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27

to afford you abundance of fresh beef for a month at least, and thereafter let a month's supply go out with Each supply train.

    The column from Concho will also take one months supply of Cattle.
                You should take - I think - thirty days of Essential parts of rations and half forage for the same time.
                 With reference to your scouting -- it is of course left to your own judgement, at the same time I would suggest that you find out all the routes, leading down to Texas frontier - their connection with each other, and with streams above, and the best point of commanding them.  This in view of future operations.   I think too, the Muchaque Country should be looked after, to see, if its only connection is with your route to Fresh Fork of Brazos.
                 The Chief Commissary says, there is a large surplus of Subsistence Stores at Fort Griffin, you had better arrange, to send back your supply train first to that post, when beef cattle should also be ready to go with it.  You are authorized to direct the hiring of necessary butchers and herders for you beef Cattle.
                 Take an ambulance with you from Richardson and one will be sent you from Concho.  We will have an additional supply of Carbine - ammunition at Concho, in time for your second train, which should go to that post.  Should any of your parties require supplies in the direction of Fort Stockton, they will find them at that post.
                 Take with you, from Richardson and Griffin, all the wagons that can possibly be spared from these posts - after the wagons from here reach you, some of the former may be returned to the posts.    Have all your maps made to be, scale - ten miles to the inch.
                 Captain Comly will send up a thousand of the new picked ropes, which are much better, than any yet issued in the Department, and believed to be all, that is required.  Capt. Card will send rope for side - lines for the whole command, and Each man and teamster can make his own.
                 Make full reports by Every opportunity and ask for whatever will aid you in your work, and if it is possible, you shall have it.
    This letter is more in the way of Memoranda than Instructions.  I do not wish to instruct you other than in the object and purposes of the Expedition, and what I hope to accomplish by it.    This you already know from me verbally.
                                                    I am Colonel, very respectfully
                                                         Your obdt. servant
                                             (Sgd.)   C. C. Augur
                                                          Brigadier General, U.S.A.
                                                          Commanding

4 Enclosures