love with abstractions, but permit me to pose a hypothetical. Let us say that you provided an estimation on the morale or fighting quality of the troops in the field, or passed an opinion whether your generals were likely to succeed or fail in suppressing the Sioux uprising in the next few weeks or even months. How would that sit with the higher authorities? It would not be appreciated.” I shrugged. “But surely that is exactly the kind of information that would be very useful because it bears on the possibility of the Sioux arriving in Walsh’s vicinity. It would influence how, when, and where he readies himself to meet the threat.” I paused. “I could think of other instances of a similar kind. But no matter how pertinent such information could be, no one would commit it to writing for fear of being seen to criticize those in command.”
“So this is what Walsh is proposing?” demanded Ilges with some asperity. “That I pull his fat from the fire and leave mine to burn?”
“Far from it,” I assured him. “On the face of it, it may appear you have more to give in such an exchange than Major Walsh. The telegraph office here surely provides you with updates on the latest military developments, troop movements, and so forth. Steamboats from downriver bring news and rumours concerning the Sioux from every place they pick up cargo and passengers. In that sense, you have a great advantage over Walsh, who is isolated from the wider world. But he has resources you do not. His half-breed scouts are welcomed in all the Indian camps. He and his troopers go wherever they please, unmolested by any of the northern tribes. I put this question to you with the greatest respect – does the American army have that freedom of movement, those kinds of friendly relations with the Indians?”
“I admit that we do not,” he said grudgingly.
“Presently, no one knows where the Sioux are. They must be located before they can be beaten. Other Indians are likely to know their whereabouts. Walsh has access to those Indians, he can go straight to the horse’s mouth.”
I could see Ilges was weighing what he had just heard. Coaxingly, I said,#x20 am well aware of the size of the garrison here, Major. It is small. Hardly adequate to protect Fort Benton and its outlying areas if the Sioux arrive here. Am I correct in assuming that you do not have sufficient soldiers at your disposal to reconnoitre the border area?”
“The answer is obvious. I do not.”
“Walsh is as eager to know where the Sioux might be as you are. Let me put you another hypothetical. If his Métis scouts and police patrols extended below the line, might that not be useful to both of you if something were learned about the hostiles’ location? Of course, the question is rhetorical because no government will countenance extraterritorial incursions. They are a violation of national sovereignty, no matter how practical they might be.” There I left it hanging.
Ilges wore a doubtful look. “You are suggesting Walsh and I go behind our superiors’ backs.”
“I am suggesting that you strike a gentleman’s agreement so that you can do exactly what you have been charged to do. You have been ordered to share information fully, but your hands are tied. As the crow flies, Fort Benton and Fort Walsh are separated by less than a hundred miles. Everyone expects that if the Sioux make for Canada, they will pass this way. This is your ground. You will be held responsible if a mishap occurs here.”
Ilges sat thinking. When he spoke, I detected indecision in his voice. “I cannot refute what you say, but I am not prepared to act recklessly.”
“One could say that under the circumstances the advantages outweigh the risks. Yes? The authorities will settle for nothing less than success. I suggest that what I and Walsh propose offers the best chance of achieving it.” I hesitated before adding, “I tell you this in confidence. Major Walsh fears that if he does not
“So this is what Walsh is proposing?” demanded Ilges with some asperity. “That I pull his fat from the fire and leave mine to burn?”
“Far from it,” I assured him. “On the face of it, it may appear you have more to give in such an exchange than Major Walsh. The telegraph office here surely provides you with updates on the latest military developments, troop movements, and so forth. Steamboats from downriver bring news and rumours concerning the Sioux from every place they pick up cargo and passengers. In that sense, you have a great advantage over Walsh, who is isolated from the wider world. But he has resources you do not. His half-breed scouts are welcomed in all the Indian camps. He and his troopers go wherever they please, unmolested by any of the northern tribes. I put this question to you with the greatest respect – does the American army have that freedom of movement, those kinds of friendly relations with the Indians?”
“I admit that we do not,” he said grudgingly.
“Presently, no one knows where the Sioux are. They must be located before they can be beaten. Other Indians are likely to know their whereabouts. Walsh has access to those Indians, he can go straight to the horse’s mouth.”
I could see Ilges was weighing what he had just heard. Coaxingly, I said,#x20 am well aware of the size of the garrison here, Major. It is small. Hardly adequate to protect Fort Benton and its outlying areas if the Sioux arrive here. Am I correct in assuming that you do not have sufficient soldiers at your disposal to reconnoitre the border area?”
“The answer is obvious. I do not.”
“Walsh is as eager to know where the Sioux might be as you are. Let me put you another hypothetical. If his Métis scouts and police patrols extended below the line, might that not be useful to both of you if something were learned about the hostiles’ location? Of course, the question is rhetorical because no government will countenance extraterritorial incursions. They are a violation of national sovereignty, no matter how practical they might be.” There I left it hanging.
Ilges wore a doubtful look. “You are suggesting Walsh and I go behind our superiors’ backs.”
“I am suggesting that you strike a gentleman’s agreement so that you can do exactly what you have been charged to do. You have been ordered to share information fully, but your hands are tied. As the crow flies, Fort Benton and Fort Walsh are separated by less than a hundred miles. Everyone expects that if the Sioux make for Canada, they will pass this way. This is your ground. You will be held responsible if a mishap occurs here.”
Ilges sat thinking. When he spoke, I detected indecision in his voice. “I cannot refute what you say, but I am not prepared to act recklessly.”
“One could say that under the circumstances the advantages outweigh the risks. Yes? The authorities will settle for nothing less than success. I suggest that what I and Walsh propose offers the best chance of achieving it.” I hesitated before adding, “I tell you this in confidence. Major Walsh fears that if he does not
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