Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

269 was made was the only thing which could have been done to re- tain our morale over the Indians. The small force which I had with me would have proved utterly powerless to secure the arrest of these two obnoxious Indians; and if it is the intention of the Government to assist the agent in maintaining the integrity of the Reserve, I am convinced that a much larger force than is stationed here at present is required for the task. With an entire company yesterday these parties would have been made only equal and then not in numbers. (signed) C. VAN CAMP Lieut. 2d Cavly. Comdg Detachment. "P. S. I have just learned that the horses stolen last night were taken by Kioways, a large party of them camped within three miles of Captain Givens rancho on Paint Creek and drove off a number of his cattle, they got from two hundred and fifty to three hundred of the Indians horses. They could easily be overtaken but theer are no troops here to follow. The Indians will do so, but I fear they are too weak." "Signed" "M. LEEPER" "Spl. Ind. agt. Texas

C. Van Camp

[Endorsed:]

No. 192 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO JAMES BUCHANAN Executive Office

Austin Texas Sept 17th 1858

His Excellency

James Buchanan Prest U:S. Sir

On the 9th day of August last, I had the honor to address a communication to the Hon. John B Floyd secretary of war, on the subject of Indian disturbances in Texas, calling for protection against them in future. The answer of the Sec. has been received, and I must be permitted to say proves unsatisfac- tory. The object of my addressing you at this time in person is again to bring the subject to the notice of Goverment, hoping

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