TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
178
No. 119 LETTER FROM P.H. BELL TOP. F. SMITH
Executive Department, State of Texas. Austin, August 2nd, 1852.
Major General P. F. Smith, Commanding the Eighth
Military Department, U. S. A. San Antonio, Texas. Sir:
I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a petition from a large number of citizens residing on the north western portion of our Indian frontier, represent- ing their unprotected situation, and their consequent excitement and alarm. This petition was received at the Department by ~ special express, (Mr. Dyer,) a very intelligent man. His replies to a close examination on the subject have satisfied me that there are additional facts, beyond those embodied in the petition, that render it urgently necessary to afford, that portion of the fron- tier, increased military protection. In the event, therefore, of your making arrangements to strengthen the defences upon that portion of the line, I have the honor to request that this Department may be notified, as early as practicable, of the nature and extent of the movement. I also request to be informed, whether the reinforcement of troops for the lower Rio Grande, (which I was assured at my late interview would be made,) has reached its destination. I am, General, Very respectfully Your Obdt: Servant [P.H. BELL] [Endoned] Transmitting a petition from the citizens of the north western frontier of the State for military protection. [P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 82, Page 68.]
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