It is worthy of notice that this agent of a slave-dealer should thus address, to one of the Executive Departments of this august nation, complaints against the sworn officers of our Government; but it is still more worthy of note that the War Department should call on its authorized and sworn agents to respond to complaints coming from such a source. Copies of Collins's two letters were immediately enclosed to Lieutenant Reynolds, accompanied by a letter from Commissioner Harris, of which we give a copy: "WAR DEPARTMENT, } _Office of Commissioner of Indian Affairs_,} August 27, 1837. } "SIR: I enclose copies of two letters from N. F. Collins, Esq., (one of the twenty-ninth ultimo and the other of the eighteenth instant,) in relation to the negroes which you were directed to turn over to him as the agent of the Creeks. From these papers, and from other information received here, it would seem there has been great disregard, if not a violation, of the orders of the War Department in this matter. I trust you will be able to make such explanations of your conduct as will relieve you from censure--_a prompt answer is desired_. "It may not be amiss to inform you that, when on duty in the Indian Department, you are bound to obey the orders of no military officer, unless you have been placed under his direction. Captain Morrison is the only army officer authorized to control your movements." "Very, etc., C. A. HARRIS, _Commissioner_. Lieut. J. G. REYNOLDS." These intimations to Lieutenant Reynolds of _censure_, and the distinct call for _explanations_, could be neither misinterpreted nor misunderstood; and, although the complaints and charges had been preferred not merely by a man in private life, but by an individual whose very employment as an assistant slave-dealer had rendered him odious and infamous among honorable men, yet this officer who had fought under the flag of his country, and was ready at any moment to peril his life in the support of his country's honor, was now constrained to meet charges coming from an infamous source. The surprise of Lieutenant Reynolds at this procedure was expressed in the following letter: /* "NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 20, 1838. */