Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

271 conviction, that it is not, for that purpose because it is a large district of country, embracing several degrees of latitude, which they occupy, and besides if hard pressed may easily take shelter with the neighboring half civilised tribes many of whom are known to be in collusion with them, and others to have partiscip in plundering and robbing the settlements. It is known that sto- len property from Texas some of which has been identified has been taken into their territory and to have found a market through the agency of the villainous traders located in their midst by government permit, To say the most for the measures adopted, they can be be regarded as temporizing because they cannot from their insufficiency secm·e that permanency of affairs which it is the rights of Texas to expect should be given with out unnecessary delay; Her condition demands a change of matters in this regard, and no favorable one is to be expected from the temporizing policy which has, and is still, being pursued, Winter is now fast approaching,-that most favorable sea- son for the marauding enterprize of the enemy, and if it is in- tended by government to regard our position, I beg leave to urge the carying out of the policy of the commanding General, and placing a force at his disposal which will enable him to carry on an effective and vigorous campaign, until the desired object is obtained and the Indian reduced finally to subjection. Col. John- ston and Gen Twiggs have both more than once recommended it and represented the inadequacy of the force at their command for the purpose; The Indian Agents represent that additional protection is necessary to the maintenance of the reserves and the success of the policy establishing them; The congress of the U. S. has recognised the right of the state to additional protec- tion? Why it is that it has not been afforded is surely not for any man out side of the City of Washington to know or perhaps form even a reasonable conjecture; The neglect and indifference wit.h which the just complaints of the state have been heretofore treated are without example or excuse, for, it has not been be- cause the existing state of affairs has not been made known on different occasions during the past and present years. The State of Florida was not thus treated where millions have been ex- pended for the removal of a single Chief with his few miserable wandering followers from her limits. Other instances are not wanting. A few, of Col. Steptors soldiers are killed in a conflict with Indians in a remote and distant territory. The sound of preparation is at once heard, Men, Arms and ammunition are pushed forward by land and sea to punish the enemy. But, to

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