51 Since writing the foregoing, I have received a communica- tion from Colonel Langberg, Mexican Commandant at El Paso, enclosing another from Angel Trias, Governor and Commandant General of the Mexican General Government, dated Chihuahua, October 10th, in which great complaint is made of Ben. Leaton for trading with the Apaches and Comanches, and giving them Powder and Lead, Guns. &c, in exchange for animals and other property which the Indians steal from the Mexicans-thus en- couraging the Indians to continue their depredations in Mexico; and violating the treaty of peace which forbids this. They urge strongly that the United States Government should put a stop to this. I take the liberty to enclose these documents to you at the pressing request of Colonel Langberg, as it relates to matters in your Department. On inquiry, I think there is no doubt but that Leaton deals extensively in buying mules and horses, stolen by the Indians from the Mexicans, and in trading them off. The Torreys, and others, carry on the same traffic, and the Indians are extensively supplied by traders to Santa Fe, San Miguel, &c, with arms and ammunition in exchange for animals &c. Many of those traders rove about among the Indians, and live with them. It is highly probable that the Presidio del Norte will be an important point on the great route of trade from San Antonio, Lavaca, Corpus Christi, &c, to Chihuahua, Durango, &c, which is an additional reason why troops should be stationed there. I am, Sir, Very respectfully, Your Obedt Servt (Signed) J. VAN HORNE
. ,, f
Bt. Major 3rd Infy Comdg.
Major George Deas Asst. Adjt. Genl. 8th Mil. Dept San Antonio, Texas
Inspection of the Military Colonies of the State of Chihuahua. Paso, October 23rd, 1849.
Major Jefferson Van Horne, Commanding &c &c &c. Sir:
The enclosed communication from the Commandant General of the General Government of Mexico has been trans-
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