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subject "of frontier denfence" and will inform you of the condi- tion of things, and the influence likely to be exercised upon our reserve Indians, by the more northern or hostile bands, unless more efficient measures are adopted to control the Indians on our borders, and give protection to our frontier. This matter has been fully reported to Genl. Twiggs both by the Officer at Comanche reserve and myself and will be the sub- ject of future investigation. Genl. Twiggs is of course greatly annoyed to think that a company of U. S. Troops should go into a fight with only one round of ammunition, and I am under the impression that Lieut. Van Camp will be Court martialed. This transaction shows the great necessity for an increased force on our frontier. I send you this report for your information, and hope that you will not make it public, but use it only officially, as the mat- ter will undergo official investigation, and I can see no good that would result from its publication. I have news from Brazos agency to 1st Septr. all quiet.
With my best wishes
I am very Respectfully Your obt servt.
ROBT. S. NEIGHBORS
His Excellency
H. R. Runnels Austin Texas
Ro S. Neighbors
[Endorsed:]
(Copy)
"Comanche agency Texas August 31st 1858"
"The facts as above stated by Col. Leeper are correct in all particulars. My whole disposable force amounted to but nineteen men, I having previously despatched a body to take post in the hills to cut off the fugitives in case they attempted to save them- selves by flight, so that including every man who was disposed to fight on the side of the agent we were twenty seven or eight against eighty or a hundred Indians all incensed and ready to fight to the last, with but one round of ammunition the combat would have been too unequal; and hence the compromise which
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