TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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every exertion to find the Indians, I also directed Private Lee with nine men to move above to head off the enemy should they have stolen horses and passed in that direction. I hope the Indians will be met and beaten. Lt. Tankersly has taken up the line of march for head quar- ters on the Clear Fork, with fourteen men. He will pass through Comanche, Erath, Palo Pinto, and Young Counties. I shall leave in the morning at the head of twenty men for the same place. My route will be by the Caddo Peaks, thence to the head waters of Hubbard Creek and down the same to the Station. Lieutenant Burleson with the remainder of the Command, and the supplies, moved on the morning of the 8th for head quar- ters. He will go by way of Camp Colorado, and the Belknap Road. He will from time to time throw out detachments to make reconnoisances. I have ordered Lieutenant Nelson to move from his present position on the Palo Pinto to headquar- ters. In this manner the intermediate regions of the Colorado and Brazos will be traversed by four different bodies of men moving upon different lines. I visited Camp Colorado and had a conference with Maj Van Dorn. He is charged with the Command of the government troops destined to operate near the Wichita Mountains. and has orders to cooperate with me. By a vigorous and well di- rected Campaign in that quarter I believe a speedy end of the present Indian difficulties can be effected. The requisite effi- ciency of my command can not be attained for the contemplated purpose without increasing it from 100 men to 178 men. officers and all. This will be the full strength of two companies in the U.S. Service. I took it for granted the 90 men called out by Gov. Pease were to be discharged at the end of three months from date of muster. I notified Lt. Frost accordingly this morning. In lieu of these I should suggest the raising of 1 Capta'in, 1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, 4 Corporals, 2 Buglers, and 66 privates, including of course the twenty five before called for. By transfering 1 Lt and 11 Privates from the 100 men already in service the force will then be organized nearly in accordance with the require- ments of the U. S. Service. I have heretofore recommended Capt H. E. McCulloch to you as a suitable person to take charge of these men. I think
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