This confidential letter was written by General Philip Henry Sheridan, a Civil War veteran who led a series of campaigns against Native Americans on the western frontier. In this letter he informs Kansas governor Samuel Crawford of the locations and positions of military units on the frontier. Sheridan also expresses his desire to destroy the Indians' villages and horses and bring these tribes into submission. Sheridan was well-known for his ruthless pursuit of Native Americans and lack of concern for the welfare of non-combatants.