TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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fire to the town of Piedras Negras and as soon as it could be done crossed to this side where his party is encamped. I had sent orders to the troops at the different posts to pre- vent any such unlawful inroads or other breaches of the act of 1818 (the neutrality act) upon first hearing of the crossing of Captain Callahan, I do not think the hot pursuit of a party of Indians with their plunder although leading over the boun- dary such a breach of that act, but this expedition, from facts which have come to my knowledge, is not of that character I am advised that the burning of the town and the designs on the Seminole settlement have exasperated to the highest degree both that band of Indians and the Mexicans.-many of the latter, in utter destitution are seeking food on this side of the river to save themselves from starving. Under these circumstances I have no doubt plans of revenge will be formed and executed on the peacable inhabitants of our frontier while those who are the cause of these miseries will escape: and we may look for an inroad from the Seminole to murder and scalp-not merely to steal. It is impossible to undo what is done but under the act of 1818 the President of the United States has delegated to me the Special authority therein provided for-to employ the military force under my command to prevent the infraction of that law. I hope your Excellency will exert the influence and authority you possess to render any such exertion of military force on my part unnecessary. This can only be done by putting a stop to the unlawful enterprises in contemplation for if they are per- sisted in, orders I have lately received will render my action indispensable. With the highest respect Your obedient Sert PERSIFOR F. SMITH Bvt. Maj. Genl Army Dept. I have the honor to enclose a copy of the delegation of authority to me and an extract from an order of the War Department. PERSIFOR F. SMITH Bvt. Maj. Genl
Genl Smith San Antonio 11 Oct 1855 answd.
[Endorsed]
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