Letter From P. H. Bell to Citizens of Ellis,
McClellan and Navarro Counties

Originally published in "Texas Indian Papers" by Winfrey Day.

Executive Department,
State of Texas.
Austin, July 28th, 1852

To the Citizens of Ellis,
McClellan and Navarro Counties,
of the State of Texas.

Gentlemen:

In reply to your petitions to this Department praying for military protection from the attacks of marauding Indians, (which came to had last night by Mr. Dyer,) I deeply regret that it is not in my power to make an immediate call, as therein requested. I will, however, communicate forthwith with Commanding General of this Military Department, and enclose a copy of your petition, urging him to make the call on me for a ranging company for the protection of that section of the frontier, which, when made, will be promptly responded to.

This course is necessary to ensure the company pay, and such subsistence and other military supplies as will be indispensably requisite to enable them to render efficient service.

Should the Commanding General not deem it proper to make the call upon me for troops, I will then feel myself warranted in taking such further steps as will meet the emergency and ensure your protection. In the meantime I request to be advised of the actual state of affairs in that section, in order that I may be properly guided in my action on the subject.

I am, Gentlemen,

Very respectfully,

Your Obt: Servant

[P. H. Bell]

[P. H. Bell, Executive Record Book, Number 32, Page 57.]