The Writings of Sam Houston, Volume VIII

WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860

62

The orders under which you were called out and organized, gave you authority to raise one Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants, 2 Cor- porals, and 10 menr--not boys. More than fifteen men (officers and privates) will not be entitled to, nor will receive pay from the Legislature. Nor will any boys under the age of eighteen be entitled to, or receive any pay. · Sam Houston.

1 Executive Records, 1859-1861, p. 161, Texas State Library.

To MIDDLETON T. JOHNSON 1 Executive Department, Austin, May 21, 1860.

Colonel M. T. Johnson, Commanding Texas Rangers Sir: A letter from the Chiefs of the Witchita Reserve, through Major Blain, tendering their services, to lead you to and point out the tribes which have been depredating upon Texas, has just reached me and I hasten to inform you of the facts. They are willing to furnish you from ten to one hundred of their best warriors, to be paid and rationed as U.S. Cavalry are, they to find their own "arms and horses," provided the State will furnish a sufficient force "to insure victory," when our enemies are pointed out. I am well aware of your entire ability to control and direct to a satisfactory end the expedition of which you have the command; but I will suggest that you take from twenty five to fifty of the warriors which will include the guides. Should you deem it necessary, you will avail yourself of this offer from the Chiefs, and you will select such number as you may deem sufficient to secure a triumphant termination of the cam- paign. Wishing you great success, Sam Houston.

1 Exccutive Records, 1859-1861, p. 161, Texas State Library.

To A. C. FAIRMAN 1 Executive Department, Austin, May 21, 1860.

Hon. A. C. Fairman, Chief Justice of Atascosa County Sir: Your letter of the 14th respecting the exposure of your County to Indian forays and depredations, has this moment reached me. Replying I would state that the Executive can see no necessity for keeping troops in the field except in the case

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