On the 29th of November it was reported that ten (10) men had deserted from one troop ("B"), and Mackenzie, thoroughly aroused now by the frequency of these wholesale desertions--took immediate and decisive action. Rock-Ribbed Orders vs. Elastic Verbal Instructions About dark on this day Mackenzie sent in great haste for Lawton and the writer and told us the situation; that he was going to send us out on this special trip in pursuit of deserters and to get ready as soon as possible. He would have a written order for us in a few minutes-- We were generously informed that while it was not our turn on the detached duty roster for this service, yet--so and so was too sick--another had a cold--still a third was inefficient, and would never get results--and a fourth could not stand the gaff of a "Norther"--etc., etc.--_all so comforting and soothing_ (?)-- We were, therefore, "It"-- We were to report to him in 30 minutes. We were each to select any Corporal in the regiment to accompany us-- A black, and ominous "Norther" was brewing and it was then beginning to be bitter cold-- We reported within the time given with our Corporals--and the following official order was placed in the writer's hands. HEADQUARTERS FORT RICHARDSON, TEXAS, _November 29th, 1871._ SPECIAL ORDERS NO. 280 (_Extract_) * * * * * V. Second Lieutenant _R. G. Carter_, 4th Cavalry, with a detail consisting of two non commissioned officers and eleven privates of that Regiment, mounted, fully armed and equipped, furnished one day's rations and sixty rounds of ammunition per man, will proceed at Retreat this day, in pursuit of deserters under the _verbal instructions_ of the Commanding Officer of the Post. The A. C. S. will turn over to _Lieut Carter_, the sum of ($250) Two hundred and fifty dollars, subsistence funds, for the purchase of subsistence for the men of his detail-- The A. A. Q. M. will turn over to _Lieut Carter_, the sum of ($300) three hundred dollars, Quartermaster's funds, for the purchase of forage for the public animals. By Command of Colonel RANALD S. MACKENZIE, (Signed) W. J. KYLE, 1st Lieut. 11th Infantry, Post Adjutant. Lieut R. G. CARTER, 4th Cavalry--