233 merited chastisement by carrying the war into his own Camp- The beneficial results do not stop with the signal punishment in- flicted-It demonstrates the practicability of following the En- emy with white men well provided with subsistence transported by waggons to the fastnesses from which they have hitherto sallied forth to rob & murder on our Frontier with impunity- relying on their inaccessability-until even many of our own peo- ple had come to beleive it--This prestige you have destroyed which alone would be a success of material importance. In conclusion permit me to tender you my warmest acknowl- edgements for the uniform kindness & courtesy & confidence with which you have seen proper to honor me. I have the honor to be very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt.
A. NELSON Texas Rangers
2d Lt
Capt. Jno. S. Ford Comdg Texas Rangers
No. 169
REPORT FROM JOHN S. FORD TOH. R. RUNNELS
Head Quarters Texas Rangers Camp Runnels May 22nd 1858
Gov I have the honor to report, that on the 22nd of April I made a forward movement from this camp at the head of one hundred and two men, including officers, non-commissioned officers, pri- vates and guides, I also had two waggons one Ambulance and fifteen pack mules. At the Cotton wood Springs I was joined by Capt S. P. Ross, and one hundred and thirteen Indians of the Brazos Reservation. We directed our March upon Red River-reaching and crossing that stream on the 29th. The Command marched up the valley of the river, made frequent halts, and sent out spies and de_tach- ments to make frequent reconnoisances of the surrounding Coun- try. This plan of operations was continued until the 7 of May without discovery of any very recent Indian sign. We then deter- mined to march in the direction of the Wachita River-A Branch of which was 1·eached on the 8th of May. Our spies reported a
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