TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
138
No. 99 PETITION FROM THE CITIZENS OF RIO GRANDE TO P. H. BELL [1850] To His Excellency P Hansborough Bell Governor of the State of Texas. We the undersigned citizens of Texas residing upon the Rio Grande, would respectfully represent unto your Excellency- that our isolated position in respect of the different Military posts on this frontier, (the nearest being sixty miles distant,) precludes the posability of any protection from the Savage In- dians, without the aid of some adequate Volunteer force. Here in this vicinity where the fertility of the soil holds out every inducement to the husbandman and agriculturalist, with any reasonable guarantee of protection from the merciless barbar- ians; the homes of our forefathers would be rendered reinhab- itable, the rich resources of our Soil would soon be developed by an industrious population, and the revenue of the State thereby considerably increased. For the last twelve months, this neighbourhood has been the favourite lurkeing place of our common enemy-our flocks have been destroyed, scarcely a month has passed that some one or more of our citizens have not either been murdered or dragged into captivity. Many, in fact most of our Citiz€ns are without arms and amunition, and are frequently compelled to seek an assylum for life upon a foreign Soil. Wherefore, the premises Considered; we your petitioners would most respectfully request and urge, that every possible means within the reach of your power and authority be used in sending or endeavoring to send a Company of "Rangers" to the left bank of the Rio Grande to be stationed opposite or near the junction of the Salado, with Said river; in order that we may be secure in the enjoyment of peace at home while--pur- suing the peaceful avocations of life--and that (if in accord- ance with your views, and wishes,) Capt. John S. Ford. be Com- missioned to Command Such Company or force as may be Sta- tioned in accordance with the prayers of your petitioners. A. G. STAKES JOHN A UNUORTT [ ?] T. D. ROBERTS JULIAN VILLAREAL
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