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About 2 0 Clock P.M. we took up the line of march for camp. In a little while signal smokes of the Comanches were shooting up from different quarters. They indicated flight. Our horses were worne down by service, our rations of meat had been ex- hausted several days, and there appeared but little prospect of effecting any thing by remaining longer; therefore, it was de- cided to leave on the morning of the 13th for Camp Runnels, which we reached on the 21st after an absence of thirty days. Accompanying is a map defining our line of march. This expe- dition has decided several questions-Indians can be pursued and caught in the Buffalo region,-the country beyond Red river can be penetrated and held by white men, and the Comanches can be followed, overtaken, and beaten, provided the pursuers will be laborious vigilant, and are willing to undergo privations. The two waggons and ambulance were broken down and aban- doned on the homeward march. They answered a valuable pur- pose. I am at a loss to know what to do and am awaiting orders I have the honor to be your Obt Servt JOHNS. FORD Capt. Commanding Texas Frontier H. R. Runnels Gov. of Texas, Austin, Texas.
Genl King [?] Capt. Jno. S. Ford Report on encounter with Indians 1858
[Endorsed]
No. 170 LETTER FROM JOHN S. FORD TO H. R. RUNNELS
Camp Runnels, May 23, 1858
Private Gov.
By the report you will see the result of our expedition. I am confident we killed more Comanches than we reported. I trust the fight will satisfy the people, vindicate you from the assaults of your enemies, and be of permanent advantage to the frontier. I am at a loss what you expect me to do. I have received no an-
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