To His Excellency F.R. Lubbock
Governor of Texas
Sir:
Enclosed you will find two affidavits and applications for the Arrest for certain parties now in the military service of the Confederate States. To wit; WILLIAM L SIGLER,JERRY MURRAY,DOC RAYBURN,and HARVELL RAYBURN charged with intent to kill.They are members of Neal's Co.and Parson's Regiment.And you will see from the affidavits they have been at liberty to do as they please for sometime.
The first offense was committed in the presence of the Captain NEAL participated in by the 1st Lieut. This HALEY,who is an Uncle to the RAYBURNS and you will see from the affidavits that the main officer of the county would not arrest,tho the offense was committed in the county seat. [Etc..........]
Yours Respectfully
John W Berry
Archer County Attorney
Johnson County,Texas
The letter is significant in that Rayburn at this time already calls himself,"DOC" and appears capable of violent confrontation.
However,the letter transcribed into Rochette's,"North Texas in the Civil War" does raise some questions.(The affidavits are not available)
Who is this HARVELL RAYBURN.Perhaps the HOWELL ADAM RAYBURN in the Flint Creek Cemetery,Coryell Co.Tx. 1818-1901. Born Monroe Co.,Alabama
The Companies 1st Lt.was THOMAS F.HALEY. Born 1816 Alabama.
MWT