H’d Qrs: Dept. of Texas Fort Brown, 20 April 1860
Governor
I had the honour on the 11th Inst: to receive from the Honb’le Geo: McKnight, Comm’r of the State, your Communication of the 24’ Ulto:
Having no authority to receive volunteers into the Service of the U. States, I was unable to retain the Squadron of Rangers on the Rio Grande upon the Conditions proposed.
It is gratifying to me to state that Major Heintzelman Comm’r the U.S. troops on the Rio Grand Speaks in Complimentary terms of the Conduct of both officers & men composing the Squadron & particularly Commends Major Ford & Capt. Littleton commanding the two Companies.
You will be pleased to learn that at this time there are no disturbances on this frontier & that I hear of the presence of no banditti on either side of the river. I am with high respect
your Obt ServtR. E. Lee
Bt Col Comm’t Dept. of Texas
UNKNOWNUNKNOWN
Endorsed "Col. R.E. Lee Fort Brown April 20/60 Respecting the Troops upon the Rio Grande."