Austin, July 15^th 1861

 

[margin]

 

Gov. E. Clark

to Col Jno S Ford

July 15^th 1861

 

Co^l John S Ford

Brownsville.

                                   

Dear Co^l

                       Your late comunications have been received. I have intended all the while since they came to answer them, but the press of business of the office, which you can appreciate has prevented.

 

            I am gratified at the intelligence you send me from your command and your section of the state while I regret very much indeed to see that you labored some time under serious embarrassments, you have nevertheless I see sustained yourself & have preserved peace upon your border. I have been greatly gratified to observe your efforts to maintain quiet and a good understanding with our Mexican neighbors. This to our state and our government is a very important matter & you I find are fully aware of it.

 

            I have seen by the measures of Gen^l Van Dorn you are likely to leave your present post and take position higher up the country. While it may be best that the change should be made, I doubt not your absence from your present station will be felt & regretted. The soldiers duty however is to go where he is ordered and I know that you so fully appreciate this fact that you will never hesitate at a proper order or flinch in your duty at any place.

 

            Through you as Commandant of the Rio Grande Border or District, I desire to return to your gallant command my appreciation of their valuable services and to express to them my very high estimation of their very soldierly deportment

                                                                                   

Very Resptfully & truly

Your friend & obdt Serv't

(signed) Edward Clark

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