d would never get results--and a
fourth could not stand the gaff of a "Norther"--etc., etc.--_all so
comforting and soothing_ (?)-- We were, therefore, "It"-- We were to
report to him in 30 minutes. We were each to select any Corporal in the
regiment to accompany us-- A black, and ominous "Norther" was brewing
and it was then beginning to be bitter cold-- We reported within the
time given with our Corporals--and the following official order was
placed in the writer's hands.

HEADQUARTERS FORT RICHARDSON, TEXAS,
_November 29th, 1871._

SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 280

(_Extract_)

* * * * *

V. Second Lieutenant _R. G. Carter_, 4th Cavalry, with a detail
consisting of two non commissioned officers and eleven privates
of that Regiment, mounted, fully armed and equipped, furnished
one day's rations and sixty rounds of ammunition per man, will
proceed at Retreat this day, in pursuit of deserters under the
_verbal instructions_ of the Commanding Officer of the Post. The
A. C. S. will turn over to _Lieut Carter_, the sum of ($250) Two
hundred and fifty dollars, subsistence funds, for the purchase
of subsistence for the men of his detail-- The A. A. Q. M. will
turn over to _Lieut Carter_, the sum of ($300) three hundred
dollars, Quartermaster's funds, for the purchase of forage for
the public animals.

By Command of Colonel RANALD S. MACKENZIE,
(Signed) W. J. KYLE,
1st Lieut. 11th Infantry, Post Adjutant.
Lieut R. G. CARTER, 4th Cavalry--

The money was turned over to us by the Post Adjutant--Lawton receiving
the same amount--and then turning to both of us--Mackenzie said: "In
addition to those orders, I wish to give you special instructions for
your guidance in this most important duty you are going on-- I shall not
expect you to follow them implicitly but to be guided by circumstances
arising at the moment--and which, being on the spot, you will know how
to deal with better than anybody else--and to use your best judgment and
wisest discretion at all times-- You are to keep one Corporal with you
all the time, taking him into your confidence so far as you may deem
it necessary for your success. You are to go in different directions--
L