Hamilton Fish to Nelson, December 12, 1870

Mr. Fish to Mr. Nelson

Sir: A letter of the 7th instant has been received at this Department from the Secretary of War, in which it is stated that the depredations committed by bands of hostile Texan Indians, chiefly located in the Guadalupe Mountains, upon the settlements of the Rio Grande from El Paso to Del Norte, compel the authorization of military operations against them, which can only be successfully carried on in the winter season and with the co-operation of the Mexican authorities. I inclose herewith a transcript of the letter of the Secretary of War, above referred to, and have to request that you will endeavor to obtain the consent of the national government in the direction indicated. An authorization for the government of the State of Chihuahua to communicate and co-operate directly with the commander of the subdistrict of the presidio, whose headquarters are at Fort Davis, Texas, permitting, if need be, the troops of the United States to follow the Indians into Mexican territory, and using the Mexican troops to intercept the Indians in their flight, would seem to be especially desirable.

I am, &c.,