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No. 132 LETTER FROM ROBT. S. NEIGHBORS TOE. M. PEASE
San Antonio May 2d 1854
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that soon after the recept of your letter informing me of the depredations committed by the Tonkahua Indians on the Bosque I proceeded to Fort Inge, assem- bled that Tribe and investigated the whole matter. I found that the statement given you was correct. The depredating party con- sisted of 12 Indians. 2 of whom were killed-on my demanding them they were pointed out by the Chief and delivered over to the military at Fort Inge who now have them in close confine- ment-9 in number. They acknowledge having committed the depredations but I have thus far failed in recovering any of the stolen property. Except 2 Horses which belong to the Ionie In- dians. I have learned that this same party killed a German and his son on the Rio Llano on their return trip, but have not yet learned the particulars. Nor am I certain that it is true. I would respectfully suggest that proper enquiries be made of this mat- ter and also of all other depredations committed by this party. My Instructions as Indian Agent does not point out the manner of proceeding where depredating Indians are turned over to the Agent by their Cheifs. By the Treaty Concluded in May 1846, which is still in force, they are to be turned over to the Civil authorities for punishment. You will find a copy of the Treaty in the Adjutant-Generals office at Austin. These Indians are held in close confinement at Fort Inge by Maj Simonson of the Rifles who is in command of the Post, and will be turned over to the proper Civil authorities on your requi- sition, and he will furnish a Guard for their safe removal to any point that may be necessary upon your request. I would respectfully suggest your Excellency to take meas- ures to have them turned over at once to the proper authorities, they are 9 in number, and the Sons of the principal Chiefs of the tribe are the leaders of the party. The party of Lipans, who it is supposed Were engaged in the murder of the Forrester family, are now in San Fernando Mexico,
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