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Caddo Indians; and I have very recently learned from several intelligent persons in Texas, and others who have lately been there, that many of our Indians have lately gone over lo the Texas side of the line. These facts and circumstances present to me the important question, whether I am to sit still and suffer these movements to be so far matured as to place the white settlements on both sides of the line wholly within the power of these savages; or whether I ought not instantly to prepare the means for protecting the frontier settlements, and, if necessary, compelling the Indians to return to their own homes and hunting grounds. I cannot but decide in favor of the last alternative which the question presents; for nothing can be more evident, than that an Indian war commencing on either side of the line will as surely extend lo both sides, as that a lighted quick match thrust into one side of a power magazine will extend the explosion to both sides. But I am without mounted men, the only description of force which will enable me to interpose an effectual check to the daily increasing danger which every intelligent citizen, with whom I have conversed upon the subject, apprehends; and apprehe'\ding as I do, that the loss of a month, which it would require to submit the case to the decision of the President of the United States, might prove fatal to a large portion of the frontier inhabitants, I have determined to solicit of your Excellency a brigade, to consist of two or three battalions of volunteers, as many lo be mounted as practicable, to repair to this place as soon as may be convenient, by companies or battalions; to receive their arms and camp equipage at New Orleans and Baton Rouge. There may be eight or ten companies to a battalion. Should the war in Texas be brought to a close without the apprehended Indian hostilities, the volunteers will, in that case, be discharged forthwith. With perfect respect.
I i I , .
I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, Edmund P. Gaines, Major General Commanding.
To his Excellency the Governor of Louisiana. of Mississippi. of Alabama. of Tennessee.
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