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TEX.AS ST.ATE LIBRARY
in consequence of the management, there, and the disturbances by the hostile Indians visiting nearly every settlement on the east side of the River from the City of Austin to some distance below LaGrange, stealing a great many horses, besides, committing some other depre- dations, there appears to be considerable discontentment & confusion among the Citizens generally, and all anxious for Your return to the City of Austin, believing If you were there, a better regulation would be established for the protection of our frontier settlers, with a proper arrangement with the Troops already enlisted in the service, and the ordering out more [sic], If necessary; In which even, I can assure you that a call on the citizens by Your Order would be promptly & most cheerfully obeyd.- The fact is, the citizens generally, are wishing for it daily, many of whom are anxious to join an expedition against the Indians by going to their villages & chastising them in a proper manner. There was a gentleman of respectability, at the city of Austin from Red river, who stated that there were upwards of One hundred families anxiously, awaiting there in anticipation of the Road being markd, & opened, from the City of Austin to Red river, as is provided for by an act of Congress; which If it was done, I think would be of Infinite advantage to this part of the Republic in the reception of emigrants, as well as in extending the whole frontier from here to Red river; and with the establishment of thre~ or four garrisons, properly manned, on said road would g-ive considerable pro- tection to our whole north western frontier; Consequently, all the Country below would settle up Immediately.--- ' I saw Colo. Burleson, and he told me that all was ready & he was willing & ready to go & mark & open that Road whenever Ordered, to do so. by the proper authority.---' I will merely suggest to You that If a force was raised by Volunteer enlistment, or other wise, Consisting of three hundred mounted men for the purpose of making an expedition against the Indian Villages up the Colorado & Brazos rivers, and placed under the Command of some persevering & experienced officer; I candidly believe they would be able to effect more, for the safeguard & protec- tion of our frontier settlers, than has been done since the existence of our Govt. Yea, I believe they would do it too, in 3, or 4 months, by marching to & destroying their villages, Capturing their women & children & killing & destroying as many of their Warriors as they could overtake. And furthermore, our Young men citizens, who will Vol- unteer & mount & equip themselves for this expedition, are the most efficient forces for this service; and I have no hesitation in believing & saying that if a requisition for such a force for such a service was made by Your order, there would be no difficulty in raising the troop, the purchasing of the necessary quantity of Beef Cattle for them to drive with them could be done too, with a little energy & exertion, as there are plenty & that which is good.-- A few of the Lapan Indians, _or Tonkaways would be of great use & service on an expedition of this Kind.-- If the foregoing suggestions should meet with Your appro-
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