Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. III

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859

185

placed under restraint where their movements can be contin- ually watched by the United States Troops. This course I am inclined to believe will be pursued, from the fact, that prompt means were taken for the arrest of a por- tion of those tribes, upon misrepresentations to the United States Agents, that they were the perpetrators of the late outrages. Should these Savages again be turned loose below the line of Posts, and no measures be taken by the United States Au- thorities to give more adequate protection of the frontier, I may then deem it necessary to call out a sufficient number of our own ciitzens to perform this duty and rely upon the justice of the Legislature hereafter to compensate them. In the mean time, should a pressing necessity arise for de- fence against any sudden attack of the Indians, I advise the citizens promptly to turn out and punish them without waiting for a call from the executive. Should such a course become necessary, the officers should make a full report to the Adjutant General of their _operations, with the number who volunteer and the expenses they incur, and I shall cheerfully recommend that the Legislature make a sufficient appropriation to com- pensate them for their time and expenses. You will perceive from the letter of Maj Neighbors, that the Tonkawa, now in confinement at Fort Inge, are liable to be turned over to the civil authorities for trial and punishment, and that they will be turned over on my requisition. Should it be thought that evidence can be procured to insure their con- viction for any of their late depredations in any of your Coun- ties, and warrants be issued by the proper officers for their arrest, I shall have no hesitation in issuing a requisition for their delivery.

Very respectfully Your obt Sevt. EM PEASE

Note.

One copy of the above sent to Mr A. J. Strickland, A. S. Walker, W. M. Owen and other citizens of the Counties of Bur- net, Bell, McLennan and Williamson - Another copy to Mr Chas. B. Underhill, J. R. Holton, Wyatt McFadden and others citizens of the Counties of Bosque and McLennan. [E. M. Pease, Executive Record Book, Number 86, Pages 101-108.)