TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
343
Dear Sir,
I have just returned from one of the most revolt- ing sights I have ever witnessed-the mutilated bodies of Howell Walker, and his Son Henry, who formerly lived in this town, and who were killed yesterday at "Thurman's Spring" about 7 miles S. W. from here. I have hurriedly made a "verbatim" Copy of the testimony, etc taken at the Coroners inquest held this morning, which I en- close to you, thinking-first that it may be of value to you in having these facts in advance of your going to the Council at Fort Sill, and Secondly that-you might possibly desire to have a Condensed Statement of these facts, published in the "State Journal," to arouse public Sentiments remote from the frontier. I fear, however, that by making these facts known, immigra- to this Section of the Country will be Stopped. During the last month there has Scarcely a night passed without Some depredations being committed by the Indians in the vicinity of the town, and "Fort Richardson," and through- out the Country-Some, within half a mile of the military post. As many as 150 to 200 Horses and Mules, have been taken during this period. Frequently these roving bands of Indians have been chased and discovered, and in Several instances they have attacked travelers but drawn off on finding them armed. The Soldiers Sent out on a "Scout" after a band recently wounded or killed one of the Indians, who was carried off by his tribe, but left his Gun, blanket, etc, I believe, on the ground, which was taken possession of by the Soldiers. I am informed by a gentleman who Stated that he obtained his information direct from General Geo. P. Buell, that-General Buell while recently traveling with an escort of 4 or 5 men between here and Bel- knap, was Surrounded by about 18 Indians and came near having a fight, but the Indians finally Started on in advance of him, and So continued for about 5 miles in plain sight of General Euell's party, until they finally turned off the road. Public Sentiment here is intense, and the only hope Fron- tiersmen now have left, is that you can induce the U. S. Gov- ernment to adopt Stringent measures that will effectually rem- edy these outrages and Compel the Indians to remain on their reservation. If you can effect this, it will make every frontiers- man, your friend, personally, politically, but if Satanta and Big Tree are given up, without adequate Security for the protection
Powered by FlippingBook