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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
507
TO THE CHIEF JUSTICES OF TEXAS COUNTIES 1
Executive Department, Austin, March 9, 1860. The Chief Justice of each county in danger from the Indians, will organize a Minute detachment in his county, composed of one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, two Corporals, and ten privates, holding an election for the officers, and mustering them into the service of the State. The muster rolls will be filled up in dupli- cate, and sent forward to the Executive Department. He will cause the Lieutenat to give bond, with two approved securities, in the sum of 500 dollars, for the safe delivery of the arms which shall come into his hands; he shall also require the Lieutenant to take oath that he will faithfully perform the duties · of Quarter-master, and account for all supplies which shall come into his hands, either by purchase or otherwise, which, with the bond, shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the County Court. The Chief Justice will also forward to the Execu- tive a certificate to the effect that the Lieutenant has given bond and made oath as provided. Upon a detachment of minute men being mustered into serv- ice by the Chief Juctice of any county in danger, the Lieutenant will receive of the Chief Justice blank provision accounts and monthly returns. The Lieutenant will act as Quarter-master, and purchase such supplies as are absolutely necessary, and at market prices. He will make out duplicate accounts, and have the Chief Justice to certify on the same that the articles are necessary to sustain the men while on duty, and that the prices are just. This is necessary in order to have ample testimony to support the same when an appropriation is made. The Lieutenant acting as Quarter-master, will furnish the men with rations, and use strict economy in relation to the supplies. The Lieutenant will detail two men immediately for arms and ammunition, to Austin, providing them with sacks to carry the same; but he is in no case authorized to employ means of trans- portation. The detachments will immediately take the field, and enter upon active scouts, affording protection to the inhabitants of their respective counties. When an Indian trail is found, it must be diligently followed, and if the sign indicates a larger party of Indians than he is able to cope with, he will call, not exceed- ing ten men to his aid. He will keep a true account of the days of service performed by these men, and on a return from the
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