20
No. 16
LETTER FROM A. C. HORTON TO CAPTAIN HOWE
Executive Department Austin November 4th 1846
Dear Sir,
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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
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