272
TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
Governor to Senate on Indian Depreds. [H. R. Runnels, Executive Record Book, Number 36, Pages 37-38.)
No. 169 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO J . S. FORD Executive Department January 28th 1858
You will take immediate command of the troops in the serv- ice of the State of Texas, called out to protect the frontier. You will organize the one hundn:d additional men to assim- ulate as near as can be, with the organization of Volunteers in the service of the United States; When the organization is completed, you will proceed without delay to t.ake post at some suitable point on the frontier, and establish your Head Quar- ters; The men raised by the State will be disposed in the manner you conceive most conducive to the effective protection of the exposed frontier settlements. In all matters pertaining to your duties as commander of the State troops you will cooperate with the Officers of the reg- ular Army, if expedient, conven'ient or practicable; also with the Indian Agents. The interests of the frontier require the existence of a good understanding between the Officers of this State, and those of the United States, as well as concert of action when it can be had without detriment to the effiC'iency or the good of the State service. Of course you will not be expected to submit to any improper interference in the execution of your duties, from any quarter, yet at the same time you are required not to intermeddle with the affairs of others, in matters outside your line of duty. Your position in this respect will be one of some delicacy, but I hope your sense of duty, your desire to be useful to the State, and your judgment, will be sufficient to steer you safely through any difficulty. I impress upon you the necessity of action and energy. Fol- low any and all trails of hostile or suspected hostile Indians you
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