PLEA FOR HELP FROM THE CITIZENS OF FORT HOUSTON

(Houston CO. "Now Anderson CO.TX") Addressed to : His Excellency, Samuel HOUSTON, Nacogdoches, Texas

Fort Houston, Aug. 25, 1838

To His Excellency, The Pres.

Sir

We the undersigned citizens of the town of Houston (Houston CO) & its vicinity, beg leave respectfully to represent to your excellency that our property has been stolen, our houses & farms infested and surrounded, our families alarmed & ourselves compelled to desert our homes on account of depredations committed by our Indian neighbors. We further beg leave to suggest as our settled conviction that from our isolated situation and sparseness of our population, this settlement will be compelled to desert our property & homes unless some active & energetic measures are adopted to secure our property & protect our women and children from the tomahawk & scalping, or more cruel horror of Indian captivity, This subject is most respectfully submitted to the consideration to the Executive & some protection earnestly but strongly solicited in our truly unpleasant & distressing situation. The Indians who are doing mischief in this neighborhood are supposed to be principally the Kickapoo. An early answer is requested as we do not feel safe to remain with our families in our present situation unless prompt measures are taken for our relief.

We have the honor to be
With great respect etc.
Your Obt. Sevts.

P.O. LUMPKIN
Leroy McKINZIE
John CRIST
W.L. McDONALD
R.C. DIXON
William SMITH
A. McKINSIE
A. G. PERSON
John SMITH
C. F. McINZA
Spencer HOBS
William CRAIGHEAY
John S. DELAY
O.H. DUNCAN
Stephen CRIST
W.B. SHEARER
L. ROBINSON
Jacob C. MORROW
M. Theo CARTER
John T. BROWN
J.M. (?)CARPENTER
W.M. FROST
H. USSURY
B. PERSON
George W. BROWNING

From: Rusk Paper, Stephen F. Austin Library, Nacogdoches, Texas

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