Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. III

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859 165 The citizens in the vicinity of Bellville are exposed to the encroachments of the whole of these Savages. Mr. Red- mond has been deserted by all his employees, his business has been suspended, and he will soon be compelled to leave the country, so imminent has the danger grown. I will mention that the house of William Mann & Co. at an expence of $13,000 erected a commercial house at Bellville, and that this building, to say nothing of the total interruption of operations will have to be abandoned unless the government can protect us. There was a number of Ranches being established and a large number of Mexicans had returned to their estates, but the late descent of the Savages has caused most of them to return to Guerrero in Mexico for the protection of their lives and con- sequently our house is left almost alone. I beg you will communicate our situation to Gen Smith with such comments as you may deem proper. All that the inhabi- tants of that region of country ask is that the government will protect them until they are sufficiently numerous to protect themselves.

I am Genl very Respectfully your Obt Servant WILLIAM MANN

To

Brvt Brigd Genl

Wm. S. Harney Col. 2. Drags.

[Endorsed] To Brvt Brigd Genl Wm. S. Harney Col. 2nd Drags Corpus Christi, Texas. May 14, 1852. Relative to Indian depreda- tions and murders at Bellville, on the Rio Grande, and re- questing military protection. Recd at the Exec: Dept: State of Texas. Austin, May 27, 1852.

No. 112 LTTER FROM W. MANN TO P. H. BELL

Corpus Christi May 14th 1852

Sir

I have the honor to call your attention as Governor of our State. to the depredations which have been and are daily

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