Standard [Clarksville, TX], September 29, 1860
Belknap, Young Co.
Sept. 11th, 1860.
Major DeMorse—Since my last, preparations were made to move up Red and Canadian rivers, from Rhadminski. When all was ready in fact some of the companies had started word was brought to Col. Johnson that there were 100 Kickapoo Indian Warriors, painted and on the war path, camped on Red River, near the mouth of the Witchata, preparing to invade Texas. The information came so direct that Col. Johnson thought best to take part of the command, and attack them if they could be found. So, August 16th, Capt. Ross’s, Capt. Johnson’s, and the remainder of the Fannin County company, were ordered down to hunt the Indians, our force led in person by Col. Johnson. The Col. met with considerable opposition in determining to make the scout; met with opposition from officers and men. They thought the Indians would not dare to go into Texas. The Col. thought it was better to be positive, and not go on and leave an enemy in his rear, and between him and the settlements; so we went down, scoured the country—could not find any Indians, —found some troops, who said there were no Indians there, and had not been. So we returned back to Rhadminski; our company stopped on Otter Creek; the rest of the command went up the river 40 miles. Col. Johnson came by our camp, (having remained behind a few days,) said we would be discharged—(which information elated the majority of us very much)—ordered Capt. Woods to proceed up to head quarters, and turn all camp equipage over to the Quartermaster, and straighten up company accounts, and receive our discharge. Capt. Woods went. When we got there, he received an order from Col. Johnson (as fresh Indian signs had been discovered) to bring the available part of his command, and join the scout, or take his entire company (38 men all told) and guard the waggons to Belknap, and remain there until the scout came in—Capt. Woods preferred the scout; sent me an order to bring the men. I sent all the available men; the rest, unavailable. I brought to Belknap, where we now are, awaiting their return, which I look for in about 20 or 30 days.
The beeves have all stampeded and gone; the scout will have to depend on Buffalo for meat. There are plenty of them. . . .
From Rhadminski to Trinity, there have been very heavy rains. The prairies had all been burned, so that the grass is coming up very fine. So, between the grass and muskeet beans the horses can do well; but it comes at the 11th hour, when our time has nearly expired. The drouth has been very severe here, this summer. There has been scarcely anything raised. There will be thousands of Buffalo upon the Witchatas and Red River, this fall, so that any and all who may desire the excitement of a Buffalo hunt, can have it in comparative safety, by coming up Red River as far as the mouth of the Witchata. More anon.
Respectfully, I remain yours, &c.,
A. M. Gass,
1st Lieut. Capt. Wood’s Comp.
Texas Rangers.