TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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one side and the Indians their agents, and Federal army on the other and for this purpose you are instructed fourthwith to re- pair with said force (100 Men) to the vicinity of the Reserves and act as a police Guard around them to prevent Indians from leaving their untill they shall be finally removed and while treating all Indians found off the Reserves unaccompanied by an Agent, or some responsible white man as hostile at the same time preventing hostile assaults upon the Reserves My com- missioned officers are Lieuts Nowlin, White, Bell and Carmack." In our interview on the 12th inst, you informed me that the• stock of the Indians, was to some extent beyond the limits of the Reservation and that you ware compelled to rely upon the In- dians to collect them prior to their removal and had not where men at your command to accompany them. In reply, I have to say that in any and all such cases when called upon by yourself or any one under your authority, I will cheerfully detail men from my command to accompany them as are evodence to my scouts and to the citizens that they are on legetimate business. It is not my wish or providence to discuss the unfortunate state of affairs existing on this frontier. I can only say that the State has adopted this course as the only means within its power of restoring quiet and tranquility to the frontier. In the discharge of my duties, when strictly obeying my in- structions to the best of my ability, I shall in no case transcend them nor do any act unnecessarily to bring about farther diffi- culties but, on the countrary all legitimately within my des- cresion to prevent collesion. and restore peace and tranquility. My head quarters for the present will be on the Brazos near Caddo Springs and just outside of the Reserve from which Scouts will be kep up out side of and between the two reserves in such mannor as best to fulfill my instructions. I have to request that these facts may be communicated by you to Agents Ross and Leesser and Indians, and also to Capt. Plummer commandant at the Brazos Agency. With Respects, I am Sir Your Obediant Servant JOHN HENRY BROWN Capt Comdg. State Troops
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