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.
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