Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

214

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

No. 144 LETTER FROM J. W. THROCKMORTON TO L. V. BOGY Executive Department Austin, Texas May 30th 1867.

To Hon. Comr. of Indian Affairs Washington D. C. Sir:

I deem it proper for your information to state that with the aid of the military authorities the Tonkawa In- dians were removed to the frontier, and turned over to the care of Maj. Starr, Commandant of the post at Jacksboro, on the 18th day of April 1867, since which time the authorities of the State have had no control of them. It was the desire and intention of the Executive of the State to locate these Indians upon lands of the State to be used by them as a home, and to aid them in adapting themselves to a life of industry etc. But the effort to control or restrain them by an Agent of the State proved entirely abortive as the State had not the power to enforce obedience. The Indians looking alone to the General Government for support and protection were little disposed to respect authority that sought to restrain them from licentiousness, idleness and the wandering life of beggary which they had adopted. I would most respectfuJly urge upon the Dept the necessity of locating these Indians near one of the frontjer posts of Texas, and the placing of them under the charge of a special Agent, or of the Commandant of such posts. Situated in that way the warriors could render efficient service to the Government as guides, scouts and trailers, in campaigns against the hostile tribes. In the event this suggestion is not deemed proper, then I would recommend that they be sent without delay, to the Wichita Agency near Fort Arbuckle in the Indian Territory, with the other tribes, of which Agency they were living at the beginning of the late war. Before this letter it may be proper to State that a copy of the letter of Commissioner Bogy, referred to in the accompany- ing communication of this date was turned over to the officer in command at Jacksboro, and it may be, that he will purchase

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