Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, 1825-1916, Volume IV. (covers 1860-1916)

The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest

1825-1916

EDITED BY

Dorman H. Winfrey

AND

James M. Day

VOLUME IV

PREFACE

THIS VOLUME of Texas Indian Papers deals with the period from 1860 through 1916 and completes the series which was be- gun in 1959. The story related in this book is the tale of how the Indians of the plains fought to the bitter end to maintain their land and their freedom. On the one side is the Indian, supported in most insta.nces by United States government agents, and on the other is the United States Army officer, the Texas Ranger, and outraged citizens upon whom depredations had been committed. Regardless of the ultimate victor, the docu- ments transcribed herein reflect a tale of destruction and death. The original copies of the Texas Indian Papers were found to contain such a diverse assortment of material that a set of rules could not be established to cover every problem in editing. Par- ticularly helpful suggestions have been supplied by Clarence E. Carter, Historical Editing (1952) and the sections on "The Copying of Manuscripts" and "The Editing and Printing of Manuscripts" in the Harvard Guide to American History (1955). Also examined for style and for suggestions were Charles Gulick and others (eds.), Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar (1920- 1927), Amelia W. Williams and Eugene C. Barker (eds.), Writ- ings of Sam,, Houston (1939-1943), Eugene C. Barker (ed.), Austin Papers (1924-1928), and William C. Binkley (ed.), Offi- cial Correspondence of the Texan Revolution, 1885-1886 (1936). The documents are listed in chronological order. In almost . all instances the originals have been copied verbatim et litera- tim. Words or letters have been supplied only when the docu- ment was illegible or torn, or where the orthography was such as to render its meaning doubtful. The printed copy was read numerous times against the original manuscript, and [sic] was inserted only when there was a feeling that a doubt would re- main in the reader's mind about a st.range spelling, a date, or a fact. When an original document was not ·used, a notation has been given. An effort has been made to maintain consistent spelling with reference to proper names, localities, Indian tribes, and the like. Guides used for such spellings were F. W. Hodge (ed.), Handbook of American Indians North of Mex-ico (1907), W. P. Webb and H. Bailey Carroll (eds.),\Handbook of Texas (1952), and the Southwestern Historical Quarterly.

The publication program under which the printing of this book by the Archives Division of the Texas State Library is ac- complished fulfills in part the legislative mandate to "edit and preface for publication copies of the Texas Archives." That the general public has enthusiastically received the three pre- ceding volumes of the Texas Indian Papers is shown by the sales figures. A limited budget allowed the printing of only four hundred copies of each volume, and the first book, covering the period 1825-1843, has been sold out for almost a year now. The other volumes are selling at a satisfying rate. The State Archivist is honored to have had a hand in the completion of this four-volume set of books just as he was pleased to have been a member of the Archives staff when the initial publication was undertaken. To Dr. H. Bailey Carroll, Professor of History at the University of Texas, and Dorman H. Winfrey, Archivist at the University of Texas, go much credit for training and encouragement.

JAMES M. DAY State Archivist

August 24, 1961

. ..

I NT RO DUCT ION

H. BAILEY CARROLL

THE PUBLICATION of historical documents has long been considered a meritorious enterprise in making broadly available to research scholars and other interested persons original ma- terials otherwise attainable only at their source. When the pub- lication of such documents is undertaken and accomplished by an archives staff itself, in the manner in which the present vol- ume has been produced, the material carries with it the added stamp of authenticity. The validity of the documents is un- questionable; they may be received by the world of scholarship with all of the confidence that the world of finance places in a government. bond. Herein is the assurance of the state and of its devoted servants that the printing of these documents is not counterfeit. This volume goes forth into the realm of literate people with no question concerning either its legitimacy or its place of birth. An added benefit which comes from official publication is that. it enables the original documents themselves to be retired from active service as aged horses are put with love and affection in an honored pasture close to headquarters, leaving the active work to be done by their progeny. So have the originals of the documents contained in this volume, after long and honorable service in the hands of many of the outstanding scholars of Texas history, been retirerl from active circulation, leaving the young reproductions to serve the cause of Texas history. In deal- ing with reproduced documents, however, one does not need to rely on pedigree alone-the originals themsleves are still proudly held in the archives of the State of Texas. The writing of this introduction to the fourth and final vol- ume of the Indian Papers is a personal pleasure. The State Ar- chives publication program was revitalized in 1953 when the edi~ ing of the Texas Treasury Papers was begun by Seymour V. Con- nor, who, in conjunction with Virginia Taylor, completed the four volume series in 1956. Dorman Winfrey began editing the Texas Indian Papers in 1958, and completed three volumes cover- ing the years 1825-1859. With the present volume, covering the period from 1860 through 1916, the publication of the Indian Papers is brought to a close by James M. Day. Each of the above named general editors has served as state archivist, but--so far

as I know-there is no connection between them other than that each has at one time or another been a student of Texas history in my courses at the University of Texas. In the individuals I take a paternal pride; in their accomplishments-this publicaton and the others of its type-is proof of the merit of the study of the homeland. The fine sale which has attended each volume so far is con- vincing evidence of the demand for a scholarly publication pro- gram. In the modern world so replet.e with publications of the hardly-to-be-recommended Mickey Spillane type, it is indeed satisfying to know t.hat there are those with the perspicacity and persistence-as well as the scholarly ability-to produce such books. It is equally encouraging and satisfying to know that there are those who have balance and good judgment and are interested enough in the historic past of Texas to buy original source materials. That combination makes publication possible and provides assurance that the fundamental records will not be destroyed but will be preserved for future generations. Some documentary or source material is tremendously spark- ling and vivacious, but all source material is worthwhile and interesting (although perhaps in varying degrees) to the man of sufficient intelligence to adjust, to envision, and to understand. If "within good books lie buried treasures," what then should one say when approaching the bedrock source material necessary to the validity of any good historical account? Although those who actually produce the documents herein contained are no longer in the land of the living, it is no mixed metaphor to say that the State of Texas, which mothered the doc- uments by giving them birth, has fathered the book publication which makes their preservation possible. God willing may such a procedure continue forever to the honor and credit of the c:itizens of Texas and of those outside the state who take an hon- est historical interest in the Texan-yea even the American- way of life.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Meeting Between the Sioux, drawn by Frederic Remington ............... frontispiece

BETWEEN PAGES 256 AND 257:

Indian War Dance

Big Tree and Satanta, Kiowa Chiefs

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

No. 1 LETTER FROM E. W. CARR TO K. CARSON Department of State

Austin, Texas. Jan 11, 1860

Col Kit Carson

Dear Sir

Accompanying this please find a certified copy of a Joint Resolution, passed by the Legislature of Texas, appropriating the sum of Five Hundred Dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary to procure the restoration to his friends of the Boy William Horster, now in your charge You will be kind enough to send the Boy mentioned by the regular mail stage line to care of Messrs Vance and Brother, San Antonio, to be forwarded to care of Mr. Frank Stricklin, Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas. Your draft for the amount expended in behalf of the Boy, will be duly honored by his Excellency Governor Houston. His expences from San Antonio to Fredericksburg will be provided for. Your generous zeal in behalf of this youth will but add to the high estimation in which you are held by all Texians. Such promptitude in behalf of humanity, will I assure you not be forgotton by our people With many wishes for your success, I have the honor to be Yours respect!ully E. w. CARR Secretary of State [Endorsed] Jany 11, 1860 From Secty-To Kit Carson. Recorded page 13

No. 2 LETTER FROM J. TOPP TO SAM HOUSTON

Palo Pinto Texas Febry 9th, 1860

His Excellency Gov. Houston- Sir

The petition which accompanies this

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

note-is signed by the most respectable persons of this county, and the facts set forth are indeed too true- As an additional voucher for the truth of this Statement, I call your Excellency's attention to the signatures of those of our county officers who were present-and especially to that of the Rev. G. W. Slaugh- tt?r, who was with your excellency in the memorable wars of Independence-- The lamentable calamity with all its attendant atrocities, were witnessed soon after the occurrence by men of the utmost integrity and unimpeachable truth. Great excitement prevails in our community and I am satis- fied, that if your Excelleney should appreciate the dangers to which we are exposed and the disturbance of all our interest you would unhesitatingly grant the desired measure of protection. Respectfully etc. JOHN TOPP [Endorsed] John Topp Palo Pinto Feby 9 /6'J Respecting to Indian depredations His Excellency, Gov. Sam Houston Austin City Texas

No. 3 LETTER FROM J. H. CRISMAN TO SAM HOUSTON Gatesville Coryell Co. Texas Fehr 11th 1860 Genl. Sam Houston Sfr.

May it please your Honor to read a flew lines from one who has alway been a zealous supporter of Sam Houston I have been a citizen and a sufferer in the county of Coryell for the last six years I have taken many a hard ride to rescue property from the hands of the Red Skir.s my friends and neighbours has been murdered by the midnite assassins we sent. Petition after peti- tion to Gov. Runnels and he treated us with contempt he sent out some companies made up about Austin and below there they stationed themselves on our Border but they done us an injury in place of good they taken no interest in trying to trail or watch for indians they had no property stolen by Indians no friends murdere~ they ware working for the pay alone and who can blame them to Earn their wages with as little exertion as

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

possible they war stationed 50 miles above here the Indians pased in and out by them with out being molested and even stole some of there horses we don't want a company of this kind they are no benefit to us at least they havent been so fare we have been molested Just as bad if not wors by indians under this kind of protection as when no companies ware out this county has suffered more from Indian Depredations than any county in the State for the last 3 years I suppose from the fact that we have annoyed the indians more we have succeeded in rescue- in the property stolen by tl:e indians the 4 last trips they have made into our county and killing some of them but we cannot Restore the Lives of those Citizens that they murdor we have been compeled to keep a company of minute men ready for ac- tion at a moments warning and to rainge dureing the lite moon or abandon the country and all the protection that we have ever received has been from our own exertions in this way and I do think there would be nothing rong in appointing some man in this Co. to raise a Company of minute men Let them find them- selves and receive pay for what they are imployed it is true we will be compeled to proceede in this way pay or no pay but we wo[u]ld prefer some pay in this way and les expended for our protection otherwise for we are satisfide from long experience that if we get any protection that it must be done by us (unles the Rogues could be exterminated) for we no the country we no whare to find there trail as they come in and where to head them as they go out which it would take a strainger years to learn- The Indians have been among us ever since the 7th inst they stolen one drove of horses and started out but some of our spies discovered them in time to head them at a gap in the mountains some 10 miles west of here on the 8th ·inst about 9 oclock at night they taken all the horses the indians had except those they ware rideing and some of thim they ware run so close they left their horses and taken the brush and on the 9th inst the indians ware Herding and collecting horses all day in the Leon Valey from 5 to 10 m'iles above Gatesville they ware seen by several persons but t1:ey being dresed like white men ware not. supposd to be indians untel Late in the Evening they had got together about 130 head of horses and started them off they went a north westerly direction and about 12 miles from here they came a..cros 2 men and wonded them both one they shot 5 arrows into when he foll from his horse and crauled into a thicket supposed to be mortally wounded they got his horse and

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

equipage and some money said to be two thousand dollars the other man made his escape with one arrow under the shoulder blade up to yesturday we have heard of seven men kiled and wounded in this and Bosque County in the Last 3 days, our boys when they found out it was indians divided Some taken the trail and some made hast[e] to a pass 35 miles from Gatesville that they new they would pass through but they ware one hour two late but thev will overtake them certain I ask you to concider this matter we do not wish to be expencive but we have born heavy loses and consumed much time and if there is any pay a going we are justly entitled to it as it has been proven you may pay othermen to do it and we still have it to do Capt Dalrymple's Company passing up has started these indians down on us they have never failed to pay us a visit when they could get the Rainger Engaged on a northern trip they expect to find us of[f]of our guard when the Rangers is out and they watch them and act accordingly if we only had 25 or 30 minute men it would be a great help to secureing this country I have no particular man to Recomend as a suitable man to Raise a Company of this kind I will suggest H. W. Cook, W. W. Hammack, J.M. Norris, L. H. Allen, John Shipman are all men well qualifide for the busines Let us here from you in some shape Yours Respectfully J. H. CHRISMAN [Endorsed] J. H. Chrisman Gatesville Coryell Feby 11th 1860 Respecting troubles on the frontier.

No. 4 LEITER FROM A. WALTERS TO SAM HOUSTON Coryell County Tex Feby 12th 1860

To his Excellency Sam Houston Gov of the State of Texas

Dear Sir for the first time I address you in behalf of my company and neighbors during last Summer probably July the Citizens met and organized a military uniformed company agreeable to an act of the Legislature approved Feb. 15th 1858 and I was Elected

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

Captain of said company with a full set of officers agreeable to said act; having in all thirty seven efficient men armed and Equipted as the Law directs and made out returns of the Election to the Chief Justice who reported the same to your predecessor in office who has not commissioned an officer of said company I cannot tell whether it was from negligence or whether it was because he knew that myself and all my people were opposed to his reelection I like to know if you will recognize us as a legal company or not. or whether or not we must report again ac- cording law I will also Inform you1· Excellency that last spring when the Indians were commiting depredations in this county the citizens formed a kind of a volunteer company and drew the publick arms to fight with by Executing bond and sufficient security to return said arms when demanded by the Governor and at my Election the arms were turned over to me and my company as myself and several of my company Executed the Bond for the safe keeping and return of said arms at your call, the arms are all in good order and has been of great use to us •in protecting ourselves and families and at this time there is some of them in pursuit of the Indians who a few days ago stole some Horses and are trying to escape with them our Citizens were close after them when last heard from they stole from Gatesville Cowhouse Creek and the Sulphur Springs all about the same time they have killed no person as we have heared of allthough they chased one man closely We are desirous that publick arms should not be taken from us we are verry thinly settled in this portion of country and are mostly poor people and have·been Engaged for the last twelve or fifteen months in running after Indians trying to get our stolen property from them so that the most of us is unable to buy arms and if we were disarmed the only alternative would be to leave the country and go further East which would result in the ruining of many last summer we succeeded in keeping the Indians out by keeping up daily scouts until we thought it was too cold for them [to] travel and we concluded we would rest until the first of March and so soon as we quit scouting they were amediaitely amongst us starting again if you are afraid the arms will not be returned in good order when called for we can give any additional security that is required

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

my company is ready at all times to do service when ever you call on them and the most of them have been by turns daily engaged on their own expense we take it by turns Eight men at a time scouts one week and as they ccme in eight more goes out and if they could be paid as others are paid for their services I would guarantee to protect the whole Cowhouse Coun- try with my company which would only require the service of eight men daily I am apprised that you are constantly pressed with business and it would be condecinding to answer my scribling but it would be great satisfaction to me and my company to hear coun- sel from you on the subjects aforesaid I am an old Texian I was commissioned by you as military Capt in Augustine County something like Thirty years ago and has supported your Elec- tion in every thing I could since that time please answer this as soon as possible and you will confer a favor on your much de- voted friend Yours respectfully etc. ALEXANDER WALTERS Gatesville Texas [Endorsed] J. W. Embree Gatesville Coryell Feby 12 1860 giving news of Indian depredations Alexander Walters. No. 5 1ETrER FROM J. S. O'BRYAN TO SAM HOUSTON Searsville McLennan Co Texas Gov. Sam Houston Feb 14 1860 My Dear Sir As there may be ma[n]y different reports reach you in regard to the recent Indian mur- dering and stealing I have thought it proper to give you a true statement :-As I have some little acquaintance with you. Some five or six days since, there has been three persons killed in Bosque County about twenty miles from me and on the 11th but 3 days since two old gentlemen (Baptist Preachers) wear [were] on their way from Hamilton County to my neighborhood to hold a mzeting as th•~y wear approaching the timber of Mid- db Bosque but a short ways from seve[r]al houses they came to

·i i l

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

a large drove of horses. the Indians had stolen them in my imme- diate neighborhood and was then on their way out. as soon as the Indians Raw those men. they gave immediate chase, overtakin- them Soon-shooting-one with six and the other with one ar- row the men succeeded in getting in the brush- and after night got to a house-some few hundred yards distance, I was sent for (as a Physician) to see them I have just returned home-they are suffering greatly and may both die- they ,-..·are both shot in the body penetrating, their lungs; they passed sev- eral houses with their horses in the day time and seemed unconscious of danger-most daring I have ever known- there wear [were] several parties of Indians down in our country at th~ same time- ~·ou are cfoubtless acquainted with my Brother. Rev. S. G. O'Bryan Yours with respect J. S. O'BRYAN [Endorsed] J. S. O'Bryan Searsville McLennan Feby 14 1860 respecting troubles upon the frontier.

No. 6 LETTER FROM W. B. DAVIS TO SAM HOUSTON Your Excellency Samuel Houston

The State of Texas County of San Saba February 15th, A.D. 1860

Dear Sir, [ seat myself to write you a few lines

to inform you that on the 12th Inst a party of ten or twelve Indians attacked Mr Newton Jackson on the San Saba Road some 18 or 20 miles below San Saba and robed his waggon and among outher articles that they got was two government rifles that had belonged to my command which Rifles I was sending to my successor in office, (Capt Tow) you will please write me how to proceed, The Indians had stolP. some 50 or 60 head of horses on the Colorado and was being pursued by the citizens who was in full chase at the time they made the attack on Mr Jackson Mr Jack-

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

' ' ft

son made bis escape came in and gave the alarm the citizens raised a party and pursued them but could not overtake them. In the vicinity in which they stoled the horses they killed two men a Mr Scraggs and Vanhook and a Mr Hardy was missing suposed to be killed. The Indians are steeling and prowling about in almost evry diraction My address is Cherokee PO San Saba Texas. Yours in haste WILLIAM B. DA VIS Esc. [sic] Capt. [Endorsed] W. B. Davis San Saba Cheroti:ee PO Feby 15, 1860

No. 7 LETTER FROM T. H. ESPY TO SAM HOUSTON Lampasas Texas Feby

15th, 1860

Genl Sam Houston

Respected Sir. Having just returned from the Brazos north east of this and hearing so much of Indian depredations at the request of some of our citizens I write a / ew of the re-. ports and facts- just occurred. About the 7th 8th and 10th of Feby- The indians attacked the frontier beginning at Paluxy in Erath County where a woman and two children are reported murdered, two young ladies carried off stripved and violated then loosed in the prairie- On the 8th they killed two brothers Monroe from North Carolina lately emigrated Six miles Nor West of Meri- dian in Bosque Co. Same day killed as reported two men split- ting rails on Meridian Creek same county next day shot two Baptist Preachers Griffin and White about 10 miles North of Gatesville who must die their wound being considered fatal and on Sunday one was speechless. In Burnet Co on the North Gabriel on Saturday M. S. Skaggs and Benj Vanhook were murdered. Next day on Fall Creek Llano County attacked and robbed a waggon driven by Newt Jackson of Austin, who escaped by presenting arms bearing [sic] on Nine Indians-

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

It is reported that on Wednesday 8th they were met and whipped a larger force of Whites near Fort Mason Mason Co. On this line of depredation from the Brazos to Fort Mason. They have killed and wantonly wounded a very large number of Mares, Colts and stock cattle, Cutting their flesh and not using but little of the meat of the animals so wounded and killed. From my neighborhood they have stolen seventy head of horses. I lose nine. The number carried off on this drive will amount to over five hundred head. At all points they were pursued but from the rapidity of their travel and the fact that our horses at this season are weak they succeeded as far as we know in escaping not losing a man. I feel satisfied that it means Wa1· on their part and not preda- tory incursion, and emboldened by their great success next trip will attack our settlements and carry out their murderous designs Our people are not alarmed the time for fear has passed and now we want revenge How shall we retaliai.e? I hear an offer made by a citizen of this place to raise a Battalion say 400 men equip and furnish them with the ex- ception of arms and ammunition and place them under the charge of the state for an expedition to the Indian country- He is a reliable man and means what he says. Dr H Ryan authorises me to make the proffer to you for your acceptance. Dr. Ryan expects his pay from the U. States and would look to that service- The whole frontier wishes to engage in expedi- tions against the Comanche, and Captains and officers are fre- quent. Cannot your influence with the U. S. Govt. obtain us a Regt or two of fronti~rs men to engage in this indian War- fare. On a scale comensurate with its importance? Has Texas any means still in reserve We need them now more than ever to successfully prosecute this war And have we no prospect of pay for lost horses from U. States? for protected we are not, nor will be untill the fam- ilies and property of these Indians feel that we are fully able to repay them in their own way for all depredation. I am requested to ask if there are any army, or Six Shooters that can be placed in the citizens hands belonging to the state- other than those now in Dr Ryans possession. If so we would like to have 20 or 25 Six Shooters and will give Bond for their

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

safe return to the State when called for,- I have written thus far at the request of some of our best citizens, and it is their desire that you will reply to these desultory remarks so that knowing your views and designs they may govern themselves. The present Ranging Companies of Connor and Dalrymple to gether with the frontier Garrisons are not near sufficient to keep back these thieving murdering Indians and Six or Eight more companies would not I think suffice. The only way is to carry a devastating war into the Comanche Nation and supply our Rangers with the proceeds of their Home stock of horses, which are abundant, and would be pay enough for many. But I do not advocate license to stealing, let the State be the owner of recovered property kn,)wn to belong to the Indians and indi- viduals will have no feelings of jealousy, but a common interest in Chastising and obtaining as much indian property as pos- sible- and could leave the settlements-In the mean time Minute Com- By the middle of April such an expedition would have grass panies could be organized in all the frontier Counties and Rang- ing Corps be kept in the field at all times- Knowing your deep interest in our wellfare and being satis- fied that you will endeavor all things for our best advantage-- Will you be pleased not to consider my views as obtrusive but simply as the honest convictions of one of your sincere and devoted friends, and most respectfully am yours THO. H. ESPY His Excly Sam Houston Austin, Texas [Endorsed] Thos. B. Espy Lampasas Feby 15, 1860 Respecting Indian Depredations

No 8 LETI'ER FROM R. B. WELLS TO SAM HOUSTON

Gatesville Coryell Co. Texas Feb 16 1860

His Excellency Sam Houston, Gov etc.

Sir- On last Friday about 1 Oclock

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

a party of Indians came into the valley of the Leon within sight of my residence ·about 4 miles above Gatesville and drove off a number of my horses, and many of those of my neighbors be- fore the eyes of myself and family. The Indians having my horses I could not follow. A traveler passing immediately af- terwards on horseback I procured him to return to Gatesville and communicate the intelligence. A · company was hastily collected a part of which pushed on in the direction it was thought the Indians would take and another part camped on their trail at dark near my residence. Our citizens pursued them beyond Stephenville in Erath Co and have returned being unsuccessful in overtaking them. The number of horses taken is variously estimated I sup- pose about 130 most of them very fine and valuable ones After leaving my house they met and killed 2 excellent young men from whom they obtained by estimation about $4000.00 in gold, further on but still in this county they met two Bap- tist Clergymen, Griffin and White, on their way to an appoint- ment to preach, and wounded them so badly that their lives are dispaired of- They also captured two young ladies whom they treated in the most bruhl manner, and then left them entirely denuded in the prairie! Must we abandon our homes, or will the state protect us? We have been battling here nearly 7 years, and a few sleepy regulars at posts so far from the neighborhoods infested by Indians that they knew and could know nothing of their being in the settlements till they had consummated their mischief and fled have been almost our only protectors. Gov. Runnels was applied to. His friends say he did all that a wise and pa- triotic Governor could do to protect us. Enough of us "Knew better," to elect a tried friend of the frontier in his stead. We promised largely, probabiy too largely in our enthusiasm for your success in the canvass-They, (your enemies and Runnel's friends and that party generally) now tauntingly ask us "where is the protection to our property and the safety of our families you promised us if Houston was elected"? Our reply is, wait till the facts get properly before him and if he does not sta- tion Rangers among us we will "Knock Under." Express runners with affidavits of some of the facts above detailed have been sent to Austin but I have concluded to make this private statement myself. Twenty man of the right stamp commanded by one of our own county men who knows the coun-

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

try can keep the Indians off. A less number, or men placed elsewhere cannot. You are acquainted with the Comanche mode of warfare and stealing, and will agree with me that a county which is alternated by prairie valleys and scrubby cedar and oak mountains cannot be successfully guarded by-a less number, and that the Commander must know the trails I am not sure you will recognize my humble name. I first had the honor of your acquaintance in San Augustine in 1839 and 40 I had a law office there and also wrote for the "Red Lander", and having been connected with the Militia drills in Mississippi was known as Col Wells-Since then I have resided in different parts of th~ State; and the last interview I re- member to have had with you was at Wheelock in 1851 or 2 on the occasion of your visit to that place as the counsel of some man indicted for murder As ever your friend Respectfully R. B. WELLS P.S. Should you see proper to appoint an officer to take charge -0f a company in this county your friends would prefer that Capt Hiram W. Cooke shou!d receive that appointment. [Endorsed] R. B. Wells Gatesvil_le Coryell Feby 16th 1860 Relating to Indian ciepredation&. No. 9 APPRAISAL OF WAGON ANO MULES BY M. BEAN AND S. F. MAINS FOR R. W. McKEE [February 17, 1860] We the undersigned Citizens of Lampasas County have this day been called on by Lieut. R. W. McKee acting Commissary Quarter Master of Capt W. C. Dalrymple to Value and appraise one Wagon and six Mules and the harness, which we value at Eleven Hundred Dollars Cash Valuation Witness our Hands and Seals this the 17th day of February 1860 MARK BEAN (seal) S. F. MAINS (seal) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17th day of February AD 1860 S. FLETCHER J. P. L. Co.

- --,

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

[Endo·rsecl] Ranging Service Appraisement of Six Mules and Waggen and Horses bought by Leut McKee for Capt Dalrymples Company Feby 17th 1860. Capt. W. C. Dalrymple

No. 10 REPORT FROM W. HAMMETT TO J. H. CONNER

Camp Cave Feby 19th 1860

Capt John H Conner Sir

I have the honor to report that in obedien<'e to your Order No. 4, bearing date 30th January 1860 I left Camp Giles in Travis County with fifeen men, and proceeded direct to Fredericksburg where J saw a german who had been wounded with an arrow, and where I learned many particulars of Indian depredations in that vicinity. I was also informed that a Mr. Riley who resides near Fredericksburg, had followed the depre- dators, who passed ten miles west of Fort Mason; at which place he was reinforced with thirteen regular troops, and con- tinued his pursuit. This command was ten days ahead of me Consequently I deemed it unnecessary to follow them and di- rected my course to Doss's Mill, a distance of twenty two ·miles from Fredericksburg where I heard of other horses, having been, stolen, but the thieves had left some eight days prior to my arrival. From this point we proceeded to James River, a distance of sixteen miles, North West, thence to the South Fork of the Llano 22 miles, r.ontinueing the same direction to the Main Llano, thence to the San Saba, without making any im- portant discoverries, down the latter stream we marched two days and turned North En.st towards Brady's Creek a tributary of the San Saba, between these streams we encountered a small party of Indians some five or six in number, with stolen horses; When first discovered they were at a distance of about three fourths of a mile all mounted, advancing towards us they de- cended into a deep ravinP. where I presumed they had formed to give us battle I ordered a charge which was promptly re- sponded to by my men but when we arrived at the ravine we found that their advance was only a manuver to gain the advantage of an escape up the ravine, which they had done and

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

was hurraying over the prairie as fast as their horses could carry them. We pursued them about one and a half miles but could not overtake them our horses being very weak, having had no corn scarcely on the entire trip, (15 days) I abandoned the pursuit and took possession of the horses, and camp equip- age which they had left I deem it proper to irtate that these Indians were dressed, in shirts and pants as our citizens dress, and had a tent cloth of blue cotton drilling which I now have for your inspection. I arrived in camp on the 15th instant having been absent 18 days travelling a distance of about four hundred miles. The horses taken from the Indians twenty three in number, I now have subject to your order; I cannot close this report in justice to my men, without testifying to their uniform good conduct and the alacrity and promptitude with which they obeyed every order. With Sentiments of High Regard I have the honor etc WASHINGTON HAMMETT 1st Lt and Comdg Detachment Capt Conner Co T.R. [Endorsed] "A" Lieut Hammetts, report Report Leut Hammett to Capt Jno H Conner Camp Cave Feby 19/60

No. 11 1ETrER FROM J. WILLIAMS TO SAM HOUSTON Cherokee Creek San Saba County Feby 20th 1860 Governor Houston Dear S'ir

On my arrival at Home from Austin I find matters still worse than when I left for Austm the Indians is in in [sic] still grater numbers and more impudent. thirteen on foot pased and stoped a while in a few hundred yards of my house (on last night) an other trail was found this morning close by. the whole coun- try is in a state of alarm all the men that can posibly leave there homes and raise any thing to ride is out but you are well enough acquainted with the indian caracter to know that when they are sculking about in as rough a country as this they are

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916 15 hard to catch when they find a bunch of horses they take what suits them and kill at least a part of the balance that does not suit them, we have nothing to feed what horses we have left on and the grass is not yet moore than sufficient for them to subsist on. on the evening of the 19th the Indians attacked a young man in my neighbourhood one of them shot through his hat with a gun of some sort. he narrowly escaped in fact if something more is not done for us we are ruined for under existing circumstances we can not plant our crops. If a post could have authority to go out after them we could keep them of[f] the balance while they worked.

Yours Respectfully JOHN WILLIAMS

[Endorsed] John Williams Cherokee Creek

San Saba Co Texas Feby 20th 1860.

No. 12 LETTER FROM J. H. CONNER TO SAM HOUSTON Camp Cave San Saba County February 20th, 1860

His Excellency

Sam Houston

Governor of the State

Sir: I have the honor to re- port to your Excellency; that I am at present encamped near a water hole between the Colorado River and Brady's Creek a tributary of the San Saba, and about twenty five miles NW of the town of San Saba and about 6 miles from the extreme settlement on this portion of the frontier: Fifteen miles this side of the city of Austin I dispatched 1st Lieut Washington Hammett with fifteen men, to scout in the direction of Fort Mason and on the tributaries of the Llano, a copy of his report is herewith filed, marked "A" some twenty miles below the town of San Saba I started with a detachment of men to select an eligible location for a Camp north of San Saba Town,-

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

we were absent from the Company three days, Shortly after the Company had left McAnelly's Bend, information was re- ceived that the Indians had been committing depredations in that vicinity The company was halted while enroute, and Sargeant Taylor with a detachment of eight men were sent in pursuit, they found the trail the same night and pursued it for four days over a very broken country on the east bank of the Colorado two days of which time they were without provisions -they succeeded in capturing a fine American Mare that had escaped from the Indian8--and on the return of the scout she was turned over to the owner who is a citizen of Lampasas County. 2d Lieut .James S Gillett started with a scout of eight men to examine a trail on Brady's Creek on the 14th inst he was absent three days the trail proved to be a small one and bearing down the country. At about 4 o'clk AM on Wednesday two Gentlemen rode into camp bringing informa- tion that several horses had been stolen in Lampasas and the adjoining Counties, very recently and that they had followed the trail as far as Cherokee Creek,-when finding that they (the Indians) were heading north they came to my camp- By daybreak I had every available man in camp mounted and in a few moments was in pursuit, leaving but six men in Camp. My Detachment struck across to Brady's Creek, which we fol- lowed to its head- from thence to the Concho. before arriving at the latter stream, we found an Indian trail this was but a short distance above the mouth of the Concho We followed the trail for some distance, but our march was very slow ; owing to a heavy rain that had fallen, the trail was almost obliterated, we found however two horses that had been killed, and one (a fine American Mare) severly lanced which we brought with us. -finding on the 4th day that it was next to impossible to fol- low the trail, and my detachment being out of provisions I re- turned to camp I would report to your Excellency that owing to the number of men that I keep constantly in the field-that I ordered an election for a 4th Sargt, and 4th Corpl.-the guard duties being too heavy on the non commissioned officers-- You will find accompanying this report, the monthly report of the Company Surgeon Marked "B" I would state to your Excellency that unless we have a good deal of rain scon it will be necessary for

I I ' , ·: I ·; I

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

me to change my locality so as to procure good grass and Water, With Sentiments of esteem I remain Your Excellency's Most Obt. Servt JOHN H. CONNER Captain Comd Compy [Endorsed] Report John H Conner Camp Cave Feby 20 1860

No. 13 LETTER FROM R. D. MCANELLY TO SAM HOUSTON

Feb 22d/60

Gov.

Houston

Dr Sir

As Mr Howard is passing down on Express from Capt Conner, I thought it would not be amiss to drop you a few additional items of News from my Section on Saturday last about 20 miles below me the Indians run young Shadwick to a thicket and compelerl him to leave his horse then rode to his Cauyard and took as many horses as they wanted, in sight · of him and his father, returning up the divide between here and Lampasas-, on Monday they was sean on a mountain, 9 miles East of me watching the road-whear they killed two beavs-rnade a lot o~ Arrows etc, they are St.ill hear in th(: Cedar brakes-our Sitizens have quit the plows and are hunting for them and standing guard of Night over the horses-I will be down soon if I can leave - - Yours in haste R. D. MCANELLY [Endorsed] R. D. McAnelly February 22 1860 Giving account of Indian depredations

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

No. 14 STATEMENTS BY J. CROWNOVER AND W. B. HAMMETT [February 27, 1860] (Copy A)

Recvd Camp Cave San Saba County Feby 27th 1860-of Captain John H. Conner Comdg Company Texas Rangers fourteen head of horses.-three of which are my property to wit one Roan Mare one Dove Colored filly one black horse mule ; all branded J.C. Eleven head belonging to Arthur Crownover two Gray mares two blue roan mares, one blk mare one sorrell horse, two blk horses one iron Gray filley and two Colts. all but the colts branded C2 on the shoulder I certify on honor that the above described horses are the property of myself and father, and that they were taken from our possession by Indians or persons to us unknown Bbout the 12th inst. In testimony where of witness my hand Signed JASPER CROWNOVER Record of Jasper Crownover thirty dollars which he pays to the men who succeeded in capturing his horses, this amount is paid in consideration of the trouble the men were at in herding and taking care of the horses and has nothing to do with the com- pany it being an outside agreement between the parties. Signed W. B. Hammett The above is a correct statement of the facts Feby 27th 1860. Signed Jasper Crownover Camp Holland March 14th 1860 I certify that the forgoing is a true and cor- rect copy taken from the Company Book of Capt J. H. Conners Co. James S. Gillett Lt Capt Conners Co. [Endorsed] Duplicate receipts of J. Crownover and W. B. Hammett Camp Holland March 14 1860 Relative to the charge of receiving money for horses captured.

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

No. 15 PETITION FROM CITIZENS OF SAN SABA COUNTY TO SAM HOUSTON Feb. 29, '60 To his Excellency Sam Houston Governer .of the State of Texas The undersigned citizens of San Saba County, would most respectfully represent to your Excellency that although the India!!s have at various times during the past three years have been depredating upon the Citizens of this ·County. Yet they have never been here in so great numbrs, nor have they manifested such a hostile desposition nor have they been near so bold in committing depredations as they have been within the last two ,.veeks. That about the 15th February 1860 a party of ten Indians attacked a Mr Jackson near the head of Fall Creek in this county and compelled him to leave his waggon from which they took two guns and about two hun- dred dollars worth of ready made clothing and merely saved himself by escaping into a thicket. That about the same time in Lampasas County near the east line of this County, a party of five Indians chased B. A. Neigh- bors for some distance and on the 25th February on the waters •Of Wallace Creek about 12 miles from the Town of San Saba, a party of five Indians chased Mr. James L. Baxer and Jacob Moore near a mile shooting arrows at them continually, and on the 27th February on Richland Creek about (10) Ten miles above the Town of San Saba a party of three Indians made an attack upon Mr Henry Wood and W. D. C. Wood both citizens of San Saba County, near the House of the former whilst they were hunting oxen & chased them into the yard or near the yard of the former and killing the latter who received six arrow shots, five of them mortal, that the foregoing is but a part of the depredations which the Indians are continually committing upon this part of the frontier, that horses are taken and carried of[f] by them almost every day that there is no security for life or property so long as the present state of affairs continue. We would respectfully request your Excellency to grant us the privilege of raising a minute company of Twenty· men to range in this county and that the same may be mustered into service immediately and r.espectfully recommend William Thax-

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

ton as a suitable and fit person to raise and muster into service any such company that yon may order out, February 29th 1860.

26. J. Harman 27. J. P. Warren 28. James A. Taylor 29. L. P. Stafford 30. John R. Duncan 31. S. Sims 32. B. F. Sims 33. R. Tuggle M.D. 34. Wilson McNeal 35. J. G. W. Kirkpatrick 36. A. L. Kirkpatrick 37. 0. F. Lindsey 38. James L Murray 39. R. I. Murray 40. H. W. Ellis 41. J. W. Flemming 42. P. E. Sloan 43. Wm Brown 44. A. J. Brook 45. J. B. Cassell 56. Israel Harkey 47. John Sunter 48. E. Harris 49. Geo. Fearle 50. Lewis I. Harkey

1. J. R. Leary 2. John Brown 3. James Brown 4. J. H. Garreton 5. L. D. Armentrout 6. G. P. Armentrout 7. B. Trowbridge 8. James S. Baker

9. Geo. Baker 10. A. S. Rose 11. T. E. Moore

12. W. J. Montgomery 13. John Kirkpatrick 14. J. W. Hudson 15. M. H. Wadsworth 16. N. J. Sutton 17. Burwell Hamrick 18. T. C. P. Hamrick 19. John Barnett 20. Sam Alton 21. Thomas Doran 22. Narwin Hentchess 23. J Hutcheson 24. W. J. Harkey 25. M. Harkey 51. J. J. Brown 52. D. R. Harkey 53. John Grumbles 54. John T. Davis 55. John Hudson 56. W. R. Hamilton 57. A. Hamilton 58. M. Hubbert 59. N. B. McMillon 60. N. Burden 61. W. J. Burden 62. David Burden 63. J. S. Williams 64. R. D. Bedwell 65. R. A. Ragsdale

I James L Murray clerk of the Dis- trict Court of San Saba County, Do hereby certify that the facts set forth in the foregoing petition is a correct statement of a part of the depredations committed by the In- dians on the citizens of this county, and that the signers of the same are respectable citizens of San Saba County. Witness James L. Murry Clerk District Court San Saba Co Given under my hand and seal at of- fice this 29th day of February. A.D.

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

1860 By

66. J. C. Rogan 67. A. I. Hubbert 68. Isaac McDanniel 69. J. T. Wood 70. Henry Wood 71. W. B. Wood 72. J. B. Harrell 73. Wm. L. Hayes 74. C. Couch 75. John Lathum 76. James Henderson 77. John R. Williams 78. J.C. Montgomery 79. M. L. Montgomery 80. D. M. Williams 81. L. B. Woodward 82. D. K. Williams 83. E. E. Steck

J. L. Murray Clk D.C.S.S.C.

J. R. Leary D/Ct.

The State of Texas County of San Saba

I G B Cooke County Clerk

of said County, do hereby certify that the within and foregoing statements are true and correct so far as I know and that those persons whose names are appended to the r ccompanying petition are men of ve:racity To cer- tify which I hereunto sign my name & affix the impress of my official seal of office in the town of San Saba this 29th day of February 1860. G. B. Cook Clerk C.C.S.S.C.

No. 16 REPORT OF E. S. BURLESON TO SAM HOUSTON

Head Quarters Co Texas Rangers Beaver CaJI!p in Coleman Co March 4th 1860

To His Excellency

Sam Houston Sir

I arrived at my head quarters on the 25th of february I have taken several small scouts in various direc- tions the first I started from the Llano in charge of it myself with 25 men I scouted over the country between the Llano and San Saba Brady's Creek Camp Creek and up to my station on home creek five miles above old camp Colorado I also sent out a scout of ten men under seargant Patton in the direction of the head of the Llano and one under Seargant Mathews a cross the country in the direction of the Guadalupe I have taken a small scout in the direction, of the head of the Jim Ned myself and I have out at this time Lt. Joseph Carson with orders to

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

go, to go to [sic] the Concho and up it far some distance and then to cross the country in the direction of the Pegleg a point on the San Saba and down that Stream for some distance and cross the country to head quarters unless he comes on a trail and if so luckey to follow it as long as there's hopes of success. I have seargant Wren out in the direction of Pecan Bayou and he is to go up that stream or the Jim Ned for twenty or 30 miles and cross over to this creek down it to camp and I will start my self in comand of 45 or 50 men in a few days to the cedar break on the head of the little Wichita and I hope and trust I may be able to come up with indians in a conciderable body for that is my only hope of any success as they come down on foot and in small parties and its impo~sible to know any thing of there whar bouts until they depredate and then its next to im- posible to catch them. I have selected this point as the most Sentral one So as I could scout the country between Fort Mason and Camp Colorado I will keep out scouts in both directions as I am between the two points my company is in fine health and in good fix for duty I have three Mexicans which I intend for guides provided they suit me if I find they can do what I call on them to perform if not I will get others there has been several small foot parties down and I may be able to catch some of them on there way out my supplies has not got here yet I am expecting them dailey as Lt. McCord has gone for them I have a verry fine camping plase and yflu can see on the map that I am be- tween two post. I hope I may be able to give a good account of myself in my next monthly report With Respect I Remain Your most obdient sevt E. S. BURLESON Capt Comdg Co T. Rangers [Endorstd] Report of E. Burleson March 4th 1860.

No. 17 LETTER FROM W. W. 0. STANFIELD TO SAM HOUSTON

Jacksboro Texas March 22nd 1860

Hon. Sam Houston Governer Dear Sir

11111

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64-65 Page 66-67 Page 68-69 Page 70-71 Page 72-73 Page 74-75 Page 76-77 Page 78-79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82-83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128 Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Page 132 Page 133 Page 134 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 138 Page 139 Page 140 Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Page 144 Page 145 Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Page 150-151 Page 152-153 Page 154-155 Page 156-157 Page 158-159 Page 160-161 Page 162 Page 163 Page 164 Page 165 Page 166 Page 167 Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 171 Page 172-173 Page 174-175 Page 176-177 Page 178-179 Page 180-181 Page 182 Page 183 Page 184 Page 185 Page 186 Page 187 Page 188 Page 189 Page 190 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 199 Page 200 Page 201 Page 202 Page 203 Page 204 Page 205 Page 206 Page 207 Page 208 Page 209 Page 210 Page 211 Page 212 Page 213 Page 214 Page 215 Page 216 Page 217 Page 218 Page 219 Page 220