The Ranchero [Corpus Christi, TX], February 18, 1860
The following letter which will prove interesting to the members of the Walker Rifles, and our community generally, explains itself:
Austin, Texas, January 31st 1860.
Lieut. Henry A. Maltby, Walker Mounted Rifles, Corpus Christi.
Lieutenant:–Enclosed herewith, you will find your Commission as 1st Lieut. of the Walker Mounted Rifle Company, also those of the Senior and Junior Lieutenants, which please deliver to them.
The Governor, His Excellency Sam Houston, has granted us 50 good and serviceable percussion rifles, almost new.—Also as many sword bayonets, cartridge boxes, belts, and scabbards, as can be found here in a suitable condition. His predecessor, Gov. Runnels, issued all the arms of the State to the Rangers, and with them they were either lost or rendered unserviceable, so it is out of the power of the present Governor, to do more for us at the present time. He has, however, promised me to give us the benefit of the quota of arms, due the State from the United States, for the past year of 1859, amounting to the equivalent of 169 muskets, and this requisition will arm us quite satisfactory. The arms and accoutrements I am now getting cleaned, fixed and packed, and by next week I think that I shall be able to get them shipped via Powderhorn. All these expenses have to be borne by the company. We either had to pursue this course, or we would not and could not have obtained any arms for the next twelve months, and ere then occasion might occur to render them very useful and beneficial.
Very respectfully, Your Ob’t Serv’t,
Chas. Lovenskiold.