426
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
To JOHN H. CONNER-RANGING ·coMPANY ORDERS 1 Executive Department, January 20, 1860. To Captain John H. Conner, Commanding 3rd Company of Texas Rangers Sir: You will proceed with as little delay as possible and make the headquarters at some point on the head waters of the San Saba, at least five miles beyond the settlements and so distribute your troops as to cover the greatest extent of country, and give the greatest amount of protection to the frontier inhabitants. You will construct such buildings 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 state of your command will permit. Horses lost, unless in action and killed by the enemy, are not to be paid for, nor is the loss of arms to be paid for. In the police and arrangements of your encampments or sta- tions, 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 command 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 the same to your command, or to members composing it. 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 theatre of your command, all the details and there must necessarily be a discretion given so as 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 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 of any thing belonging to the inhabitants. Monthly reports and returns of the State and condition of your command will be made to the Executive Department at this place, with such information on the state of the frontier as you may deem important.
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