Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

242

of their boldness, cannot some arrangement be made thro' the Commanding General to have a company of men distributed from Sisterdale, to Curries Creek and Boerne- These visitations of the Indians every month have been kept up now for the last 6 months as you will no doubt learn from Judge W. E. Jones. I have tried to get a few men together to repell these constant visitations, all are Supine in consequence of the order which prohibits any number enrolling themselves for frontier sel'\'ice -not wishing to get into trouble with the military- The Ton- kawa I am certain are at the head of this stealing- on last Monday 19 Inst "Torilda" a Mexican who lived with me, was crossing the Cibolo near Smiths, when 7 Indians sudctenly came on him he was badly mounted, but drew his Pistol when one of the Indians rode up to him, and in Spanish told him, they did not want to kill Mexicans, he recognized thi::; Indian as one of the Tonkawa who had frequently been at his House 18 month~ Since when that tribe were in this neighbourhood, they camp'd on your League of Land there-There is no question in my mind but these Indians are the Pilots of the others that are giving us so much annoyance- "Torilda" is a reliable fellow, and con- fidence can be placed in him as to the knowledge of this Ton- kawa. I have lost some Horses how many I cannot tell Mr Parish, Mr. Martin, and others-would it be possible thro' you to get some Arms from for some of the people aronnd here, Spencer Rifles, I will be bound for their safe keeping, and being returned in good order-and if you would write me a letter saying that protecting ourselves under the circumstances canot incur any displeasure I can get some 15 or 20 men to scout for ten days about the full of next Moon- and we can so perhaps guard our property. I think they did more injury at, and about Judge Jone's than here- Your good offices in our behalf will be appreciated, and hope you will suggest the idea of a few men being stationed at the points designated by the military authorities- y our very obt. CHARLES POWER I should like to get 10 Spencer Rifles with the ammunition say 25 rounds to each! ! a letter from you to the Commanding General perhaps can accomplish it, if you do not like to make a direct requisition for them-