, and have
parted from Sioux. Says Sitting Bull might come in to Missouri river agency. Locates Sitting Bull’s camp. News confirmed Sioux Andian.
April 4, 1877
6
Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
1 letter (2 pages)
Transmits two letters from Capt. P. D. Vroom. Asks for orders on forage supply question raised by Vroom. Has no knowledge of Vroom’s
movements. Complains that room retains nine wagons when two would be ample. Could use the extra seven on the road.
April 9, 1877
6
Henry Heth (Georgetown, S.C.) to Crook
1 letter (1 page)
Congratulates Crook on success of Apache campaign. Says he deserved promotion. Refers to Civil War episode at Lewisburg.
June 14, 1883
6
Franz Sigel (New York, N.Y.) to Crook
1 letter (1 page)
Congratulates Crook on masterly raid. Has written a piece about it in German.
June 18, 1883
6
Crook (Prescott, Ariz.) to Emmett Crawford
1 letter (1 page)
Refers to Circular No. 5 issued by Crawford. Points out that anything put into print can become ammunition for unfriendly
whites, that personal influence and careful management are most important to avoid troubles.
November 15, 1883
6
Crook (Prescott, Ariz.) to Emmett Crawford
1 letter (1 page)
Refers to action of turning over Indian convicted of murder to relatives of dead squaw. Doubts that principle of Indian justice extends to murder.
December 1, 1883
6
Crook (Fort Bowie, Ariz.) to John Pope (Presidio, San Francisco)
1 letter (8 pages)
Quotes from report of a spy kept in Mexico to report on the movements of Indians. Elaborates on difficulties
of surprising Apaches, especially when the Indians are sided by the Mexicans. Reports Wirt Davis leaves for
Mexico with 1st battalion of Scouts on 21st, and Crawford leaves next week with 2nd battalion.
November 19, 1885
6
Marion Maus (camp 7 miles north of Nacori) to Cyrus Roberts
1 letter (7 pages)
Has found Lt. Faison with part of trains. Comments on death of Lt. Crawford. Complains of attitude of Mexicans
toward Apache scouts. Says Mexicans know nothing of treaty, have been living on trade with hostiles.
January 23, 1886
6
Marion F. Maus (Camp Guadaloupe Canyon) to Cyrus Roberts
1 letter (16 pages)
Reports plans for bringing hostiles in. Gives details of encounter with Mexicans on January 11 near Arras river.
Will move tomorrow to camp south of San Bernardino. Describes meeting with Geronimo.
February 6, 1886
6
J.C. Breckinridge (Chicago, Ill.) to Crook
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks for character reference as officer.
March 17, 1887
6
William M. Wherry (Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. ) to Crook (Omaha, Neb.)
1 letter (3 pages)
Has read Crook’s “Resume of Operations Against Apache Indians.” Expresses full confidence in Crook’s actions, regrets attitude of press, and misunderstanding of superior officers.
April 27, 1887
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to his position at battle of Fisher's Hill.
December 29, 1888
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to enclosed letter not included and question of examining documents in Washington. Has tried to
get B & O pass for Kennon, but is not sure of success. Has returned from Texas.
January 28, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Sends pass from B & O. Suggests getting pass to Lynohburg through Gen. Dandy.
January 28, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Acknowledges letters. Says Forsyth knows of no one present at meeting of Grant and Sheridan in the Valley.
Hopes Kennon has Crook’s memoirs via Corbin by now.
March 1, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Refers cryptically to “the matter Burke interviewed you on.” Expects to go to New York for celebration.
April 22, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Thinks it best to let Bourke handle Apache business, he being well informed on subject. Has talked to Gen.
Hayes about publication of Kennon’s history. Hayes thinks war articles are too common to be in demand.
Hopes to go on inspection trip with Secretary of War and Schofield, and may go to Sioux country.
May 4, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Advises Kennon to finish his work. Will be glad to have Bourke with Indian commission. Has no further
information about magazine outlets for Kennon’s writing.
May 14, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Advises how Bourke can get on Indian commission. Cannot hope to locate pictures among many boxes of material
in storage. Thinks Bourke could get them from Cushing. Has little help of Sioux Commission success.
May 20, 1889
6
Crook (Pine Ridge Agency) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to Kennon’s and Bourke’s writing problems. Finds Indian councils very slow and aggravating. Indians unwilling to agree or make up their minds.
June 14, 1889
6
Crook (Crow Creek Agency) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Finds council with Indians disagreeable, and unfair to the Indians.
July 8, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Has returned from hunt. Says Indian Commission has not met to draw up final report. Has letter from Secretary
of War asking about proposed Apache reservation in North Carolina. Hopes the proposal will lead to joint visit to Shenandoah Valley.
October 12, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Cannot determine when he will get to Washington. Leaves for Leavenworth in afternoon. Still hopes to visit North Carolina to examine proposed Apache reservation.
October 28, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Has returned from Ft. Lewis, Colo. Will try to get Kennon a detail with Capt. Ray. Regrets Commission has not
yet met, thus postponing Washington and Shenandoah trip. Thinks Gen. Hayes would know more about Opequan than
he. Suggests Kennon’s long stay in Washington is causing adverse comment.
November 8, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Has arranged for two months leave for Kennon. Cannot come to Washington on Apache business unless asked. Roberts has suggested Overturf for information on Valley Campaign.
November 13, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Says Commission has determined probable time for visit to Washington, and urged Secretary of War to have certain
chiefs to Washington. Will probably be up before Congress convenes. Has had attack similar to one in Boston in 1887.
November 20, 1889
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Has understanding with Guy Howard that Apaches should make only one move, but if not, have them at Ft. Sill
before end of March. Wants copy of Chiricahua report as soon as available. Is feeling better.
January 12, 1890
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Thinks Ft. Lewis should be abandoned. Expects to leave for Ft. Reno Indian Territory on 24th, for two weeks.
January 21, 1890
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Has been delayed on Ft. Reno trip, but leaves tonight. Refers to Gen. Miles’ “four year old Chestnut” on the Apache affair and
surrender of Geronimo. Has sent reply as special to Chicago Herald. Comments on Hoar’s resolution to
gather all documents in the case. Thinks Gatewood’s testimony would be very important, and that Bourke could help through his Boston friends.
February 3, 1890
6
Crook (Okache Station, I.T.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (1 page)
Will reach Reno tomorrow, and visit Sill. Comments on Miles’ “Literary Bureau” and the misleading statements
on the Apache campaign by Miles. Would like to come to Washington to testify in the matter.
February 5, 1890
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks whether Kennon has received railroad pass. Comments on Gen. Miles and his “Literary Bureau” arranging for all credit
for Apache surrender. Suggests that no mention be made of Miles’ jealousy, but simply state facts to make point clear.
February 17, 1890
6
Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon (Washington D.C.)
1 letter (1 page)
“Go ahead but wait putting your report until you receive my letter of today.”
February 18, 1890
6
O.O. Howard (Governor's Island, NYC) to Crook (Chicago, Ill.)
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to Chiricahua relocation bill. Has seen the Secretary of War and others. Doubts that objections of “Pacific”
general would hurt bill. Hopes some judicious newspaper publicity will help. Doubts stand of congressman Perkins.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online
catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or
places should search the catalog using these headings.
Personal Names :
Crawford, Emmett
Crook, George, 1829-1890--Archives
Crook, George, 1829-1890--Correspondence
Custer, George Armstrong, 1839-1876
Kennon, Lyman Walter Vere, 1858-1918
Mackenzie, Ranald Slidell, 1840-1889
Maus, Marion P. (Marion Perry), 1850-1930
Merritt, Wesley, 1834-1910
Strahorn, Robert E. (Robert Edmund), 1852-1944
Corporate Names :
United States. Sioux Commission (1889)
Subject Terms :
Apache Indians--Wars, 1883-1886
Dakota Indians--Wars, 1876
Generals--United States
Indians of North America--Government relations--1869-1934
