Rio Grande City, Texas
July 9th 1852
To his Excellency,
P. Hansborough
Bell
Austin, Texas
Dear Sir:
Owing to the late difficulties which have prevailed
for some time past to such an alarming extent, in the
valley of the Rio Grande and adjacent section of the
country, (the character of which I learn you have been
recently informed) I would respectfully suggest the
propriety of raising a company of mounted men (Rangers)
for this immediate neighbourhood, to act in concert
with the companies prayed for by the citizens below
here ~ The U. S. forces, upon this time, are totally
inadequate to protect the lives and property of our
citizens, both in point of numbers, experience, and
qualification ~ The settlements in the country have
all been broken up and the settlers who have been opening
farms, or herding cattle, have been driven, with their
families, either across the River into Mexico, or into
the several towns upon the river for protection, leaving
everything behind them ~ These marauding parties that
have been infesting the country organize themselves
upon the other side of the River, in Mexico, and cross
over upon this side, in Texas, commit their depredations
and then recross into Mexico, where they are protected
and encouraged by the authorities there ~ By this course,
they are enabled to commit more frequent and much more
serious depredations than tho’ the authorities of Mexico
were acting in concert with us, against a common enemy
and the US forces are thereby left qualified to drive
them out of the country and keep them out ~ And I am
certain you will agree with me in my suggestion of the
propriety of raising a company of Rangers for the protection
of this portion of this frontier ~ The instant
effect of which would be a complete change in the course
of the Mexican authorities along this entire line ~
The Mex. Authorities regard the U. S. government as
very slow and uncertain in bringing them to an account
for their injuries and insults; but they fear collision
with Texas and Texans.
If you think it proper to take the course indicated,
and which is so generally desired, and will authorize
me to raise an hundred men, I will at once proceed,
raise a company, mount them, and hold myself in readiness
under your orders ~ My experience will give me desired
advantages, in taking command of such a company, over
most of the citizens of this frontier.
I shall not, however, enlarge upon my qualifications
or experience for you are already perfectly well acquainted
with the past ~ I have been solicited by the people
here to served them as captain of a ranger company and
cannot refuse ~ They urge so many reasons, such as my
extensive interests here, my having established the
“Rancho Davis,” my position generally, and the knowledge
which the Mexican authorities have of my influence and
experience, together with my family connexions here
(Although I had some time since, “turned my sword into
the ploughshare” and become absorbed in the enjoyments
of my family and the concern of my business pursuits,)
that, really, I have become convinced that I should
be a very selfish being and a drone in the hive of community
did I not accede to their wishes ~ And hence I write
you this communication ~ A petition upon this subject
has already been forwarded to you and I learn by the
public print, that a similar one has been forwarded
to you from Brownsville ~ Our valley is very remote
from our Capitol, it is true, and also very much isolated
from the great interests absorbing the daily attention
of his excellency, yet, we all, in this section, feel
entirely satisfied and convinced that our weak and unprotected
condition will meet with yr warmest sympathy and receive
the most speedy protection in yr power ~ Touching the
details of such a company of Rangers, I shall expect
instructions, at same time would intimate that it is
expected that the State will supply arms, ammunition,
and provisions ~
With sentiments of the highest Esteem and Friendship,
I remain, as ever, Dear Colonel,
Yr Friend and obed. servt.
H. Clay Davis
Texas State Archives: Records
of Governor Peter Hansbrough Bell
transcribed by Scott Grayson
2008
Box 301-18 folder 4 H.
Clay Davis to Governor PHB, July 9, 1852
