TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
119
I have the honor to be with the highest consideration Your Obdt: Servant [P.H. BELL]
I I
[Endorsed] Transmitting certain Resolutions of the State Legislature relative to The military protection of the Indian frontier of Texas. [P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 34, Pages 195-201.l
No. 92 LETTER FROM G. M. BROOKE TO W. SCOTT Copy for the information of His Excy: P. H. Bell, Governor of Texas [June 4, 1850]
Head Quarters 8th Mil: Department San Antonio, May 28th, 1850.
General:
I have the honor to forward copies of reports lately received at these Head Quarters- Numbered from 1. to 4. in- clusive, from Captain Ford, volunteers, Captain King and Lieut. Holabird, 1st Infantry, in relation to scouts and the general appearance of Indian hostilities. You will perceive that the Indian Parties are becom- ing more frequent and in increased strength. The same may be said of this whole frontier- It is impossible to bring these deluded people to a sense of their weakness compared with the power of the United States- unless by severe chastisement, and which cannot be effected without carrying the war into their homes and fortresses, and for the same reasons we are unable to comply with the 11th article of the treaty with Mexico, guar- anteeing protection from Indian attack and depredation. The force in this county is inadequate to a general war promising success, Depots and Posts would have to be advanced, whilst at the same time you would be compelled to keep up the present chain of Posts to prevent the enemy from getting into our rear, exposing the present frontier settlements to In- dian massacre and destruction. We are certainly a nation pow- erful enough, possessing a complete superiority in point of
Powered by FlippingBook