WALKER, Commissioner to C. Delano, February 13, 1872

Mr. Walker to Mr. Delano.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, by reference from the Department, of the report from the Adjutant-General’s Office, relative to a depredation committed on the 22d of November last upon the Texas bank of the Rio Grande by a party of Kickapoos, from Mexico.

I beg leave to refer to the fact that this is but one of a series of depredations committed by hostile Kickapoo Indians, who make frequent raids across the Mexican border into Texas, carrying off stock and other property in large amount, and selling the same to Mexicans, who undoubtedly encourage them in their operations and protect them from pursuit. This state of things has been continued for years, to the deep injury of the people of Texas. To remedy this evil was the object, it will be remembered, of the effort made last year to remove these Kickapoos to the Indian country. As that effort failed, and under circumstances which do not encourage this Office to renew the attempt, nothing further occurs to be done by the Department in the premises, unless it should be deemed advisable to have the matter again brought to the attention of the Mexican authorities through the Department of State.

The Mexicans alone can prevent this state of things, as they alone have been responsible in the past for its continuance.

The report from the honorable Secretary of War is herewith returned.

Very respectfully, &c.,