Military Station
Lower Brule Agency
September 16, 1874

To the
Acting Asst. Adjt. General
Southern District, Dept. of Dakota

Sir,
I have the honor to report that on the 9th instant, I directed Lieut. Dougherty, 1st Infantry to proceed to Brule City with a detachment of six (6) mounted men, to ascertain whether there were any parties organizing there for the purpose of invading the territory of the Sioux Indians in the direction of the Black Hills. On the 10th, Lieut. Dougherty returned and reported that there were no men about the place except the permanent settlers nor could he discover any indications of supplies or materials necessary for use on an expedition.
About two weeks ago a party under a man named Somero, did actually cross the river with a view of pioneering a route to the Black Hills, but the party did not go further than the Sand Hill region, some ten or twelve miles; the party having recrossed the river. Should another attempt be made, information of the fact will be given immediately, and can from this point be easily intercepted.
Very respectfully
your obedient servant,