Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. III

177

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859

No. 118 LETTER FROM P.H. BELL TO CITIZENS OF ELLIS, MCCLELLAN AND NAVARRO COUNTIES

Executive Department, State of Texas. Austin, July 28th, 1852.

To the Citizens of Ellis,

McClellan and Navarro Counties, of the State of Texas. Gentlemen:

In reply to your petitions to this De- partment praying for military protection from the attacks of marauding Indians, (which came to hand last night by Mr. Dyer,) I deeply regret that it is not in my power to make an immediate call, as therein requested. I will, however, com- municate forthwith with Commanding General of this Military Department, and enclose a copy of your petition, urging him to make the call on me for a ranging company for the protection of that section of the frontier, which, when made, will be promptly responded to. This course is necessary to ensure the company pay, and such subsistence and other military supplies as will be indis- pensably requisite to enable them to render efficient service. Should the Commanding General not deem it proper to make the call upon me for troops, I will then feel myself warranted in taking such further steps as will meet the emergency and ensure your protection. In the meantime I request to be ad- vised of the actual state of affairs in that section, in order that I may be properly guided in my action on the subject. I am, Gentlemen, Very respectfully, Your Obt: Servant [P.H. BELL] [Endorsed] Replying to their petition for military protection from Indiana. [P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 32, Page 57.]

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