SIR, - I have the honor to enclose, herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter addressed by me to Mr. W.M. Simpson, M.P., together with a copy of a letter addressed to that gentleman, and Messrs. S.J. Dawson and Pether. The former contains the instructions given to Mr. Simpson, as "Indian Commissioner," and the latter contains the instructions given to that gentleman and the two others above named as Joint Indian Commissioners for certain purposes. I also enclose a copy of a Report of Mr. S.J. Dawson (one of the above named Commissioners) on the subject of the Saulteaux and Lac Seul Indians. The Report is interesting for the information it affords respecting the particular Band of Indians with whom the Joint Commissioners have to deal.

The accompanying letters sufficiently explain the scope of the Commissions and the powers and duties of the Commissioners. They also indicate the position and duties of the Commissioners with reference to you as Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba. His Excellency feels satisfied that you will in every way in your power give the Commissioners the benefit of your counsel and support in conducting the important and difficult negotiations intrusted to their management by the Government.

The Honorable
A.G. Archibald,
Lieutenant-Governor, Fort Garry.

SIR, - I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your favor of 17th May, and also a package containing 4 flags for distribution among the Indians of the Red River Territory.

Mr. S.J. Dawson passed this to-day for Fort William, and handed me my Commission. I shall leave by the steamer Chicora on Friday, and hope to find Mr. Dawson ready to accompany me to Fort Francis. I sent word to Mr. Pether to assemble the Indians about the 25th instant.

Would you kindly send my pay for last year to my wife, having the cheque cashed into small bills and remitted by mail registered.

The Hon. Joseph Howe
Secretary of State for the Provinces.
Indian Branch,
Ottawa

SIR, - I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 262, under date of the 9th instant, enclosing copy of a letter addressed to Wemyss M. Simpson, M.P., together with a copy of a letter addressed to that gentleman and Messrs. S.J. Dawson and Pether; also of a report of Mr. S.J. Dawson on the subject of the Saulteaux and Lac Seul Indians.