71 Mounted force, which it is admitted is, to some extent neecssary, that, whilst the disproportion would be less, still it would be so striking that the conclusion would be inevitable-that if Texas be not now properly protected as a State, as a republic she was more inadequately defended. The establishment of Military depots must necessarily de- pend, in a great degree, on the judgment of the Officer who is in command of the Department, and who must be presumed to be fully informed as to the facilities and wants of each place. But I should think that the establishment of a Military depot at Cor- pus Christi, on the Gulf, whilst the plundering Indians are in the North at a distance of about one hundred and sixty miles, with an intervening settlement, would be wholly indefensible as a Military operation. Permit me to suggest to your Excellency whether the dan- ger of Indian depredations and incursions may not have been in- creased in consequence of the undefined condition of the enjoy- ment of the Indians to lands westward of the line of Military posts in Texas? I respectfully present this question, as it has been brought to the attention of this Department, by the enquiry of the Commanding Officer in Texas. It is not contemplated to interfere, in the remotest degree, with the jurisdiction of Texas; but whilst that State is thus extending her laws without any rec- ognition of the occupant right of the Indians, it must be apparent that the latter must either recede, or be annihilated. In making this suggestion of a probable result, and in reference to the views expressed by Your Excellency, as to the best mode of avoiding Indian disturbances, it is the wish of this Department to have the co-operation of Texas, in producing that condition which may give repose to the people of that State by the applica- tion of gentle measures towards their savage neighbors.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt;
GEO W CRAWFORD- Secretary of War.
His Excellency
George T. Wood
Governor of Texas Austin, Texas
Sec'y of War to Gov. Wood Jan 19 '50 Concerning the frontier defence of Texas-
[Endorsed:]
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