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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
503
various documents is the same; the arrangements into pragraphs differs slightly; and the document to be found in Executive Records is directed to John B. Floyd, instead of to the President. The Executive Records also contain an answer from W. R. Drinkard, Acting Secretary of War, while the National Intelligencer printed a letter from Major S. Heintzelman to John B. Floyd, Secretary of War, March 7, 1860, relative to conditions on the Rio Grande.
TO THE CITIZENS OF THE FRONTIER 1 Executive Department, Austin, March ·s, 1860.
To the Citizens of the Frontier: Sir-Learning that there was a scarcity of arms in the fron- tier counties, and having none at my disposal, I have purchased for distribution, one hundred ancl six revolvers with equipments. These will be distributed, ten to each, to the counties of Jack, Palo Pinto, Erath, Hamilton, Eastland, Young, San Saba, Lam- pasas, and Burnet. . There are also on hand some fifty Mississippi rifles and about 500 flint muskets. Each county on the frontier is authorized to keep in the field a detachment, consisting of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, two Corporals, and ten privates, to be organized as hereinafter provided. Upon the organization of a detachment, composed of one lieutenant and two sergeants, two corporals and ten privates, in any of these counties, the Lieutenant will file a bond with the Chief Justice, in the sum of $500, for the safe delivery of the arms which shall come into his hands. Upon a certificate of the same, and an order from the Lieutenant, the quota of arms will be delivered, ten to each county, as called for, until the supply is exhausted. The Executive will supply ample communication with arms, and, as far as in his power, will send forward rations to avail- able points. It is almost impossible to get supplies forwarded to the troops mustered into the service who are now in the field. Muster rolls will be sent forward to the Chief Justice of each county. Upon a company's being formed, the Chief Justice will hold an election for one lieutenant, two sergeants, and two corporals, and certify to the same on the muster rolls. The Lieutenant will keep an account of the number of days of actual service performed by each man, and at the end of the service swear to the same and file it with the Chief Justice. As these
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