TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
128
telligence, apart from that now communicated, we are led to believe he may, if not at once checked, hereafter enact upon the frontier of Texas. His character is known to you. Citizens of the United States, through an important public officer, have .called upon the Government of an adjacent State to aid them in the recovery of their fugitive slaves who have escaped, and are now within its limits. I feel fully the obligation, and have every desire to respond promptly; and in this view I flatter myself that as Commander of this MHitary Department I shall have your ready cooperation in the employment of a competent force to pursue, and i-ecover if possible, the runaway slaves at this time identified with, and most probably auxiliaries to a band of Indians of doubtful intentions roaming without order or restraint over the frontier of the State. Success in this matter would much gratify and promote the interests of per- haps worthy citizens living on the border of the State entitled to our aid and confidence, and it would administer a most timely check upon any evil designs which this lively Seminole Chief may meditate. I will offer no suggestions as to the best mode of capturing the party alluded to in Mr Duval's letter; your own experience and judgment being ample in this matter. Captain McCulloch, now at Department Head Quarters, is a well tried frontier of- ficer, a bold and energetic man, and if you deem it expedient and proper to employ a force for the attainment of the end proposed, he would, I am satisfied if he can be spared temporarily from the Post to which he is to be assigned with any additional force if any, be an excellent selection. Requesting your reply by return mail, I am General, With much respect, Your most obedient Servant [P. H. BELL] [Endorsed] Accompanying two communications from Mr. Duval, Sub Agent of the Seminole Indians relative to suspicious movements of Wild Cat. [P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 34, Pages 288-28~.J
Powered by FlippingBook