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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
To W. C. DALRYMPLE-RANGING COMPANY ORDERS 1 Executive Department, Austin, January 20, 1860. To Captain W. C. Dalrymple, Commanding 1st Company Sir: You will proceed with as little delay as possible and make the headquarters at some point on the frontier, at least five miles from the settlements, and between Fish Creek in Cook County, and Big Witcheta; at such points as you may think best to give the greatest amount of protection to the inhabitants. You will divide your command in three divisions, making three stations, or more, should you think proper. You will construct such build- ings as you may think proper for the protection and comfort of your command and such fencing as you may think proper for the security of your horses. You will see that daily patrols pass and repass from post to post, when the weather, or the state of your command will permit. Horses lost unless in action and killed by the enemy, are not to be paid for, nor the loss of arms paid for. In the police and the arrangements of your encampments or stations, you will, if possible, secure the health and comfort of the troops. You will regularly detail and mount guards, and besides constant vigilance and care, the moral tone of your com- mand will be a subject which is particularly confided to your authority. No horse racing, or gambling is to be permitted or practised; nor are any intoxicating liquors of any kind to be brought within your camp or camps, or used. Nor will you permit any person or persons to bring nearer than five miles, any spirits of any kind, or to sell same to a member, or members of your command. You will not permit more than four men to be absent from your command at any one time on leave or furlough. It is impossible to regulate at this distance from the theater of your command all the details, and there must necessarily be a discretion given to render the command as efficient as possible. · And I enjoin upon you, Captain, and the troops to use all means in your power, not only to give the protection so necessary for the safety of the lives and property of our frontier inhabitants, but to pay an especial regard to their persons, rights and property, and to see that no molestation takes place at anything belonging to the inhabitants. Monthly reports and returns of the state of condition of your command will be made to the Executive Department at this place,
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