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success. We did not meet the enemy, but we did all we could to find him. It affords me much pleasure to testify to the good conduct of the officers and men under my command. They evinced the fortitude and patience which characterize the true soldier while under going fatigue and suffering privation. Capt Ross afforded me every facility in his power to render my command effective. To Maj Van Dorn, Lt Royall, and the officers of Camp Radziminski generally, I am under obligations for many acts of kindness and courtesy. It is proper to mention that on several occasions fires oc- cured in our Camps. When grass was found it was dry, and burnt readily and so rapidly, that it was frequently impossible to arrest it, or to remove things from its reach. In this way several articles of Quarter Master's property were lost and the men subjected to losses in Clothing and equipments. There is considerable excitement on this part of the frontier. The fear of Indian incursions is great. In some sittlements-fami- lies are reported to have collected and- forted for mutual protec- tion. The Indians come down on foot and it is impossible to trail them. They penetrate the settlements and commit depredations. Lt. Gibbons informs me he has reported his operations to your department, I was mortified to learn, that two horses had been taken from my Camp during my absence. The fault was in the carelessness and want of information on the part of a sentinal. I have no suggestion to make in regard to the frontier. Rob- beries are reported from every quarter from Red River to the Colorado, the feeling of insecurity is prevalent, and it is impos- sible to imagine what the future may bring forth. The threatened combination of frontier Settlers against the Reserves has not passed over, and indeed, I may say there are many causes to ren- der the apprehension of coming difficulties, dangers and trou- bles, not only reasonable, but alarming.
I have the honor to be Your Very Obdt Servt. JOHNS. FORD Capt. Commdg. Comp. Texas Rangers
Gov. H. R. Runnels, Austin, Texas.
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