February 26, 1866
Department of the Interior
Washington, D. C.
Sir: I have the honor to submit herewith a letter addressed to this Department by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, requesting the reservation from preemption or sale of townships 31 and 32 north, range 5 west, and townships 31 and 32 north, range 6 west of the principal sixth meridian, in Nebraska Territory, until the action of Congress be had, with a view to the setting apart of these townships as a reservation for the Santee Sioux Indians now at Crow Creek, Dakota; and recommend that you direct those lands to be withdrawn from market and held in reserve for the purpose indicated.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
James Harlan, Secretary
February 27, 1866
Executive Mansion
Let the lands within named be withdrawn from the market and reserved for the purposes indicated.
Andrew Johnson, President of the United States