TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859 339 On the 19th I received his answer a copy of which marked B is enclosed and on the 20th I replied to him a copy of which is also enclosed marked C. Lieut Carmack with a detachment returned from Comanche Reserve last night having visited by my order the ranches of Mr John R. Baylor to see whether or not it had been burned as reported. He reports that no such burning had occurred the report being a sheer fabrication. He says also that the Comanche on the Reserve are in thl:! habit of treating with indignity and dep- redating upon the growing crops of citizens ·residng near that Reserve. I therefore this morning despatched 1st Lieut Nowlin with a detachment to that vicinity with written orders to attack any party found so engaged or found off that Reserve without a white man and to remain there till the removal of the Indians In the meantime I doubt whether Maj Neighbors really in- tends to act upon his avowed intentions. If he should and my scouts fall in with them, a collision must ensue. On yesterday however the son of agent Ross with a few Caddo came into the camp with a message from his father to allow them to hunt their cattle on the river a few miles below. Young Ross remaining with them to which of course no objection could be interposed on my part. Should this course be pursued no difficulty need arise. From all I can le2.rn the Indians will leave by the first of August. As instructed I shall follow in their rear to Red River and thence return. I have made suitable arrangements and procured sufficient supplies on fair terms for this purpose. My aggregate force is 90 men well armed and equipped & under excellent discipline For some days before and after reaching here It appeared quite certain that a band of armed citizens would make an as- sault upon the reserve or the Indians in their route North From what I now learn there is no reason to believe the mass of the people are satisfied with the course adopted in ordering out this force and that no adequate body of men can be collected for such purpose-But for the excitement pending the election and the consequent desire of reckless demagogues to fan the flames until that event shall have passed. I think quiet would in the main now prevail The election over I am equally well con- vinced that the most serious obstacles to present quiet will have passed. In this remark however I refer only to the class indi-
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