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               The proper course in the opinion of the Commdg'. General to be pursued, is, for the Revenue Officer to make his application in writing, stating all the circumstances, which in his judgment render the aid, asked for, a necessity.  This, with the action of the Commd'g. Officer, and his reasons, endorsed thereon, should be sent to Department Headquarters.  If troops are furnished, it is to be understood, they go simply as protectors [underline] of the Revenue Officer, and not Revenue Agents, and their acts must be limited by this distinction.  The Revenue officer and his agents must do the arresting and seizing - the troops are simply to prevent their being interfered with, while in the execution of their official duties.
                                   I am Sir, Very respectfully
                                            Your obdt. Servant
                                    (Sgd.)   J. A. Augur

583.D.T.'72. Actg. Asst. Adjutant General ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 218. "Telegram" Hd. Qrs. Dep't. of Texas,

                                                                                              San Antonio, Tex., March 4, 1872.

MO. MIL. DIV., Lieut.-General P. H. Sheridan, Chicago, Ills.

                          Colonel Valdez Commanding Government forces besieged in Piedras Negras, informs Commanding Officer Fort Duncan - that, if unsuccessful in raising the siege, he will cross with his command to this side of the river and claim protection of United States.  In this event his forces will be arrested and disarmed.  What further disposition shall be made of them?
                                                    (Sgd.) C. C. Augur
                                                                Brig. Gen'l.

826.D.T.'72. Commanding __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 222. Hd. Qrs. Dep't. of Texas,

                                                                                               San Antonio, Tex., March 5, 1872.

DUNCAN Commanding Officer Fort Duncan, Texas, Sir:

            Your letter of the 29th ult. has been received, and in reply the General Commanding directs me to say, that in the event of Col. Valdez coming to this side with his Command, you will arrest the Entire force, disarm and retain it as prisoners, until you are further instructed concerning it.
                                                      Very respectfully
                                                       Your obdt. servant

826 & 836.D.T.'72. (Sgd.) J. A. Augur

                                                         Actg. Asst. Adjutant General.

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