288 and his command near the Wichata Village N E. of the Moun- tains of the same name, all the particulars of which battle has not come to my knowledge, but what I have is from Capt Strain of Fort Arbuckle who I know to be reliable and here I give you an extract from his letter dated 6th Inst. "Mjr Van Dorn had a fight near the Wichata Village with Comanches he was wounded badly, Lt Van Camp was killed and several soldiers killed and wounded, The Comanches will attack all parties now-they are collecting from the big Prairie and will be hard to whip, Mjr Van Dorn & his four companies are expected heer to day (6 " ") all of which has caused me to accept the commission you have been been pleased to forward to me, and as I have stated before, I shall repair to Gainesville tomorrow where the District Court for this county will be in session and I will use all the energy I am master of, to raise the number authorized for a company to pro- tect-those whose familys are now mostly exposed, and as early as practicable will designate the ground or Posts to receive sup- plies but at present it would be impossible for any one to say which point from the fact that many of the entire settlements of from fifteen to thirty families are now abandoned and are more dependent upon their own exertions and the liberality of older settlers for a support. You may rely upon me useing all the economy possible, and also the necessary discretion so far as I am capable of being the judge, this being a hasty answer as you will discover, you may rely upon receiving frequent communications from me relative to my, progress. I have the honor to be your Excellencys Obt servant
JAMES BOURLAND
P. S. I have furnished the bearer of Despatches $4000 as per re- ceipt inclosed, which you will retain out of his pay J B. [Endorsed:] James Bourland Copd. Sec. War
No. 201
PETITION FROM CITIZENS OF LAMPASAS COUNTY
The State of Texas County of Lampasas
To his Excenlency H. R. Runnels, Gov. of the State of Texas Whereas information has .Just reached us of a horrid masa-
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