he was
going to send me out after him-- He trusted that I would not belie my
"reputation"-- After a day's trip in fine weather I was able to
definitely place him, and after watching the ranch all day--surrounded
it, and, without any trouble, captured him as he came in from his work
in the field-- My record now was: 11 deserters and 3 citizens, two of
them Constables--with all the arms carried away from the post. Corporal
Charlton had proved himself a very invaluable man. As a soldier he was
wonderfully resourceful and active; in action he was intense, energetic
and decisive. With his intelligence and good, horse sense, he would,
even without the complete education which some men have _without
sense_--have made a good all round commissioned officer--a credit to the
regiment and to the Army-- It is a pity that we did not have more of his
type with which to build up the army with practical men of his
caliber--instead of having so much over educated material.

I had gained much valuable experience in the methods of unearthing
rascality, and in accomplishing results, under dreadful exposure and
hardships; many trials and difficulties.

Shortly after this the writer received a letter of thanks from the
Department. As it is the only one that he ever received, and as he never
expects to receive another--it is esteemed as a rare curiosity--and it
is modestly added to complete the record and round out the story.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,
Office of Ass't Adjutant General,
_San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 4, 1872_.

Second Lieutenant ROBERT G. CARTER, 4th Cavalry,
(Through Headquarters, Fort Richardson, Texas)--

SIR:--

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your report of the
9th ultimo, relative to your pursuit of deserters under Special
Orders No. 280, Fort Richardson, Texas, dated November 29,
1871,--which resulted in the capture of ten deserters.

The Department Commander desires me to express to you his
_gratification at your success_, and his _special commendation
for the zeal and ability displayed by you_.

The good conduct and faithful services of the enlisted men
composing the detachment, and Mr. Rhodes, citizen guide, is
deemed a proper subject for a letter of commendation to the
Post Commander.

I am Sir, very respectfully, your ob't servant,