Comanche raids continued to occupy the attention of the army stationed at Corpus Christi. When a group of Comanches was arrested and subsequently fired upon by U.S. dragoons, Taylor, fearing further Indian depredations, mustered into service several companies of Texas rangers for three-month enlistments.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF OCCUPATION,
Corpus Christi, Texas, November 19, 1845.
SIR: By a report from Major Fauntleroy, 2d dragoons, commanding at San Antonio, dated the 1st instant, it appears that, upon the requisition, or at the suggestion of a Major Neighbors, represented to be an "Indian agent" under the government of Texas, he despatched a party from his command, on the 30th of October, under the direction of said agent, to arrest some Camanches who were in the Lipan camp, not far from San Antonio, and who were reported by the Lipans to have committed some depredations near Corpus Christi. The Camanches suffered themselves to be taken without resistance, but afterwards suddenly broke from the guard, and made their escape. The guard, agreeably to orders, fired upon them, and wounded two of the number, there being six or eight in all.
This circumstance is greatly to be regretted, and may be the germ of serious difficulty on the Indian frontier. My instructions to Major Fauntleroy have been very pointed--to exercise great caution in all matters relating to alleged Indian depredations. In the present case, the reports against the Camanches were entirely false--at least, no depredations have been committed by them near Corpus Christi, to my knowledge; and, even if true, Major Fauntleroy had no evidence of the facts sufficiently strong to warrant him in the course he took. The moment that the service will permit my absence from the main army here, I shall visit San Antonio and Austin, with a view to adopt such measures as may be required by the public interest in that quarter. In the meantime, I shall give such instructions to Major Fauntleroy as will prevent a recurrence of such hasty and ill-judged proceedings. hereafter.
I have already reported to the department the steps which I have found it necessary to take for the protection of the Indian frontier of Texas; and that I deemed it advisable for that purpose to muster into service a few companies of rangers. These companies were mustered into service for three months; and their respective terms will expire about the end of the year. Should the present pacific aspect of our Mexican relations continue, it will not be necessary to continue this force in service, except possibly one company as guides. It will then become necessary to strengthen the regular force on the frontier; and, to avoid useless marches and expense, I would respectfully ask to be informed, if consistent with propriety, what corps are destined for the permanent occupation of Texas on a peace establishment. Such corps can then be placed in position at once, at a time when they are most wanted, and when they can establish posts with least prejudice to health. San Antonio, Austin, and, perhaps, an intermediate point on the Guadaloupe, must be military stations; and the sooner they are occupied by the regular garrisons who are destined for that service, the better. A large force of cavalry cannot be sustained on the frontier without very heavy expense at this time; and I would not at present add more than one to the number of companies already there. Infantry may be subsisted at a comparatively small rate.
Recent arrivals from the Rio Grande bring no news whatever.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Z. TAYLOR,
Brevet Brig. Gen. U. S..11., commanding.
The ADJUTANT GENERAL of the Army,
Washington, D. C.
