reimbursement was quite uncertain, especially in view of the fact that Congress had not authorized the administration to raise such a force, and could scarcely be expected to vote an appropriation without being well satisfied of the necessity for raising the troops now called for. The volunteers, however, were to defray their own expenses to the point of rendezvous.[12]

Company officers were to be elected by the volunteers, but field officers were to be appointed by the President. Karnes announced that he would adhere at all times "most strictly to the orders of the government, [and] in order to secure the honorable accomplishment of the objects in view and that the expedition may result beneficially to the country and with glory to itself," he would "upon all times require and exact the most perfect subordination and obedience to orders." The importance of the establishment of this force was forcefully pointed out. "The west and south-west have long been involved in disorder, and prey to wanton and marauding parties," declared Karnes. "The Indians, Mexicans, and other lawless banditti, have broken up the trade established between this Republic and friendly states beyond the Río Grande, have plundered the population, murdered many of our people, and have prevented the settlement of that interesting section of the country, by destroying all security for property or life." Karnes had good reason to know how insecure was the life and property of a frontier trader, for he, in company with a young man recently from the United States, and several Mexican servants, while en route from Copano to San Antonio on July 20, 1838, had been attacked twenty miles from Goliad by a band of Mexican smugglers.[13]  Karnes was wounded and taken prisoner, but soon effected his escape.

Karnes was apparently very successful in his recruiting efforts. By the middle of July it was reported five hundred men from Washington County would soon join him, and that another one or two hundred from Fayette and adjoining counties were prepared to turn out.[14]  The planters in the west seemed to be quite enthusiastic about the fitting out of an expedition; and since many of them had secured their crops and were at leisure for the season, they looked forward to "the expedition as a pleasing and useful relaxation from the toils of agriculture." By engaging in it they would not only render valuable service to the