TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
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ties with the whites. Should they be disbanded, all restraint upon their lawless propensities will be removed-they will not be able to withstand the temptation thus afforded, of commit- ting depredations upon the property of the settlers, who deem- ing themselves abandoned by the Government, will look to them- selves for protection, and in a short time collisions will ensue, which may lead to the most deplorable results. The United States have just concluded a partial treaty with the most pow- erful of these Indian tribes, with the ultimate view of forming a lasting peace with them, and settling upon a boundary line between them and this State. There is now every prospect, that both of these desirable objects may be obtained. But should the troops in question be disbanded, and the state of things be brought about, which I have every reason to apprehend will be, the wishes of the Government, in this respect, will be greatly retarded, if not entirely defeated. The expense of employing these troops is trivial, when compared to that which the Gov- ernment may incur, in repressing difficulties, which will grow out of their being disbanded, to say nothing of the loss of life and scenes of distress, which will result therefrom. Texas, having just entered the confederacy,-having re- signed to the General Government her pitincipal sources of rev- enue, and being now dependent upon direct taxation for the means to carry her State Government into operation, is not in a condition to keep an armed force upon the frontier--She re- lies confidently, as she has the right to do, upon the Government of the U. States, for the protection of her citizens against the savages, and I have no doubt it will be promptly afforded. For the reasons above given, as well as others that might be adduced, I respectfully request that your Excellency would instruct the Secretary of War (in case that officer should be inclined to think unfavorably of the application) to authorize me to have these volunteers mustered into the service of the U. States. By so doing, I am satisfied that the peace and security of the extensive line of frontier of this State will not only be maintained, but the result will show that substantial economy as well as sound policy, will have been consulted by the Govern- ment. From the spirit of liberality and justice which has thus far characterized all the acts of your administration, where the rights and interests of the people of Texas have been concerned,
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