Lee, Robert E. (1807-1870) to Capt. Nathan G. Evans re: Mormons uprising and gang of 30 outlaws

San Antonio, Texas
15 Sept 1857
My dear Captain Evans
The mare arrived Safe & Sound last Saturday, (12th). I am very much obliged to you for the good Care you took of her & your directions Concerning her. Dellworth's Shoes Stood well, but the most remarkable among the arrivals is my water keg. I never expected to see it again & in truth extended my Claim to it, more to keep me in your mind to make you feel you had Something to do for m, than under the expectation of ever realizing from it a drink of Cool water. If it would have been of any use to you, I would rather you had retained it, through the body without the spirit is a lifeless Concern.
In reply to your question as to the return of Col: Johnson, I send you the enclosed telegraphic dispatch, which seems to be the most authentic account we have recd. I have heard that Genl Harry has been detained in Kansas at the special request of Govr Walker, but why Col Sammer with his Regt was not [2] sent to Utah, & Col Cook retained in Kansas with the 2nd Dragoons, I do not know. The selection I think is Complimentary to Col J- & may give us the opportunity of visiting the Saints.
On Saturday night, (13th) tidings reached town that [struck: are express] [inserted: trains] with government supplies had been attacked about 50 miles below here on the Goliad road, Some men & many oxen killed, & that the train was unable to pursue. Genl Twiggs at the request of the Civil Authorities, dispatched Lt Graham with 20 men of the Arty Compy with the Sheriff to their relief. Next Morng (Monday) Major Howard Mr. Gilbeau & Col Wilson with the Alarm Rifle Compy started for the Scene of Action. We have heard nothing since. The assailants were said to be Americans, 30 in number, with their faces blacked &, one of whom had been killed. It is another item in the Cart War, with their merits of which I presume you have been made familiar by the papers.
Capt Whiting is in town having Come down for a few days to refresh himself I presume after his hard scout. He reports all well at Clarke. Lts Washington & Reynolds from Chadbourne Came down in the last stage. They return tomorrow.
[3] Your old Godfather has gone to Washington. He seems to be very frail. I hope a Change of Climate may benefit him. He seemed very glad to relinquish his Post.
Minter has returned & will start the first of next Month for Eastern Texas to purchase horses.
I get no news public or private. You are aware that Porter Could not overtake his Savages. A Scout for 30 days will go out from Mason as soon as the Court adjourns toward the Hd waters of the Concha. I hope it will make a Successful haul.
Remember me to all. I am very [eager] to hear of Biggs illness. Under the Supposition that his Compy would have left before an order Could reach him, it was sent to Mason for him to take this place in his rout to the Devils river, for the purpose of enabling him to trace his lost Treasy draft. I also forwd a duplicate to him.
I must now say good bye
Very truly yours
R E Lee
Capt N. G. Evans