Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

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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