TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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by way of the Camp Colorado Road; Lieut. Nelson from the Palo Pinto; Lieut Tankersly by way of Comanche and Buchanan Counties; and Lieut Pitts, under my own control, by way of Brown, Eastland, and Buchanan Counties-passing between the "mountains" and Pecan Bayou, and examining the Valley of Hubbard Creek. No recent Indian sign was discovered by any of the detachments. I arrived at this point on the 19th inst. and proceeded im- mediately to the Brazos Agency. I found Capt Ross disposed to afford me every facility to expedite the objects I anticipate accomplishing by an expedition into the Indian Country. He assembled the Chiefs of the Tribes under his supervision, and from them assurances were received of a disposition to co- operate in the Campaign. They and the Comanche are at War, and their position renders it impossible for them to obtain aid from any quarter save from the Americans. It is calculated that more than one hundred warriors will be ready to move with us-of this I dont think there can be any doubt. They will be valuable and, almost, indispensable auxiliaries. Arrange- ments were also made to keep a constant watch upon the Co- manche, and I count on getting news from them any week. When we take up the line of march we shall feel assured of being able to direct our course upon the Comanche Camp. I am now sanguine of success. No one, whose opinion is worth asking, expresses any doubt of the speedy termination of hostilities in the event of our being able to meet with the Comanche on their hunting grounds. It is the only plan to give peace to the frontier. I am fully im- pressed with the responsibilities I have assumed and of the danger to be apprehended from a failure, but we are determined to succeed if it lies in the power of man to do so, and with the advantages we shall have we shall dream of nothing but suc- cess. The Comanche notified the Indians of the Brazos Reserve of their intention to make a descent upon them. They are now down. Lieut. Burleson, Nelson, Pitts and Tankersly have been upon trails, but did [not?] overtake the enemy. This is to be regretted yet it affords me much pleasure to testify to the unwearied zeal and perseverance which character- ized their efforts. For farther particulars you are refered to the reports of these gentlemen.
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