WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1860
522
the calling out of troops from the State as the only force that can protect out settlements against our Indian Foe. They under- stand Indian habits and warfare and can trail and reclaim the booty and at the same time take vengence on the enemy. A treaty of force with the wild Indians who depredate would, with a comparatively small sum, save millions to the. Govern- ment of the United States for until they are exterminated, or peace made with them guards must be constantly kept at an immense expense to the Government and even then our settle- ments will be subjected to surprise and massacre. Were the Indians to enter our territory in large bodies we could meet and destroy them, but they attack in small parties of from six to fifteen simultaneously for hundreds of miles along our frontier. I do most earnestly hope that the guarantees which we have a right to may be extended and the State protected. Since I commenced this communication, Intelligence has reached me of other murders and thefts in Erath County, a mail rider killed and scapled within six miles of the County seat. Like- wise a woman murdered, and another woman and child carried into captivity. I hope for a speedy reply as our situation calls for prompt action. We need arms as well as rangers. Sam Houston. 1 Executi·ve Records, 1859-1861, p. 97, Texas State Library. 2 List of persons killed and wounded by the Indians during the last four months: In Erath County: 2 women killed, 2 taken prisoners and ravished. Both escaped naked; one has since died. 5 persons killed. In Bosque County: 2 ministers shot with arrows. One has died. In Comanche County: 5 persons killed-men, women, and children. 2 persons missing (father and daughter), supposed to be dead. In Burnet County: 3 persons killed; 2 men severely wounded. In San Saba County: 1 man killed. In Jack County: 9 persons killed. Houses robbed and plundered. In Bosque County: 3 men killed. In Brown County: 5 persons killed; 2 taken prisoners. In Coryell County: 1 man killed.
In Bell County: 3 persons killed; 2 taken p1·isoners. In Clear Fork: 2 persons killed; 2 taken prisoners. In Cook County: 1 woman killed. In Gillespie County: 4 persons killed. In Webb County: 5 persons killed.
51 persons killed & probably as many more are wounded and taken prisoners; 1,800 horses stolen, including 70 from U.S. troops at Camp
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