WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
428
To EDWARD BURLESON-RANGING COMPANY ORDERS 1 Executive Department, January 21, 1860. To Captain E. Burleson, Commanding Second Company of Texas Rangers Sir: You will proceed with as little delay as possible to take position on the Nueces river, 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 youi· 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 will the loss of arms 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 care, vigilence, 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 spirits or 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 a member or 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 pos- sible. And I enjoin upon you, Captain, and upon 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 inhabi- tants 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.
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