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War Department
Adjutant General's Office
Washington, May 11, 1874

To the
Commanding General
Military Division of the Missouri
Chicago, Illinois

Sir,
Referring to your communication of the 1st instant informing the General of the Army of your return from Fort Abraham Lincoln, and reporting your desire to start Lieut. Colonel Custer with a column of Cavalry, to examine the Black Hills Country and the north fork of the Cheyanne, about the 15th proximo; I have the honor to inform you that the proposed expedition is approved by the Secretary of War, with the understanding that it shall not cost more than $2,500 as estimated by you.

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5th Endorsement
War Department
Adjutant Generals Office
Washington, May 8, 1874

Respectfully sub,itted to the Secretary of War.
E. D. Townsend
adjutant General