with Capt's Bell and Price, companies of

Rangers and the other several enn-

umerated [sic] corps will I think afford

the necessary temporary protection

in almost any event which may

occur and will form so many

nuclei around which to rally

any volunteer or militia force

which it may become necess-

ary in case of invasion or

Indian disturbances to call into

the service of the country.

The Indians on our frontier

with the exception of one or two

very small bands continue to

manifest a very pacific disposition and

I anticipate no outbreak on their

part. I can scarcely believe

that Mexico will have the

foolish temerity to invade

Texas and wage war against

us and the U.S. But it is

my duty to be prepared for the

worst event which may happen

and to be ready to cooperate with

Gen. Taylor with all the force

necessary to give them a proper

reception should they come.

For this purpose I have

caused to be forwarded you by

the Secretary of War and Marine

a commission as Colonel of Infantry