And, Whereas, H. W. Graber, George W. Littlefield, S. P. Christian, W. D. Cleveland and R. Y. King, all of the State of Texas, as a committee duly appointed by and representing the Association of Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, by their petition hereunto attached, have asked the Legislature of the State of Indiana to kindly return to that association said battle flag, that it may be kept and treasured by them, and in said memorial the said Major J. J. Weiler, now a Past Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic for the district of Texas, has united, and which memorial is as follows:

“To the Honorable President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Legislature of the State of Indiana:

“The undersigned, your memorialists, most respectfully show that they were selected by the Association of Survivors of Terry’s Texas Rangers, a committee to memorialize your honorable bodies for the return to said association of the colors of that command, lost during the Civil War near Coosaville, Alabama.

“Your memorialists would show that in a cavalry engagement on the 13th day of October, 1864, the flag of the Texas Rangers was lost near the field and found by one of your memorialists, Mr. J. J. Weiler, then the Major of the 17th Indiana Infantry, and was subsequently deposited in the archives of your State.

“In view of the fact that the American people have forever put behind them the animosities and heartburnings which were incident to our unfortunate Civil War, and are one united, patriotic people, marching shoulder to shoulder under the folds of the Star Spangled Banner, and keeping the step to ‘Hail Columbia’ in the onward sweep to that high destiny, which, through the providence of God, awaits our grand Republic.

“Your memorialists would most respectfully request that such action be taken by your honorable bodies as will result in the return of the flag to the Association of the Survivors of Terry’s Rangers.

“As beautifully and appropriately expressed by Col. W. D. Wylie, in his letter hereto attached, ‘We now drink out of the same canteen, sheltered and protected by one common flag,’ a sentiment so universal that it is without hesitation we appeal to our countrymen, the brave and gallant and patriotic citizens of Indiana, in even a matter of sentiment so delicate as that involved in our request. And as gracious as the favor will be accounted by the association, we are sure that the still greater pleasure will be with the people of Indiana in bestowing it.

“Most respectfully submitted,

“H. H. GRABER,“W. D. CLEVELAND,
“G. W. LITTLEFIELD,“R. Y. KING,
“S. P. CHRISTIAN,“J. J. WEILER.”

And, Whereas, There is attached to said memorial a letter from W. D. Wylie, also a Past Commander, G. A. R., of the Department of Texas, as follows: