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PAPERS OF :MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
No. 2320 1847 Mar. 3, [M. B. LAMAR] LAREDO, [TEXAS] TO [J. P.] HENDERSON, [AUSTIN, TEXASJ 61
Laredo, March :{rd. 1847
Go\'ernor Henderson, Dear Sir
I send this by special express for the purpose of laying b.efore you, without delay, the condition of the frontier. 'rhe Country east and north of this point is fast relapsing into its old con- dition; the mexican Government is drawing men and resources from it; the local authorities are receiving and executing the orders of the General Government; the Americans are expelled and all goods coming from, or, suspected of coming from Texas are being confiscated and a general feeling of hostility is manifesting itself in the district above named. The peacefully disposed citisens and those inclined to favor our cause are' overawed by the presence of armed men and the threats of Government. Organized bands of marauderers, under sanc- tion of the Mexican Government are being formed every where, wait- ing favorable oppertunities for plunder. Should the chances of war give the slightest reverse to our arms these bands will doubtless give no small trouble on our border unless a sufficient force [is a]t hand to suppress them. A brisk trade was l'lpringi11g up betwen this place and the ad- jacent towns of Candela, Lamptu,es, Presidio. San Fernando &c. which has been suddenly and totally suspended in consequence of the existing state of things. Mi impression is that a considerable force will be necessary to ensure quiet on this portion of the frontier. By stationi11g 250 or 300 mounted men at or near this place a large district of Country, ex- tending from Monclova to Gurreno could be easily kept in subjection, and the inany unpleasant consequences which will doubtless otherwiRe ensue, ma:v be thus prevented. The Indians, at the same time conld be more effectually looked after. I take it for granted this station will be kept up, as the presence of the ,rarrison will be absolutely requisite for the extension of our laws in this part of the state and for the protection of our citi- zens here both from their indian & mexican enemies. The term of serv- ice of my own command iR now half expired and some arron,rement must soon be made to supply its ploc>e. In making this arranirement I would heir leave a,rain to reitterat.e my onpinion that at least 3 full companies of 84 men each, enlisted to serve during the war, ought to be sent here. This mnclusion I have e:ome to from a c>lose and mature examination into the condition of the frontier. Should the above SU!!!!estion~ meet your approbation and it be practicable to car"v thPm out.- I would like to be permitted to raise the men mv~e]f. With a temnorarv Je1-1ve of absence for this p\lrpose I believe I rou]d' soon carrv it into ..efl'~ct. I am anxious to he more extensively 1-1nd USPfullv emploved. The term of service of my command expires so soon that I have not renewed
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