Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

366 of Capt. Plummer's company, found dangerously ill there, without a physician. The accompanying papers show the disposition made of all property left on hand at the discharge of the company. But for the unavoidable length of this report, I should in- trude upon your Excellency some suggestions relative to the fu- ture protection of the frontier, now and likely hereafter to be menaced by theiving bands of the late Texas Reserve Indians aided by K.ioways and Southern Comanches, but shall take the liberty of doing so at an early day. I beg, however, to suggest one point, as one upon which the whole frontier and State should be agreed, viz: to Treat as hostile every Indian seen south of Red River, of course excepting those regarded as civilized along the line of Northwestern Texas. I desire also to state, that my observation and information, gathered during this campaign, have not only confirmed the opin- ions in which, as one of the Commissioners I united in reporting against the Indians, in June; but much more. They have satisfied me that the Indians from both Reserves, have been little better than a den of theives, and such is the general opinion of intelli- gent citizens in the surrounding country, who, through hereto- fore silent from fear of losing their property, now speak their opinions. As to the pretended civilization of the Indians, or any ad- vance in that direction, since their location on the Reserve, it is simply and palpably untrue. On the contrary I unhesitatingly ex- press the opinion that, in a moral point of view, they have retro- graded since their location. They have been removed entirely beyond the limits of the State and located on the Washita River, about 120 miles north of Red River, and 230 north of the late Brazos Reserve. Unless placed under the control of agents capable and resolved to do their duty by enforcing rigid police regulations, they will still scourge our frontier. But their removal has destroyed their chief facilities for successfully depredating and concealing their guilt.

Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant JNO. HENRY BROWN, Captain Commanding

His Excellency H. R. Runnels.

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