TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
286
No. 181 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO J. S. FORD Executive Office
Austin May 28th 1858.
Sir,
In acknowledging the receipt of your report of the 22nd inst: I have to congratulate you and your gallant companions in arms for the brave efficient and manly manner you have performed the duty intrusted to you, Our frontier has suffered greatly from Indian depredations and upon you and your command the duty must still devolve for a time at least of protecting the lives and property of our Citizens and punishing in the same exemplary manner their savage foes. You are fully aware of the important responsibilities resting on you and your command and from your location at or near the point of danger must be better informed of the actual require- ments necessary to meet the emergency than it is possible for me to be at so remote a distance. If in order to render more effectually that protection for which your command has been stationed on the frontier, you should deem it expedient to call into the service an additional number of men you are hereby authorized to do so. If as auxiliary to this end you should deem it necessary to make another campaign and follow up the blow you have already struck you will then endeavor to leave a sufficient. force for the protection of the settlements in your rear, under the com- mand of prudent and efficient officers. The term of service of any additional forces you may re- quire, you will leave subject to your own and the option of this Department, which will probably be required until some per- manent force is stationed on the frontier for its protection. Placing the fullest reliance in the prudence and descretion with which you will exercise the powers entrusted.
I am Very Respectfully HR RUNNELS
) Capt J. S. Ford ) ) Texas Rangers ) )
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