The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, 1825-1916, Volume V. (covers Indian Affairs correspondence 1846-1859)
The Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest
1825-1916
EDITED BY
Dorman H. Winfrey
AND
James M. Day
VOLUME V
PREFACE
This additional volume of the Indian Pa- pers of Texas in no way conflicts with the plan of the earlier four volumes; rather it is intended as a supplement. The original plan called for the printing of the file in the Ar- chives known as "Indian Papers," a design which was completed in four volumes. The letters for this, the fifth volume, were ac- quired by combing through the executive cor- respondence from 1846-1859 and selecting 276 items which pertained to Indian affairs. The pattern of editing has followed the one estab- lished in the original plan.
JAMES M. DAY Director of State Archives
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No. 1 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO COL. PIERCE M. BUTLER
Austin, Texas February 25th, 1846
To
Coln Pierce M. Butler Dr Sir
Coln Smith having informed me that you requested him to procure such information as I might be able to furnish in regard to the contracts and Treaties made by our late Govern- ment with the various tribes of Indians within our limits I have the honour herewith to send you copys of the only Treaties now in force which the Government of the Republic ever made with them. I learn from a gentleman who was connected with the State Department when the first Treaty was made that the Indians objected to being limited to any particular country and therefore no particular section was assigned them by either Treaty. One Treaty you will find in the pamphlet-the other has not been printed and I send a written copy of it. Mr. Torrey has called on me for some instructions or infor- mation in regard to the course most proper for himself and other to persue who were appointed Indian agents &c by our late Government and I have informed him that I have no power· to direct them or continue them in their places-but advised him to continue to act, should it meet your approbation, until they are superceded or directed to discontinue by the authority of the Pr~sident. As far as my acts &c are concerned the whole subject is submitted to your determination. I send you also some few late news papers-the only ones I have received since my arrival at this place. I shall at all times be happy to see you in Austin
I have the honour To be your most obedient servant J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
To Col. P. M. Rutler Feby 25th. 1846 To l>e recorded. Re: P. 16 C.M
[J~'11d111·.~<'c1 :]
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No. 2
RECEIPT OF J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON
State of Texas
To T. I. Smith Dr.
For services as bearer of dispatches to the Indian Frontier under the provision of an Act approved May 5th 1846. $50.no/c Received Austin May 6th 1846 from his Excellency J P. Henderson the sum of Fifty dollars in full payment of the above accounts.- Comptrollers Office Austin, March 3d 1848 The above receipt entitles J. P. Henderson late Governor to a credit of Fifty dollars on account of the money drawn by him for disbursment [sic] from the appropriation to defray the ex- penses of dispatch bearers to the Indian Frontier, and awaite the approval of the Treasurer before entry on the books of this office.- JAMES B SHAW Compt. Treasurers Office Austin March 3rd 1848 I certify that I have examined the above receipt and find that upon the Same, J.P. Henderson late Governor is entitled to a credit on the books of the Comptrollers Office in the sum of fifty dollars, on a/c of requisition drawn by him upon the Ap- propriation for pay of Express bearers
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JAS H RAYMOND Treasurer
No. 3 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO B. L. BEALL
Executive Department Austin April 13th 1848
To
Major B. L. Beall, U. S. A. Sir
Having learned that a number of German emi- grants will leave Braunfels in a few days for the Pierdinales
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where they intend to make a settlement and apprehending that they will be exposed to Indian depradations in that unsettled region I beg leave respectfully to suggest to you the propriety of detaching the company of rangers now under your command to protect them. Should you think proper to comply with this request I will ascertain the time those people intend leaving Braunfels and inform you of it. I have heard that it is probable that Coln Harney the Commander of the station at San Antonio will probably despatch Major Hays with his company on that service-if that should be the case the service of the company under your command will not be required
I have the honour to be most respectfully Your obedient servant
J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
To Major B. L. Beall April 13. 1846 To be recorded
[Endorsed:]
No. 4 ACCOUNT OF MAJOR THOMAS G. WESTERN (Copy) Austin April 18, 1846 Received of Major Thomas G. Western late Superintendant of Indian Affairs of the Republic of Texas-The books, papers, stationary and office Furniture, in his possession belonging to the said Bureau
(Signed) CHARLES MARINER Acting Secy of State A true Copy of the Original
CHARLES MASON Private Secretary
July 11/46 [Endorsed:]
Copy of evidence upon which the account of Major Thos G Western was approved July 11/46 Recorded 1-11-46
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No. 5 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO THOMAS I. SMITH
Executive Department Austin 5th May 1846
To
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Coln Thos I Smith Sir
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Herewith you will receive a commission authoriz- ing you to proceed to the Indian Tribes within the limits and on the frontier of the State of Texas and with said commission you will receive a copy of the act of the Legislature under which you have been appointed You will proceed with all dispatch to visit, in conjunction with Gen! E Morehouse, such of the Indian Tribes on the frontier of the State as you think proper to visit. Watch their movements and endeavor to find out their dispositions and intentions in regard to the present difficulty between Mexico and the United States and also ascertain whether there are any Mexican emissaries amongst them. The Executive of the State has not the power to authorize you to hold any official inter- course with the Indians or to enlist them in the war against Mexico-that power belongs to the General Government and you will be careful not to violate any policy or law for the Govern- ment of the Indians and also to avoid saying any thing or doing any act which will interrupt the progress of any Treaty which the authorities of the General Government may wish to make & confine your labours to watching the movements of the various tribes and securing their friendship by proper conversations. When you visit the United States Indian Commissioners & agents you will communicate to them fully the object of your visit to the Indians as the Executive has done in writing. You will also communicate to those Commissioners & agents as well as to this department in the most safe & expeditious manner ev- ery important fact which may come under your observation con- nected with your duty. It is made your duty especially to direct your attention to those Tribes most likely to commit hostilities upon the frontier or join the Mexicians against the United States and finally you are instructed to report to this Department your
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observations at the close of one month from this date or sooner if you think it important to do so.
I have the honor to be Your Obt. servant
(Signed)
J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
Thos I Smith May 5th 1846 Record Re:p. 55 C.M
[Endorsed:]
No. 6 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO P. M. BUTLER
Executive Department Austin May 5th 1846
Sirs I enclose to you a copy of a joint resolution passed by the Legislature of Texas making it my duty to send proper persons to visit the various Indian Tribes in the State & upon our fron- tier with the view of watching their movements and ascertain- ing their intentions towards the frontier settlements in Texas. I have in persuance of the requirement of that resolution ap- pointed General E. Morehouse & Coln Thos I Smith who from their energy and general acquaintance with the various Tribes of Indians within our limits will be able to render important serv- ice. Those who seem to know most of the character of the In- dians in Texas believe that they will not remain neutral during the contest between the United States & Mexico and that Mexico will send & perhaps has already sent emesaries amongst them to induce them to commit hostilities upon our settlements I en- close to you also a copy of the instructions which I have issued to Messr Smith & Morehouse.
I have the honour to be your very obedient servant
J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
To the Hon: P. M. Butler Col. Lewis Indian Comrs. &c
Hon P M Butler 5 May 1846 Record Re: P. 55 C.M
[Endorsed:]
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No. 7 LETTER FROM CHAS. MASON TO ALBERT C. HORTON
Austin May 26th 1846
Sir I have the honor to transmit at the instance of the Hon D. G. Burnett Sec'y of State Copies of Communications from United States Commissioners, Butler & Lewis and Messrs. Smith & Morehouse appointed by the Department Relating to Indian Affairs-also a blank proclamation,-should your Excellency deem it proper to place your signature thereto. I would respect- fully advise its return as soon as possible--as the Comms Messrs. Butler & Lewis seem to think great injury may result from such incursions as are alluded to in their Communications- I am extremely sory [sic] that I have nothing of interest further to communicate- But rest assurred, that should any- thing transpire of the least importance you will be informed of it Desiring your speedy return with the family to the Capital.
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I have the honor to [be] your very Obt Servant
CHAS MASON
To
His Excellency
Albert C. Horton Matagorda
[Endorsed] Copy C. Mason To Gov May 26/46 Not to be recorded
No. 8 LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO W. L. MARCY Executive Department
Austin Texas June 23d 1846
Sir
Your communication of the 16 May last was duly received, but a temporary absence from the Seat of Government will ac- count for my not having answered it until the present time-
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You no doubt ere this have been officially informed by General Taylor of his requisition on this State for four Regi- ments of volunteers,-Riflemen-two of mounted and two of foot to serve for the term of six months unless sooner dis- charged-Also of the requisition of Bvt. Col W. S. Harney Com- manding at San Antonio-for seven companies for the protection of the South Western frontier-making an aggregate of about three thousand men-those required by General Taylor from ev- ery information are now mustered into service at head quarters of the army-the later[sic] have all reported to the adjutant Genl of the State and will in a few days to Col. Harney to be mustered into service. &c for orders. While the Executive of the State feels certain of the promptness with which any call made upon her Militia would be unhesitatingly responded to-the sparseness of our population the exposed condition of our extensive line of frontier, together with the recent petition from Citizens of several frontier coun- ties for two Companies of Mounted Men-for their protection- in consequence of recent hostile demonstrations having been made notwithstanding the treaty recently made by the Commis- sioners of the United States, obliges me to request that the requisition be made upon some other state or states-although there is no immediate apprehensions, we are alike exposed to the attacks of marauding bands of Mexicans-and disaffected prairie Indians- Your request relating to the organization of Companies, Regiments &c has has [sic] been attended to by publishi[n]g· and shall be strictly observed I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your Obt Svt
(Signed) A C HORTON
Governor pro tempore
Hon \V L Marcy Secy of War
Copy to W L Marcy Secretary of War June 23d 1846 Recorded
[Endor.ciecl:]
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No. 9 LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO JNO. R. BRYAN, WM. W. CONOVER & CHAS. H. DURGAN ESQS., DALLAS, TEXAS Executive Department Austin July 3d 1846 Gent Your petition received through the hands of Captain Monta- gue-was immediately forwarded to Co'l W. S. Harney Com- manding at San Antonio by me with the request, that he would authorize the raising a sufficient number of mounted volunteers to afford ample protection to your section of the Country. This I am happy to inform you, has been done and for the ful [fill]ment of which I have at the instance of many citizens of Collin County appointed Andrew Stapp Esq Captain. with authority to proceed immediately in the discharge of his duties- You will please tender to your citizens generally my kind respects, assuring them that their protection from the incursions of our border or prairie Indians has always claimed my earnest attention Very Respectfully Your Obt Svt (Signed) A C HORTON To Jno R Bryan Wm W Conover & Chas H Durgan Esqs Dallas Texas [Endorsed:] Copy to John R Bryan Wm W Conover & Chas H Durgan Esq July 3d 1846 . Record
Will this be Recorded Co'l Recorded C Mason
No. 10 LETTER FROM GoVERNOR A. C. HORTON TO MAJOR TH. J. FAUNTLEROY
Executive Department Austin August 1st 1846
Sir,
I have just rec'd your letter of the 29th ult, and am not a little surprized, as well as pained, to learn that the volunteers
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lately raised under the requisition made upon me by Col Harvey, will not be mustered into the service. I had a letter prepared on yesterday to send by the mail to you in answer to yours of the 28th ult, but the mail had closed before it could be deposited in the office. It will be handed to you, however, by Capt. Grumbles, the bearer of the present communication. You will find enclosed therein, a copy of the requisition made upon me by Col. Harvey, who, equally with myself, was convinced of the importance of raising their companies and sta- tioning them at suitable points, in order to afford adequate pro- tection to our exposed frontier. In my estimation this necessity exists now as strongly as it then did. I cannot perceive how a column of even 4000 men, marching en route, from Robin's Ferry on the Trinity, to San Antonio, and passing for the greater part of the way through a thickly settled portion of the State, can be of any protection to the exposed settlements lying on the line of the frontier. In relation to the order which you mention having received from Headquarters, "requiring all troops here- after called for to be mustered in for no less a period than 12 months" I have only to observe that the five companies now waiting to be mustered in, were called for by Col. Harvey, on the 26th June last, and the order referred to cannot be supposed to embrace them. It is my decided opinion that if these volunteers are dis- banded, it will be the signal for the Indians to commence depre- dations upon the frontier, and that those will lead to collisions which may be productive of the most disastrous consequences. Besides this consideration which I doubt not will be properly estimated by you, I would respectfully represent to you the in-· jury, not say actual injustice, which will be done the volunteers themselves should they be at this time disbanded. _Most of them have had to encounter great expense as well as trouble in pur- chasing horses, having them shod, furnishing themselves with suitable arms & c. Dr. Robertson, whom I had appointed Assist- ant Surgeon of the troops, has already sent to LaGrange, under authority given by Col. Harvey, for a stock of medicines which he expects to receive in a few days and the cost of which will not be less, perhaps, than one hundred dollars. Cap't Thos. T. Smiths Company, and that of Cap't Stapp will be at the Falls of the Brazos, the first on the 2nd and the latter on the 8th of the present month ready to be mustered into the service. To reach that point of rendezvous, the first will be compelled to march eighty, and the latter about one hundred and fifty miles.
10 I cannot be hope that when you take everything connected with this subject into consideration, that you will at once with- draw the order for disbanding these volunteers. They have re- sponded promptly to the call made upon the Country, and I trust that you may permit them to be mustered into the se1·vice. Under the hope and belief that you will think proper yet to receive them in the service of the Government, I have written to the Captains of the different companies, requesting them to hold their men ready to be mustered in, until I could hear fur- ther from you upon the subject, and communicate the result to them. I am, very respectfully Your Obt. Servt AC HORTON Maj. Th. J. Fauntleroy Comdg San Antonio
No. 11 LETTER FROM GoVERNOR A. C. HORTON TO CAPTAIN C. P. Ross
Executive Department Austin, August 1, 1846
Sir, I herewith enclose to you a copy of a communication which I have just received from Major Fauntleroy, at San Antonio, in- forming me the five companies lately raised for the protection of this frontier will not be required. I regret very much that Major Fauntleroy should have come to a conclusion which will produce infinite embarrassment and inconvenience, not only to those composing the said companies, but to our frontier citizens generally. I cannot but think, however, that he has given the order without" being fully aware of all the facts and circumstances in relation to the requisition made upon me by Col. Harvey and without a full knowledge of the injustice, which will be done the volunteers, should they be at this time disbanded. I have there- fore written by Cap't Grumbles, who leaves here today for San Antonio, making a full representation to Majr Fauntleroy of all
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the facts which I deem material, and earnestly urge him to with- draw the order he has given. Cap't Grumbles will return imme- diately from San Antonio to this place, without delay, and will doubtless bring with him an answer to my communication from Maj. Fauntleroy, the result of which you shall be promptly advised of. In the meantime I will request you to hold your company in readiness for being mustered in, until you hear further from me on the subject. Very respectfully Your obt. servt. A. C. HORTON Capt. Chaply P. Ross P.S. If an opportunity offers, you will please communicate the contents of this letter to Captains Smith and Stapp. A. C. HORTON
No. 12 LETTER FROM GOVERNOR A. C. HORTON TO WM. L. MARCY
Executive Department Austin, August 8, 1846
Sir, From the enclosed correspondence, to which I beg leave to. call your attention, you will perceive that on the 26th June last, a requisition was ·made upon me by Col. Harvey, for five compa- nies of mounted rangers for the protection of the frontier of this State. The call was promptly responded to. The citizens of the frontier counties, though poor and barily engaged in attending to their crops, turned out with alacrity, and cheerfully met all the trouble and expense necessary to be encountered, in order to fill the requisition. The companies were in all respects complete and only waiting for an officer of the U. S. Army, to muster them into the service of the Government (one having been al- ready deputed for that purpose) when to my astonishment, I re- ceived a letter from Major Fauntleroy, the commanding officer of this frontier, under date of July 29th, informing me that they would not be required. I immediately addressed to him a letter,
12 dated Augst 1st '46, (a copy of which you will find enclosed) expressing my surprise and regret at this information, and urg- ing him for reasons therein stated, that he would withdraw the order, and permit the volunteers to be mustered in. That letter was sent by express and in reply to it, I have only received a verbal communication; Major Fauntleroy being so ill that he could not write. The purport of the verbal communication is, that he is of opinion, that he cannot, consistently with the orders lately received by him from Genl. Taylor, muster these compa- nies into the service, which he very much regrets; but suggests the propriety of my writing to you upon the subject and in the meantime of keeping them in active service, expressing at the same time his belief that when the Department was apprized of all the circumstances attending the requisition made by Col. Harvey for these troops, that permission would yet be given to muster them into the service. My own opinion, based upon that sense of liberality and justice which has uniformly characterized all the acts of the administration wherever the rights of this State have been concerned, leads me to the same conclusion. I will not speak to you of the injustice which, under the peculiar circumstances of this case, will be done to the volunteers them- selves, should they not be received into the service-the expense which they have occurred in buying good horses, furnishing themselves with arms, blankets, and everything necessary for a full equipment. I place the necessity for these troops upon higher grounds-the protection and security of the frontier, and I deem it not improper to express to you my opinion, as given to Majr. Fauntleroy, that if these volunteers are disbanded, the Indians will, at once, commence their depredations upon the frontier, and collisions will ensue between them and the citizens, which will lead to the most disastrous results. The Comanches, another tribe bordering upon this State, when they see that there is no armed force upon the frontier to restrain their lawless propensi- ties, will not be able to withstand the temptation thus afforded of gratifying them. The citizens of the frontier will protect themselves, and retaliate whenever an occasion offers, and in a very short time a state of things will thus be brought about, which will greatly retard, if not entirely defeat, the wish of the genl. government, to settle the boundary line between us and those tribes, or make any treaty with them. The State of Texas, just admitted into the confederacy- having resigned to the Genl. Government all her available sources of revenue, and being compelled to resort to direct taxation for
13 the means of carrying the State government into operation, is not in a condition to incur the expense of keeping there volun- teers in the field. She relies confidently upon the Government of t.he U. States for protection against the savages, and I feel as- sured that it will be afforded. Under the belief that you will not hesitate to instruct me to receive into the service the volunteers mentioned, I have written to the Captains of the different companies, ordering them to keep the same in active service until they hear further from me, and to afford all the security in their ·power to the frontier. Should you think favorably of the application now made to you, I would be glad that you would authorize me to appoint someone to muster the troops into the service, or all the regular officers now at San Antonio may be withdrawn to some remote point, where their services could not be had. In conclusion, I would remark to you, that the five compa- nies above referred to, were intended to serve for the term of six months, and I believe the Government would consult economy by employing them for that time only should you, however, feel compelled, under the late act of Congress, to require them to enlist for twelve months. There will be no difficulty in having that requisition complied with. I respectfully request an early reply.
Very respectfully
Your obt. servt.
GOVERNOR HORTON to Hon. Wm. S. Marcy Secretary War
August 9th/46
Hon. Wm. S. Marcy Secy of War
For the reasons mentioned in my letter of 31 July to Maj. F. I would also request that you would authorize me to call into service an additional company, to occupy a position mid way be- tween the stations assigned to Capts Smith & Stapp. This would render the line of posts, in all respects, complete.
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No. 13 LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO THOMAS J. RUSK, & MESSRS. PILSBURY AND KAUFMAN Executive Department Austin, August 10th 1846 Gentlemen, Under a requisition made upon me by Col. Harney on the 26th June last, five Companies of Mounted Rangers have re- cently been raised for the protection of the Western frontier of this State. It was intended that they should occupy suitable po- sitions on the line of the frontier, commencing on the Trinity, and extending westward to the San Antonio river, forming thus a chain of posts, which would not only give protection to the ex- posed settlements, but a channel of communication would be created between this State and the theatre of War, affording facilities for the conveyance of dispatches, and the transmissions of any intelligence that might be deemed important. These companies had all been raised; were fully equipped and organized, and only wating [sic] for the U. S. Officer to muster them in (one having been appointed for that purpose) when I received a letter from Major Fauntleroy, now in com- mand of this frontier, saying that they would not be required. It appears that he had just received a letter from Head quarters, containing an order from Genl. Taylor that no more volunteers should be received into the Service of the U. States, for a less period than 12 months- The Companies in question had enlisted for 6 months only, and hence the difficulty. By the last mail I addressed a letter to the Sec'y of War, enclosing a copy of the requisition made by Col. Harney, and of the corre- spondence between Maj. Fauntleroy and myself upon the subject, and urging upon him the necessity for having these troops mus- tered into Service. By the same mail I wrote to Genl. Houston, requesting him to use his influence for the same object, and in- tended, at the same time, writing to each one of you, asking your co-operation, but had not time to do so before the mail closed. I deem the employment of these Companies all important to the security and peace of the frontier, and believe, if they are disbanded, that it will lead to most serious difficulties between the Indians and white settlers. Great injustice, too, will be done
15 to the volunteers themselves-They have been at much expense in buying good horses, having them shod, furnishing themselves with arms, blankets &c, to say nothing of the inconvenience to which they have been put, by leaving their homes, and usual occupations at this season of the year. I must therefore request your assistance in obtaining from the Sec'y of War, the necessary authority to enable me to have them mustered into the service, and I refer you to my communi- cation to him, and accompanying correspondence for a more full understanding of all matters connected with this subject. I have also written to the President, by this mail, and trust that he will approve of the employment of the volunteers in the manner originally intended. Should there be any difficulty in regard to the service of the troops for 6 months only, they will readily enlist for twelve months, if required to do so.
Very respectfully Your obt. Servt. A. C. HORTON
To. Hon. T. J. Rusk U.S. Senate & Messrs. Pilsbury & Kaufman Ho. Reps
(Copy) Governor Horton to Messrs. Pilsbury and Kaufman Representatives and Thos. J. Rusk Senator- August 10th 1846 (Recorded)
[Endor.<Jed:]
No. 14 LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO S. CHURCHILL (Copy)
Executive Department Austin, October 8th. 1846
Sir, I returned to this place on yesterday, after an absence of some weeks, and avail myself of the earliest opportunity, to ad- dress you upon the subject of mustering into the service of the
16 United States, the two companies of mounted men, under the command of Captains Stapp and Smith. These companies form a part of the force, embraced in the requisition made on the Executive of this State, by Col. Harney, on the 26th. June last, for the security of our Indian frontier, and no portion of that frontier is so much exposed as that which they were designed to protect, extending from the Brazos river, Eastward to Fort Washitta. I beg leave to call your attention to the enclosed communi- cation, dated the 5th. ultimo, lately received by me, from the Adjutant General-As you will perceive, he states therein, that Lt. Col. Fauntleroy had been written to, and was directed to carry out the instructions given to Col. Harney, in regard to the troops embraced in the requisition of the latter. In case the letter of instructions referred to, should have miscarried, or not been received, I trust the enclosed communication to myself, on this subject, will furnish you with sufficient authority to have the two companies above mentioned, mustered into the service with- out delay. The necessity for this measure is urgent-I have lately received information from Cap't Stapp, that the Indians had been stealing horses, and committing other depredations, in his vicinity, and I have no hesitation in declaring my opinion, based upon no slight experience of, and acquaintance with the charac- ter of the neighbouring Indian tribes, as well as that of the fron- tier settlers, that collisions will soon ensue between them, and the peace of the country can be endangered, unless these compa- nies are placed in the positions they were intended to occupy. The settlers, throughout the region of country alluded to, are entirely exposed-They have long waited patiently, under the expecta- tion that the companies of Capt's Stapp & Smith, would be re- ceived into the service, and are becoming exceedingly restless under their continued disappointment, and the aggressions of the Indians. As the line of frontier, to be protected by those two compa- nies, is so extensive, it is my intention to divide them into squads of 40 men each, and station them at the most suitable points, to enable them to afford perfect security to the country. You shall be fully advised, however, as to the ultimate ar- rangement I may make of them, and in relation to this subject, I would be glad to receive any suggestions or advice, which you may think proper to give me. I send you the original requisition made on me by Col Har- ney, to which the Adjt. Genl. alludes, in his letter of the 5th. ult.
17 -Also, a copy of a letter, subsequently received by me from the Sec'y of War, in which he consents that the troops comprized in said requisition, may be mustered in, provided their term of service be extended to twelve months, or during the war. You will please send back by Cap't Grumbles, the letters of the Adjutant General and Col. Harney, herewith enclosed. Hoping to hear from you by the bearer of this communica- tion, that an officer will be despatched over here, to muster in the remaining two companies, at an early day, I have the honor to remain
Very respectfully Your obt. servt.
(Signed) A. C. HORTON
S. Churchill Ins. Genl. Comdg. San Antonio
Copy of letter from Gov. Horton to Ins. Genl. Churchill- 8th. Oct. 1846 (Recorded)
[Endor.cred:]
No. 15 LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO WM. L. MARCY (Copy) Executive Department Austin, October 20th 1846.
Sir,
A short time since, I received a letter from Adjt. Genl. Jones, dated the 5th ultimo, from which I inferred that the mounted volunteers, which had been raised for the protection of the Indian frontier of this state, under the requisition of Col. Harney of the 26th June last, (embracing five companies) would be received into the service of the U. States, and that instruc- tions to that effect had been sent to Lt. Col. Fauntleroy, then commanding at San Antonio. It is proper I should here state that two of those companies, had previously been mustered in by the orders of Brig Genl. Wool. Fearing that the letter of instructions referred to, might have miscarried, or not been received, I im- mediately despatched the above mentioned letter of the Adjt.
18 Genl to Ins. Genl. Churchill commanding at San Antonio, with the confident hope and expectation that he would feel himself entirely authorized, upon reading it, to have the remaining three companies at once mustered into the service. In this, however, I regret to say, I have been disappointed. I herewith enclose to you a copy of Genl. Churchill's letter to me in reply, from which, as you will perceive, he declines hav- ing the companies of Cpt's Stapp & Smith mustered in, and at the same time authorizes those of Capt's Ross & McCulloch to be received. The last named company forms no part of the force raised under Col. Hamey's requisition-That of Cap't Ross does, as do also those of Capt's Stapp & Smith, and why the former should be mustered in, to the exclusion of the latter, I cannot conceive, unless it is to suit the convenience of the mustering in officer, who would be compelled to take a long and fatiguing ride to meet the two last mentioned companies. Two distinct requisitions were made by Col. Harney upon the Executive of this State for troops-first, upon Gov. Hender- son for seven companies, all of whom were received into service, and Col. Harney carried with him in his late trip to the Rio Grande five of them. All of these have since been disbanded, and have returned home. The last requisition (for five Companies) was made upon me, by my advice and suggestion, for the security of the fron- tier. After much trouble and long delay, three out of those five companies, haye at length been mustered in-Those of Capt's Stapp & Smith are still excluded without, as it seems to me, the shadow of reason. These two companies were intended for the protection of the extensive and exposed line of frontier, stretch- ing from the Brazos to the Red river, and it is all important for the peace of the Country, that they should be employed by the Government. They were fully ·organized and ready to be mus- tered into service-One on the 24th July, the other on the 2nd August last-Since then, up to the present time, relying upon the justice of the Government, I have taken upon myself the re- sponsibility of keeping them in active service, and have endeav- oured, from time to time, to calm their discontent, by assuring them that their reception into the service of the United States, could not be much longer delayed. Their patience, as well as my own, is now well nigh exhausted, and I will not conceal from you the mortification I have felt at being, time after time, pre- vented from carrying out the assurances I have given them, by the continued refusal on the part of the officers commanding at
19 San Antonio, to have them mustered in. I am tired of corre- sponding with them upon this subject, and combatting every frivolous objection made to the reception of these companies. It seems, indeed, useless that I should do so, since the letter of Adjt. Genl. Jones himself to me, on this subject, does not seem sufficient to authorize Genl. Churchill to act in the matter. Though I regret the necessity of troubling you again, no other resource seems left to me. To avoid all further difficulty, then, and as an act of justice to those two Companies, as well as to myself, I appeal to you for permission to have them received into the service without delay. If you will authorize me to employ the Adjt. Genl. of this State, for that purpose, they shall be mus- tered in without troubling any officer of the U. S. Army, and I request that such authority be given to me. As the five Companies embraced in the requisition, were in- tended more particularly for the protection of the frontier, I earnestly request that they may be placed under my control, and made subject to my orders. So long as they are employed in this service. Should it become necessary, at any time, for them to act beyond the limits of the State, or engage in any other service, they will, of course, be turned over to the proper officer of the Army. I must also request that these companies be supplied, by a requisition on the proper office at San Antonio, with tents and cooking utensils. The climate in this State is often very bleak and inclement in the winter season, and as cold weather is now approaching, it is absolutely necessary for the health and com- fort of the men, as well as the preservation of their arms &c, that they should be provided with camp equipage. As the mail between Galveston and San Antonio is very ir- regular and uncertain, I will request, in conclusion, that what- ever communication you may send to the officer commanding at the latter place, in relation to the subject of this letter, may be enclosed to me at this place. It shall be promptly dispatched by an express to San Antonio. I am, very respectfully Your obt. Servt. (Signed) AC HORTON
Hon. Wm. L. Marcy Sec'y of War
(Copy) Gov. Horton to W L Marcy, Sec'y of War Oct 20. 1846 - (Recorded)
[Endorsed:]
20
No. 16
LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO CAPTAIN HOWE
Executive Department Austin November 4th 1846
Dear Sir,
.i
Jim Shaw seems to be unwilling to continue his services un- less he is regularly mustered into Cap't Grumbles' Company- without this is done, he thinks there is no certainty either as to his obtaining pay, or being employed for any definite time. The services of this Indian I regard as extremely important to us, and I am not willing to lose them, by not complying with his request in this matter. His intimate acquaintance with the country, and the various Indian tribes, enables him to obtain and give information, with regard to their movements &c, which, otherwise, we could not be possessed of-Indeed we cannot do without him, and I would be greatly obliged if you would come over and satisfy his wishes, by mustering him into the service. He is at present on a scout with a portion of Cap't Grumbles' company, on the other side of the river. I have understood from good authority that seven tribes had congregated upon Pecan Bayou, and as soon as Jim Shaw returns, which will be in a few days, I want to send him up there and ascertain what their objects are. Cap't Grumbles is now preparing a camp for a part of his company, some 12 or 15 miles above here, on this side of the river. Owing to the nature of the country on the other side of the river, it would have been extremely troublesome and difficult to have transported supplies to any position there-Besides, the grass upon that side, as I have been informed, has been entirely burned off-Scouts, however, will be kept up all the time, on the other side of the river. I deem it proper to state that Jim Shaw has been provided with a fine horse, at the cost of $100, and is now prepared to act in the most efficient manner. Hoping that you will regard his services as important as I myself do, I will
I :
21 conclude by repeating that I shall be greatly gratified, if you can come over at once, and muster him in.
Very respectfully Your obt Servt A. C. HORTON
Cap't Howe Comdg
San Antonio
P.S. I understand a white man was killed by the Indians a few days since, between this & the San Marcos, and from all that I can learn, I think they are meditating some mischief AC H. I forgot to mention that the distance from here to Cap't Grum- bles Camp is so great, and the road so difficult, that the four or six days allowance of forage which I believe Col. Grooms is only authorized to issue above time, will produce great inconvenience, from the necessity of such frequent transportation. I would be glad, therefore, if Col. G. was authorized to issue to this company, at each time, forage &c sufficient to last for
two weeks. [Endorsed:]
(Copy) Gov. Horton to Cap't Howe, comdg San Antonio Nov. 4, 1846 (Recorded)
No. 17 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO JAMES K. POLK Executive Office Austin Nov 23d 1846 Sir Several of the wandering tribes of Indians have recently been committing depredations on our citizens who reside on the head waters of the Brazos & Trinity rivers. The two mounted ranging Companies which are stationed in those regions for the protection of the citizens have been so severely afflicted with sickness during the latter part of the summer & fall that they have not been able to give the required protection-They will be able however to do so as soon as they recover their health. The hostile disposition shown by those Indians renders it necessary that the companies now in service for the protection of our fron-
22 tier should be continued in the service for twelve months more after the expiration of their present term. The country will settle so rapidly if full protection is given for that time that their services may then be dispensed with. Should the required protec- tion not be given the settlers on that frontier will be compelled to retire i[n]to the more densely populated part of the country & many will probably leave the state as they have no land in any other part of the country. I must therefore request your Excel- lency to order that the five companies of Texians now in the service for the protection of our frontier be continued for twelve months or others received to supply the place of such as decline mustering in again. I regret to inform you that Captain Howe the mustering master appo[i]nted to muster those com-companies into the service of the U. S. still neglects to muster in Capt T I. Smiths & Capt A Stapps companies and I believe he will not muster them in before their term of service expires. Lt. Govr Horton during my absence from the seat of Government urged him often and strongly to obey the order he had received-he always prom- ised to do so but never complied. I hope if that officer still neg- lects his duty & suffers their term of service to expire without attending to it that it will be speedily so arranged that the men and officers will meet with no delay in receiving their pay. I have assured the officers that I believed it would be so arranged & the companies are now satisfied
' •.
I 1 r •
i . , I
I have the honor to remain your very obedient servant J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
His Excellency
James K. Polk
President of U. States
(Copy) Gov. Henderson to J. K. Polk, President &c Nov. 23d 1846
[Endorsed:]
P. S. Jim Shaw a Delaware Indian who visited Washington City last summer has just called on me and informed me that you
23 promised to have sent on to him some two or three hundred dol- lars which is due him for services heretofore rendered as a sort of sub agent or interpreter. He says he has never recvd. the money. He requests me to mention the subject to you and en- quire when & where he may expect to be paid. Shaw & his son and nephew were enrolled some time since by Capt. Grumbles as members of his company by the consent of Coln. Harney but after the company had been mustered into the service of the U. S. They have not been mustered in. Shaw having declined be- ing mustered by Capt. Howe whom he says insulted him. His services are very valuable and should he not be mustered in be- fore the term expires for which his company were enrolled I hope that it may nevertheless be so ordered that they will draw pay when the company is paid off. I think it quite important to secure his services in future.
Postscript appended to Letter from Gov. Henderson to President Nov. 23d 1846
[Endorsed:]
No. 18 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO W. L. MARCY Executive Office Austin Texas January l0th/47
Sir
Major Nabors returned to this place a few days since from Torrys trading house where he met the friendly Comanche Chiefs & various other Indian Tribes From them he learned that several bands of Indians consisting of the Muscalaros Essi- quitas Senetaka & others amounting in all to over ten thousand souls had lately come into Texas from the West Side of the Rio Grande and scattered along on the head waters of the Colorado River some being not more than seventy or eighty miles from this place Texas does not wish those Indians to remain in the State and I now 1·espectfully call your attention to the subject that the matter may be laid before the President & such steps taken as may be 1·egarded as most expedient to remove them. If they are permitted to remain any time quiet they will soon
24 claim the right to the region of country they occupy. Major Na- bors accompanied by Jim Shaw will leave in a few days on a visit to those Indians with the view of ascertaining their num- bers intentions &c and I shall instruct him to inform them that they will not be permitted to remain in the State. When Major Nabors reports the result of his observations in that quarter I will do myself the honor to write again upon this subject. I beg leave to suggest the propriety of continueing Major Nabors in the service of the Government as he can do much to keep the Indians quiet. The various Tribes in Texas know him well and have more confidence in him than they would have in a Stranger. I would also suggest the propriety too of giving him power to employ Jim Shaw the indian before referred to. He speaks the language of most of the Indian Tribes in the State and is known to them all. Shaw now belongs to Capt Grumbles Company of rangers but has never been mustered into se1·vice- Capt Grumbles has been compelled to furnish him & his son & nephew with rations out of his own private means as they all stand in the same situation. I hope those Indians will neverthe- less be paid as members of his Company and himself indemnified for the rations he has supplied them I have the honor to
; ' , • i
- ' ' ' : #I
remain your obdt Sevt J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
To The Honbl W L Marcy Secy of War
(Copy) Gov. Henderson to W L. Marcy, Sec'y of War Jan 12. 1847 Relative to Indian Affairs
[Endorsed:]
No. 19 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO ROBERT NEIGHBORS
Executive Department Austin Jany 15th 1847
To Major Robt. S. Nabors Sir
It having been represented to me that various bands of
I
25
the Lapan Tribe of Indians have lately under different pretences come into Texas from West of the Rio Grande and now occupy Territory belonging to the State extending from about the mouth of the . . . . . . . . . . [blank] emptying into the Colorado about eighty miles above this place to the head of the Concio, also emp- tying into the Colorado, and those Indians having come within the limits of Texas without the previous knowledge or consent of the Government and (as I have been informed) have located themselves on lands belonging to the State with the intention of remaining I regard it as important to ascertain as speedily as possible their locality numbers intentions &c You will therefore procede with all convenient dispatch to their nearest Camp or Settlement and from thence extend your visit as far as may be necessary to accomplish the objects of your mission or as far as prudence will allow. In your intercourse with the various bands you will treat them kindly and assure them of the friendship of the peop[l]e of Texas & the United States generally-at the same time you must be cautious not to give them any assurance that they will be permitted either by the State or General Gov- ernment to remain permanently within the limits of Texas nor should you say any thing to them by which they may properly infer that such a privilege will be extended to them. If you can conveniently avoid discussing the subject of their settlement within the limits of Texas it will be most prudent to do so-- Should they insist upon discussing this question you may satisfy them by refering them to the agents or Commissioners of the United States who will meet them in council next spring or sum- mer but at the same time inform them that the State of Texas has the Exclusive right to the land they occupy & to jurisdiction· over it and that therefore the consent of the State Government too must be had before they can acquire any right to remain where they are. You will as far as you can ascertain their dispo- sitions habits employments- the places from which they came the connection between the various bands & the nature of their Government. You can apply to Captain Grumbles commanding the Ranging Company stationed near this place who will detail Jim Shaw to accompany you as interpreter &c. It is desirable to have all the information you can acquire upon this mission as soon as possible that it may be laid before the P1·esident. You will therefore report to this Office the result of your inquiries at the earliest day possible. As I have fully informed you in conver-
I'
26 sations of my wishes on all subjects connected with this business I regard it as unnessasory [sic] to add more.
J PINCKNEY HENDERSON
j
(Copy) Gov. Henderson to Majr. R S. Neighbors Indian Agent Jan'y 15. 1847
[Endorsed:]
Letter of instructions
No. 20 LETTER FROM J. PINCKNEY HENDERSON TO JAMES K. POLK Executive Department Austin Texas Feb 18th 1847 Sir I regret that I am under the necessity of informing you that the regiment last required of the State of Texas by the authority of your Excellency cannot be raised. I anticipated this result and so informed the Secy of War soon after the receipt of the requi- sition in December last. Three or four companies are as much as can be raised in Texas to serve "during the War." But few seem to think they can leave their homes & business for two or more years or for an uncertain period Indeed the people of Texas having generally much unsettled business which requires their attention cannot leave home for a longer period than twelve months. Should three or four regiments of mounted troops be required of Texas for twelve months they can readily be fur- nished-many companies are already organized tendering their services for one year. I fear that the Indians upon our frontier will ere long give us some trouble. They have lately been committing some depre- dations in a bold way I have lately sent Major Neighbors high upon the Colorado river to ascertain as far as he can the num- bers intentions &c &c of the Comanches & new tribes lately set- tled in that region. He has not yet reported. Coln. J. C. Hays who is the bearer of this is charged fully to enlarge upon & more fully explain to your Excellency the several matters touched upon in this communication. I recently addressed the Secy of War upon the necesity of placing the several ranging companies now sta- tioned upon our frontier for its protection against the Indians
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