TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
111
and strikingly, in mJ' humble judgment admonitions to those intrusted with the responsibilities of the government, that suit- able preperations should be opportunely made to meet the exi- gencies which past occurrences point out to clearly as most likely to arise. It will afford great relief and pleasure to the Executive if the Honorable Legislature will indicate in what manner, and by what means the absolute wants of these ex- posed frontier Citizens shall be met. Calls for aid, similar to the one now transmitted are before the Executive Department from different portions of the frontier. The power conferrd by the fourth Section of the 7th Article of the Constitution to "Call forth the Militia of the State to suppress insurrection, and to repel invasion," is too general and indefinite for existing cir- cumstances and some Legislative enactment under this provision adequate to the actual wants of the State would seem to be re- quired. I therefore respectfully recommend to the Legislature the passage of a law authorising the Executive, when it may be deemed absolutely expedient, to call into service a competent force, defining, more definitely, his duties and powers. [P. H. BELL] [Endorsed] Relative to a petition for military protection for the frontier of the State. r P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 84, Pages 50-52.J
No. 89 LEITER FROM W. J. HARDEE TO G. DEAS
Head Quarters Fort Inge, Texas January 23rd, 1850
Major:
On the 19th instant Captain Grumbles came into this Post with twinty three men, for provisions and forage. He reported that on the 14th he received intelligence of the murder of Major Bryant and started immediately in pursuit of the Indians. He followed the trail until it crossed the Woll road about fifteen miles from this point, when he was forced to come 'into the Post for want of provisions. He said the Indians had stopped but three times after committing the murder, that they were in a full run, had travelled day and night, were forced
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