Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

77

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

No. 53 LETTER FROM F. R. LUBBOCK TO J. S. FORD Executive Department, Austin, Sept. 18, 1863.

Col. J. S. Ford

Comm'dt Conscripts, etc. Sir,

You are doubtless aware that, for some time past, the Indians on our Frontier, incited by Jayhawkers, Renegades, and our savage, brutal and vindictive enemy, have become more cruel and bold than at any former period of our history. The force on our frontier is inadequate to its rroper pro- tection, and from the thre:u-ened invasion of .:,ur State, I fear the Confederate Commander will not feel that he cun ;,rive to that Country the aid that I have solicited from him. The People of the Frontier Counties are very anxious and UP.easy: they feel that their families are in great danger: hence there i~ a dispo- sition among them to organize for their own preservation and protection. As in all other communities, some are laggards and require a little urging. The Government has permitted many of these parties to remain at home, exempting them for the time being from Military service, in order that they might afford protection to their homes and families. In order to effect any organization that will give an adequate force, it will be neces- sary to throw those subject to conscription & the Militimen together. I am of the opinion, that if you would i~sue an order, stating to those liable to be controlled by the C. S. Government, that they are excused from service alone on the ground that they are necessary for the protection of the Frontier Counties, and that the time has come that their services are necessary for that purpose, and that unless they so organize themselves they may probably be removed to other service, and organized companies sent to take their place; they will at once connect themselves with the Militiamen of their respective .Counties, and render essential service in keeping off the Indians. I fear, unless some order of this kind should emanate from you, I could do nothing with many of them. They are only exempts, because you, as the Commandant of Conscripts,

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