January 11, 1883 James H. Wilbur Esq. Late U.S. Indian Agent  Fort Simcoe, Washington Territory Sir:      I enclose herewith a copy of a letter dated the 16th. ultimo, from Brigadier General O.O. Howard, Commanding the Department of the Platte, and which was enclosed for trans- mittal to you in a letter dated the 5th instant received by Department reference from the Hon- orable Secretary of War, inviting attention, in accordance with the recommendation of the General of the Army, to a statement made by you, and published in the report of the General of the Army, which statement relates to an alleged promise made by General Howard  
        to Leggins and his band, that they should be returned to Malheur in the Spring.   It is observed that General Howard disclaims having ever made any promise to Leggins or to any of the Malheur Indians that they should return to their reservation.  Very respectfully   H. Price   Commissioner (Trimble)