Department of Dakota
Fort Randall, S.D. Sept. 23,, 1874

Respectively forwarded to Headqrs. Dept. of Dakota. The party referred to by Captain DeRussy proceeded farther than he thought, but I think, however, that this is entirely closed to any unauthorized trip too the Black Hills country, as the Lower Brule Indians are watching it with great vigilance.
The other route leading along the Niobrara River does not seem too have been attempted, and I think Lieut. Genl. Sheridan's has effectually checked in roads into the Sioux Indian reservation for the present. Parties of white and half-breeds who reside at the Spotted Tail agency about 65 miles from Harney's Rock report to me, that for many years past, they have been in the habit of visiting the Black Hills country for the purpose of hunting and they have never yet been able to ascertain that any paying dirt or quartz either golden or silver exist in that country.
Many of these men are practical miners. Some of them have visited the Harney Peak Country since Lieut. Col. Custer was there last month. These men also report that the Black Hills country is too cold for agricultural purposes and only fitted for hunting and grazing - it is well wooded and the water is also good.
Signed Pinckney Lugenbeel
Lieut. Col. 1st Infantry
Comdg. Southern District