TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
314
No. 203 LETTER FROM H. R. RUNNELS TO J. S. FORD
Executive Office Austin Feb: 11th 1859
John S. Ford Esq Capt Comdg Sir,
Having an opportunity of transmitting this direct, I avail myself of the opportunity to convey some instruc- tions in regard to the probable proceeding of the Judiciary, against certain parties charged with committing the recent outrage on the Reserve Indians. If you are called upon by any peace Officer or other person deputed by Judicial authority, to whom warrants have been directed for the arrest of the offend- ers, you will act promptly in giving all the aid in your power, and be justified in the use of all lawful means to effect the ob- ject. The right of t.he civil authorities to call on the Militia, when resistance is made to due process of the law, cannot be questioned: I have thought proper to communicate this to you in anticipation of the happening of such an event, and that t.here may be no unnecessary delay in transmitting on order hereafter to the same effect which might become necessary. If you intend making a scout or expedition to the Concho and Colorado, it must be done without delay, as the country will not justify me in keeping the Companies in the field much longer, I have just learned that we shall be able to get no ap- propriation from Congress this Session, for the pay of the men now 'in the field; and I greatly fear the lawless act against the Reserve Indians is to defeat the State in obtaining the sums already advanced. Let me hear from you soon, with an account of your intended movements. I am sir, very respectfully HR RUNNELS [Endorsed] Letter of Gov: to Capt J. S. Ford. {H. R. Runnels, Executive Record Book, Number 36, P~.ges 246-247.l
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