A few days afterwards Mackenzie, upon hearing that another man of Troop "F" was known to be a deserter, and had been located rather vaguely as being in the "Keechi Valley"--sent for me, and, after smilingly giving me as well as he was able, the location of the ranch--and announcing that as I had been proved the "_champeen_" catcher of deserters, 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, (Signed) H. CLAY WOOD, _Assistant Adjutant Gen_