No. 273.
Mr. Fish to Mr.
Nelson
No. 128.]
Department of State, Washington
,
December 12, 1870.
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.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Belknap to Mr. Fish.
War Department, Washington
City
,
December 7,
1870.
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.,