Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. V

374

J Cotton Spring, August 4th 1859

Capt. Jno Henry Brown, Comdg Texas Troops Sir

I have come into your camp last night to report that on the night of the 2nd Inst. about twilight, five horses were stolen by Indians from my place 14 miles east of Belknap one of which had on iron hopples. The Indians killed cow near my place at the same time, taking but a small portion of the meat. From circumstances within my knowledge I have every reason to believe the thieves to have been Wacos from the Brazos Reserve tribe. About the 23d of last month Mr. Stewart and myself came across three Indians of the Waco tribe, butchering a cow of mine about two miles from my house. We charged upon and killed one of them with guns. The next day some Indians & two soldiers came out from the Reserve in search of these three when the two who escaped were found concealed near my cowpen, as I believe seeking an opportunity to murder me. After they returned to the Agency, it was first reported (as you no doubt know) that the deceased Indian had been killed by a white man, but the next day the story was changed & news sent out from the Agency that the Indian had been killed by Comanches and shot with arrows, which was false. Ever since then I believe the Wacos have sought to murder me, and failing in that as they left in the charge of Maj Neighbors they stole my horses which were probably car- ried into Maj Neighbors camp on the trinity that night. I will say also that within four weeks past these Indians have killed two other cows belonging to me.

PATRICK MURPHY

Witness SALOMEN MILLER

K Head Quarters Texas Troops Camp Nowlin, Little Wichita Aug 6th 1859

Sir I should have communicated with you sooner but was not aware until the 1st inst who would command the Indians escort & since have had no opportunity till now, In pursuance of a duty committed to my hands by the State of Texas I have been in the

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