TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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hension from the frequent and continued forays which have re- cently been made by the Indians. There are now four Companies of Rangers on the frontier, Three of 20 men each and one of 30, one of these Companies is stationed on the head waters of the Guadalupe, one on the Colo- rado, and two on the waters of the Brazos. I am satisfied these Companies are inefficient for the pro- tection of the frontier, but whether the State should raise the additional force necessary is a question not free from difficulty the solution of which must in great degree rest with the Legis- lature. In arriving at a conclusion it should be borne in mind that it is the duty of the Federal Government to afford the pro- tection required and that the expense is one which the State should not properly be encumbered with. From the great ex- tent of the frontier exposed nothing short of a permanent mounted force of several hundred men will be anything like ade- quate to the object, unless an expedition be authorised to follow the Indians to their places of retreat, break up their lodges and execute on them that summary vengence which alone can give permanent peace, this is not the time at which such an expedi- tion can be undertaken to advantage. The inclemency of the season and want of forage it seems to me present difficulties not easily to be overcome. As will be seen from the correspondence with Genl Twiggs, he has no authority for call'ing out an additonal force, and if the Legislature in its wisdom should do so under the existing emergency it is scarcely to be believed the General Government will refuse to meet the necessary expenditure which may be in- cured. The depredators are supposed to be chiefly United States In- dians, who cross Red River in their expeditions at or near the junction of the larger Wichita without hindrance, the Govern- ment having no post or military force there to restrain them. I recommend a memorial or resolutions requesting the War Department to establish a military post at or near that point, and that such other facts-in regard to our frontier protection and the character of force needed to set forth as may properly suggest themselves to your consideration. HR RUNNELS [Endorsed] Communication of the
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