TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859 303 county, detailing an account of the murder, and captivity of the Jackson family, at a point not distant one hundred miles from the capitol. The affidavit is accompanied by a petition of the Citizens, and also the letters of Capt. John Williams and Lieut. Cowan officers of a company of volunteers organized for the immediate protection of their homes. These letters give full confirmation of the facts set forth in the affidavit and petition. You will please to observe particularly the deplorable condition of the frontier as represented by these letters, and of the panic reigning with the inhabitants. In addition to the written testi- mony herein contained, information deemed reliable has been received of the murder of two citizens by a party of twelve In- dians and the loss of near three hundred head of horses, within twelve or fifteen miles of the Town of Belton, a point situated immediately on the main mail stage route from this to Waco, and distant only sixty miles from this place. I have on several occasions a fore time called attention to the imminence of the danger, and the pressing necessity for the adoption of prompt and adequate measures for averting the threatening storm, which is now beginning to burst with all its fury on the suffering frontier. Remonstrance having been passed by unheeded, or in a great measure proved unavailing; the Executive of this State as a last resort has felt himself called upon under the solemn duty he owes to his fellow citizens, to interpose such measures for the protection of life and prop- erty as are within his reach. I have therefore under the exist- ing emergency authorized-in addition to the order issued Capt Bourland.-Capt. John S. Ford to raise a company of Eighty nine men with instructions to repair without delay to the point of danger, and give such protection to the inhabitants as he may be able therewith. In conclusion I can but express the hope that the Govern- ment will recognize these companies, and cause an appropria- tion for their pay and subsistence to be made by Congress at its present session, and if not, that such other effective measures may be adopted at an early day, as will render their presence no longer necessary in the field. I am Sir very Respectfully Your obt. Servt. [H. R. RUNNELS] [Endor.-Jed] November 2nd/1858 Letter to the Secretary of War. Recorded page 219
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