T.C. Bass to Hubbard, October 9, 1877
The border with Mexico had been a site of continuous
raiding and turmoil for decades. Both the U.S. and Mexico had suffered
vicious civil wars, deadly feuds over scarce resources were the norm,
and outlaws and cattle rustlers crossed the border from both sides.
In 1877 there was talk for several months of another war with Mexico.
In this letter, attorney Thomas Coke Bass, an outspoken Confederate
veteran, writes to Hubbard about the possibility. Bass would die the
following year in Memphis in a yellow fever epidemic..
"The
Wild West"
|
Sherman, Texas
Oct 9th 1877
Hon R.B. Hubbard
Governor
Austin Tex
Dear Sir
From
latest indications it seems that
our country has to to give the
Mexicans another thrashing and of
course we old Texans will take
a particular pride in doing that
work. It is unnecessary for me
to say anything regarding my
qualifications as a military officer.
You have known me too long for
that. I find then an a great
many of my old soldiers and
comrades in arms in North Texas
anxious to take a hand in the
war if a war must come.
What I desire is authority to
organize a regiment of soldiers to
be held subject to your orders
in case of need.
Your Most Obedient Servant
T.C. Bass
|
"The
Wild West"
T.C. Bass to Hubbard, October 9, 1877,
Records of Richard Hubbard, Texas Office of the Governor, Archives
and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives
Commission.
