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No. 203 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO
Executive Office Austin Oct. 27th 1858
Gentlemen I have received the news of the late Indian murders on Pe- can Bayou with extreme regret. I am disposed to do all in my power to give protection to the frontier; It is difficult to deter- mine what should be done under existing circumstances, were I to call out men to be stationed in the vicinity of the late scene of bloodshed, they might cover and protect that particular point, but the result would be that the Indians would if they continue hostile, make a descent upon some other settlement, and they in turn would demand protection; In this way detachments of state troops would be stationed at different points on the frontier. They would act without concert and as many years of experience have shown effect little or no good. The means of the State would thus be squandered and nothing done to bring difficulties to a successful termination, It is now too late to organise an expedi- tion to move into the Indian country and cooperate with Maj Van Dorn, such a movement would therefore in all probability accom- palish no good. Maj Van Dorn has but recently chastised the In- dians severely, The effect resulting from his operations have not had time for developement, I sincerely hope that when his cam- paign shall have ended we shall have peace. I am assured of every effort by the commanding General to make it fully successful, Gen Twiggs has forwarded two additional companies to Maj Van Darns assistance. They will enable him to keep on the offensive and drive the enemy from the country or conger peace. Should these objects not be attained I shall then organise a force as occasion may require, At present I feel constrained to decline caliing men into service without further developments and must recommend the citizens of Brown and Lampasus to call upon the commandant U. S. Troops stationed at Camp Colorado for that assistance and protection which it is believed he is ready, and willing to give. Verry Respectfully HR RUNNELS
Oct 27th/58. Letter of the Gov to relative to Indian Depredations Recorded page 213
[Endorsed:]
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