University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html



Guide to the George Crook Papers, 1863-1890


A 024





Finding aid prepared by Jenny Palm

Finding aid encoded by Jenny Palm, April 2004
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Overview of the Collection

 
Repository Name:
 

University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives

1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html

 
Collection Number:
 

A 024

 
Creator:
 

Crook, George, 1829-1890

 
Title:
 

George Crook Papers

 
Dates:
 

1863-1890 (inclusive)

 
Quantity:
 

.1 linear feet
2 folders

 
Languages:
 

Collection materials are in English. 

 
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.

 
Location of Collection:
 

Collection is located with other small manuscript collections.

 

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.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in two folders, one containing original letters and the other containing copies of the same letters.

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.

Subjects

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.

 
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
United States. Sioux Commission (1889)
Apache Indians--Wars, 1883-1886
Dakota Indians--Wars, 1876
Generals--United States
Indians of North America--Government relations--1869-1934
Indians of North America--Wars--1866-1895

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
  July 30, 1863
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Says farewell to the 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 14th Army Corps.
 


Crook (Fort Fetterman) to George A. Custer
  February 27, 1876
 
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.
 


R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
  May 19, 1876
 
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.
 


Crook (Fort Fetterman) to Command Officer, Ft. Laramie
  May 27, 1876
 
1 letter (1 page)
States two more companies of infantry ordered report to Laramie. Requests their disposition to given protection to travel.
 


R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
  June 5, 1876
 
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.
 


R. Williams (Omaha, Neb.) to Crook
  June 7, 1876
 
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.
 


W. Merritt (in camp in Black Hills) to Crook
  October 8, 1876
 
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.
 


Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to Crook
  October 13, 1876
 
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.
 


W. Merritt (in camp at the Ponds) to Crook
  October 22, 1876
 
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.
 


Robert E. Strahorn (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to Mrs. Crook (Oakland, Md.)
  February 4, 1877
 
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.)
 


Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
  March 29, 1877
 
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.
 


Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
  April 4, 1877
 
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.
 


Ranald MacKenzie (Camp Robinson, Neb.) to John G. Bourke (Ft. Laramie, Wyoming Territory)
  April 9, 1877
 
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.
 


Henry Heth (Georgetown, S.C.) to Crook
  June 14, 1883
 
1 letter (1 page)
Congratulates Crook on success of Apache campaign. Says he deserved promotion. Refers to Civil War episode at Lewisburg.
 


Franz Sigel (New York, N.Y.) to Crook
  June 18, 1883
 
1 letter (1 page)
Congratulates Crook on masterly raid. Has written a piece about it in German.
 


Crook (Prescott, Ariz.) to Emmett Crawford
  November 15, 1883
 
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.
 


Crook (Prescott, Ariz.) to Emmett Crawford
  December 1, 1883
 
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.
 


Crook (Fort Bowie, Ariz.) to John Pope (Presidio, San Francisco)
  November 19, 1885
 
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.
 


Marion Maus (camp 7 miles north of Nacori) to Cyrus Roberts
  January 23, 1886
 
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.
 


Marion F. Maus (Camp Guadaloupe Canyon) to Cyrus Roberts
  February 6, 1886
 
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.
 


J.C. Breckinridge (Chicago, Ill.) to Crook
  March 17, 1887
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks for character reference as officer.
 


William M. Wherry (Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. ) to Crook (Omaha, Neb.)
  April 27, 1887
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  December 29, 1888
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to his position at battle of Fisher's Hill.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  January 28, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  January 28, 1889
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Sends pass from B & O. Suggests getting pass to Lynohburg through Gen. Dandy.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  March 1, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  April 22, 1889
 
1 letter (1 page)
Refers cryptically to “the matter Burke interviewed you on.” Expects to go to New York for celebration.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  May 4, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  May 14, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  May 20, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Pine Ridge Agency) to L.W.V. Kennon
  June 14, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Crow Creek Agency) to L.W.V. Kennon
  July 8, 1889
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Finds council with Indians disagreeable, and unfair to the Indians.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  October 12, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  October 28, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  November 8, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  November 13, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  November 20, 1889
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  January 12, 1890
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  January 21, 1890
 
1 letter (1 page)
Thinks Ft. Lewis should be abandoned. Expects to leave for Ft. Reno Indian Territory on 24th, for two weeks.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  February 3, 1890
 
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.
 


Crook (Okache Station, I.T.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  February 5, 1890
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon
  February 17, 1890
 
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.
 


Crook (Chicago, Ill.) to L.W.V. Kennon (Washington D.C.)
  February 18, 1890
 
1 letter (1 page)
“Go ahead but wait putting your report until you receive my letter of today.”
 


O.O. Howard (Governor's Island, NYC) to Crook (Chicago, Ill.)
  March 1, 1890
 
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.

 
folder
7



Letters (copies)