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No. 196 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO JAMES BOURLAND
Executive Office Austin Octr. 4th 1858.
Dear Sir
I received by last nights mail a letter from Maj Bishop of Wise County, enclosing the Petition of a large number of citizens giving such an account of the condition of that frontier as to re- quire, if true action by authority of the State. The General Gov- ernment having failed to adopt the necessary measures for its protection, I was also much pleased to see from a paragraph in the Dallas Herald, that you had taken the matter in hand, and with a number of your fellow citizens had determined to follow up and punish the Indian Enemy. I hope before this reaches you, you will have done so and been successful. I enclose you by the bearer of this a commission, which will enable you to act with authority in the matter and give direction to the necessary movements against the common enemy, which I hope you will be able consistently with your feelings to accept. You are aware that it is impossible for me to know the requi- sites of such an emergency, situated so far from the scene as I am. There must be some one in whom I can and should confide in matters of so much moment; for whilst I am willing to do every thing in power, it will not do to rely on every representation that is made, I know of no one in your section whose past experience will so well justify me in confiding the direction of affairs at this time, as yourself. I therefore authorize you to adopt such meas- ures of defence as you may deem desirable to meet the existing emergency. You are authorized to raise a company of seventy nine men rank and file for three months service, or for such time as may be hereafter directed, but such company in no event to be kept under pay longer than their services are absolutely required. If you shall have become satisfied of the tribes committing the deP- redations, and believe that an expedition against them at their own homes is necessary and practicable. You are then authorized to raise such additional number of men as may be required for the purpose, and to pursue and punish them wheresoever they may belong, or wherever they may go. If satisfied of their guilt you will pay no regard to treaty
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