39. [BORDERLANDS]. UNITED STATES. WAR DEPARTMENT.
SECRETARY OF WAR (George W. McCrary). Letter from the
Secretary of War...His Views in Relation to the Bill
(S.165) to Reimburse the State of Texas for Expenses
Incurred in Repelling Invasions of Indians and
Mexicans. Washington: SED19, 1878. 195 pp. 8vo, new
half brown levant morocco over brown cloth, spine gilt
lettered and with raised bands. Fine.
First
edition. Tate, The Indians of Texas: An Annotated
Research Bibliography 2441: "Texas seeks federal
compensation for Indian depredations and the ongoing cost
to state forces." Pingenot: Primarily concerns claims
against the U.S. by Mexican citizens arising from raids
made by Texan volunteer troops since 1854. Contains
considerable material on the Piedras Negras claims with
their fraudulent exaggeration of losses and damages.
Valuable depositions by claimants and witnesses along with
the roles played in the scheme by William Stone and Bethel
Coopwood.
($150-300)