Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

103 Phantom Hill and Fort Belknap. He says the officers of these Posts entertain the opinion that Capt. March & Company have been cut off by the Comanches-A large number of horses & cattle have been stolen recently from the above mentioned forts. In view of the facts, which we presume have reached you, or will as soon as this communication, and expecting from every circum- stance that your Excellency will order out a sufficient force for the protection of the frontier, and to be held in readiness to aid, if necessary, in sustaining the U. S. troops at the different sta- tions. I have been requested by my fellow citizens to request of you, in case you should order out a Volunteer force, to authorize Maj. George W. Barnett of this county to raise a company. In mentioning the name of Maj Barnett I need only say to you that he has the entire confidence of the entire community, and is every where known on this frontier as a gentleman of stirling qualities and fine abilities. Your Excellency, from your long and intimate acquaintance with the conditions of our fron- tier settlements, and your knowledge of the wiles for which we have to contend, can better form an opinion as the the course to be sersued in this immergency than myself. I have long been looking for a demonstration by the indians upon the Northern frontier. I was on the plains this Spring above Belknap & was then satisfied of their intentions. And would now give it as my opinion that it is absolutely neecssary that a sufficient force should be raised and a campaign made upon the sources of Brazos and upper Red River. The U. S. Government have wilfully ne- glected to properly protect us, and I see no other alternative than to do it our selves. Excuse my trespassing upon your time, and be pleased to communicate with me in convenience with the sub-- ject indicated at as early moment as will suit yr. convenience. In Great Haste Yr. Excellency's Obt Servt. JAMES W. THROCKMORTON [Endorsed] Military Commission George W. Barnett Recommended for appointment to the command of a Ranging company by James W. Throckmorton Esq. McKinney, Collin Co. July 30th, 1852. Recd. at the Exec. Dept. State of Texas Austin, August 7, 1852

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