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[red ink] 1872 as they are held in violent hatred by all Mexicans so far as I have been able to learn they received no encouragement, and it is reported that Ta-Kevera's party, before leaving Mexico in Sept. committed several murders. I have received a letter from Col P.A. Valdez of the Mexican Army now commanding this portion of the Rio Grande frontier of Mexico, with Hq. at Piedras Negras informing me that he has instructions to cooperate vigorously with the US forces against all parties violating the peace of the border. I do not apprehend any additional trouble from Indians living in Mexico, at least while the Mexicans themselves are living at peace. Respectfully returned to the Adjutant General thro Div. Hq. the fact of these Indians going into Mexico was reported by me at the time of their going. Colonel MacKenzie's operations and those of the escorts to Rail Road surveying parties have driven them from their haunts in and about Staked Plains, and they have gone to Mexico as a safe place from which to continue their depredations on the Texas frontier. I enclose reports of two recent scouting parties who followed the trail of depredating bands to where they crossed into Mexico with their plunder. I also enclose copy of letter from an American Merchant in Presidio del Norte giving reliable information concerning those Indians and their location in Mexico. If these Indians are permitted to remain in Mexico it will be impossible to prevent their continual raiding into Texas. The grazing ranches of Texas are so near the Rio Grande that Indians and their Mexican allies can dash across the river and run off a herd of horses or cattle before it can be known at a Military Post. Dec 5, D.T. Dec 6 72

Sgd C. C. Augur Brig. Genl. US Army, Commanding [red ink] Official

1 Encl (sgd) G. B. Russell [red ink] A.D.G.

Med Drtr D.T. [red ink] 1975 Endorsement on com. of E. H. Bowman AA Surgeon Ft Bliss Texas, Nov 26 1872. Forwards official copies and asks information in the premises. M 1788 DT 72. Returned from the Med. Director of the Dept. Dec 11, 72. The Medical officer in this case was the Post Surgeon who had been in that capacity for more than two years is the person to judge whether a soldier presented to him for treatment. In this case he was sent to him by the Officer of the Day with his compliments & request that he would see what he needed and in charge of a Non-Commissioned officer - is sick, whether or not he should be taken on the Sick Report at any hour