From 1836 to 1874 ranging companies were called into temporary service
to deal with specific threats. These companies of "mounted gunmen"
and "rangers" were activated for short periods and disbanded
after the crisis — or when funds ran out.
In 1844 problems with Comanche raids and the threat of invasion from
Mexico made it necessary to defend the western and southwestern frontiers.
Texas turned to a notable and dashing young Ranger commander, John Coffee
Hays.
Hays established himself as a natural leader whom grizzled veterans,
it was said, would follow to their deaths if asked. Hays and his men
would literally save the Republic of Texas on more than one occasion
and rescue the U.S. Army in the coming war with Mexico.
Hays formed the Texas Rangers into an unorthodox, highly effective "special
force" capable of moving fast and operating behind enemy lines.
He incorporated Indian guerrilla tactics, adopted centuries-old Hispanic
styles of frontier horsemanship, and introduced new technology such
as Colt's five-shot revolver and revolving rifle.
AN ACT
Authorizing John C. Hays to raise a Company of Mounted Gunmen,
to act as Rangers, on the Western and South-Western Frontier.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate
and House of Representatives of the Republic of Texas in Congress assembled,
That John C. Hays is hereby authorized to raise one company of mounted
gunmen, which company shall consist of one Captain, one Lieutenant,
and forty privates, and that the said John C. Hays shall command the
same, and the said lieutenant, shall be elected by the members composing
said company; the said company shall be organized by the first day of
February, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, or as soon
thereafter as practicable, and so soon as organized and reported, shall
be received by the President, for the services herein expressed.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That
each man admitted into the service of said company, shall be well mounted
and well armed, at their own expense.
Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That the said company
shall range on the Western and South-Western frontier, from the county
of Bexar to the county of Refugio, and westward, as the public interest
may require.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That the Captain of said company
shall receive the sum of seventy-five dollars, per month; the Lieutenant
the sum of fifty dollars per month; and each private the sum of thirty
dollars per month, while in actual service; and that each member of
said company shall receive pay for his services, at the expiration of
every two months; and the Captain of said company is, hereby, made the
disbursing officer, on his giving bond and security, to the amount of
five thousand dollars, for the faithful performance of his duty.
Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That the Secretary of
War and Marine be, and he is hereby authorized to draw on the Treasurer
every two months, in advance, in favor of the disbursing officer of
said company, for such sum, as will meet the expenses, as estimated
for rations and forage, and that the sum of seven thousand one hundred
and forty-one dollars and sixteen cents be, and the same is hereby,
appropriated, to carry into effect the provisions of this act.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted, That the said company,
shall be enrolled for the term of four months from the time of organization,
and that the President be, and he is hereby, authorized and required
to retain the services of said company for a longer term,
should he in his judgment or opinion, believe the public interest or
safety requires it, and in such event, a sum sufficient is, hereby,
appropriated to carry the same into effect, according to. the estimate,
terms, and provisions, of the foregoing recited act.
Sec. 7. Be it further enacted, That this act shall
take effect, from and after its passage.
Approved, January 23d, 1844.
Laws Passed by the Eighth Congress
of the Republic of Texas by Authority, Houston: 1844.
Laws Founding and Organizing
the Texas Rangers
1823 •
1835 •
1844
1874 •
1901 •
1911
1935
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