Ninth United States Cavalry, Commanding to To the Post Adjutant , Binggold Barracks, Texas, March 8, 1875

Captain Moore to post adjutant Ringgold Barracks.

Sir: In obedience to your communication of the 1st instant, I have the honor to report that during my present tour of duty here, (since January 15, 1875,) I have no information or knowledge of cattle being crossed into Mexico, in the limits of this sub-post; nor have I ever at any time received information from civil officers or others that could lead to the detection of thieves crossing or stealing cattle.

From information derived during my service on the river, I believe that cattle are usually stolen and crossed by residents of Mexico, aided and abetted by friends and allies living along the river on this side. It is hard to believe that cattle could be crossed at many points where it is alleged that they have been crossed without the knowledge, consent, and aid of at least some of the rancheros living there. Even men of good standing do not consider it any business of theirs to give information so long as the cattle being stolen are not their own or friends’; giving as a reason that the thieves would revenge themselves on the informants.

I fully believe that few or no cattle could be stolen or crossed if the rancheros living along the river were vigorously opposed to it, but so long as they give active and quiescent aid to the thieves it will take the whole Army of the United States to effectually stop it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,