TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
279
where they had passed but a few minutes before. We supposed they had seen Indians, however, a ride of 16 miles convinced us we were upon a trail 12 hours old The well-meant officious- ness of our friends prevented us from overtaking the enemy in a large prairie at the head of Elm Creek. We then directed our course to the head of that stream, which we reached at sun- down and where we found the trail we had left about 11 :00 o'clock in the morning. We had then ridden 68 miles since break- fast time, and found it necessary to rest our horses, and to camp for the night. At daylight on the 27th the pursuit was resumed and Kept up to the double mountain Fork of the Brazos. We had then been 36 hours without eating and became fully satis- fied we could not come up with the Indians, in as much many of the horses had failed, and the rest were much fatigued. The order to return was given with reluctance and obeyed with sad- ness, yet there was no alternative After so many hopes of in- flicting a heavy chastisement upon the Comanche. I regret be- ing compelled to report the fruitless effort. Before closing I must be permitted to speak in the highest terms of the prompt- ness, fortitude, and courage of the officers and men who partici- pated in the affair I have the honor to be Your very Obt. Servt. ED BURLESON 1st Lt. 2nd etc. Texas Rangers [Endorsed] To John S. Ford Capt. Commanding Texas Rangers
No. 175 LETTER FROM J. S. FORD TOH. R. RUNNELS
Head Quarters Texas Rangers Camp Runnels March 31st 1858
Governor
I have the honor to report my operations since the 11th of the present month. In accordance with my previously ex- pressed design I directed the forces under my command to move to this point upon four different lines, Lieut. Burleson moved
Powered by FlippingBook