No. 273.

Mr. Fish to Mr. Nelson

No. 128.]

Sir: A letter of the 7th instant has been received at this Department from the Secretary of War, in which it is stated that the depredations committed by bands of hostile Texan Indians, chiefly located in [Page 608] the Guadalupe Mountains, upon the settlements of the Rio Grande from El Paso to Del Norte, compel the authorization of military operations against them, which can only be successfully carried on in the winter season and with the co-operation of the Mexican authorities. I inclose herewith a transcript of the letter of the Secretary of War, above referred to, and have to request that you will endeavor to obtain the consent of the national government in the direction indicated. An authorization for the government of the State of Chihuahua to communicate and co-operate directly with the commander of the subdistrict of the presidio, whose headquarters are at Fort Davis, Texas, permitting, if need be, the troops of the United States to follow the Indians into Mexican territory, and using the Mexican troops to intercept the Indians in their flight, would seem to be especially desirable.

I am, &c.,

HAMILTON FISH.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Belknap to Mr. Fish.

Sir: The depredations committed by bands of hostile Texan Indians, chiefly located in the Guadalupe Mountains, upon the settlements of the Rio Grande from El Paso to Del Norte, compel this Department to authorize military operations against them, and these operations can only be carried on successfully in the winter season of the year. It is believed that these Indians can be driven from their haunts, but only into Mexico, and it therefore becomes necessary to seek the co-operation of the authorities of that republic. If the national government of Mexico will consent to authorize the governor of the State of Chihuahua to communicate and co-operate directly with the commander of the sub-district of the Presidio, whose headquarters are at Fort Davis, Texas, permitting, if need be, the troops of the United States to follow the Indians into Mexican territory, and using the Mexican troops to intercept the Indians in their flight, it is expected that a winter campaign will so cripple the power and subdue the spirit of the marauders as to afford sensible relief from apprehension of danger and actual loss of life and property to the exposed citizens of both countries.

It is understood that the authorities of the State of Chihuahua are favorably disposed toward the plan herein described, and if the necessary order and authority for their direct co-operation can be obtained without delay, it will enable the operations to be pursued this present winter.

Very respectfully, &c.,

W. W. BELKNAP.