200 years ago on this date
Stephen Austin announced he would employ ten men as "rangers" to patrol the borders of "Austin's Colony" in Mexican Texas to protect colonists from raids by hostile Indians. The official birth date of the Texas Rangers isn't until Oct. 17, 1835, but the hardy souls who agreed to take up Austin on his job offer set the precedent.
Austin's Address to Colonists
"Since the commencement of this Colony no labor or expense has been spared on my part towards its organization, benefit and security— And I shall always be ready and willing to risk my health, my property or my life for the common advantage of those who have embarked with me in this enterprise.
As proof of the reality of this declaration I have determined to augment at my own private expense the company of men which was raised by order of the late Governor Trespalacios for the defense of the Colony against hostile Indians. I therefore by these presents give public notice that I will employ ten men in addition to those employed by the Government to act as rangers for the common defense.
The said ten men will form a part of Lieut. Moses Morrison's Company and the whole will be subject to my orders. The wages I will give the said ten men is fifteen Dollars a month payable in property, they finding [it] themselves. Those who wish to be employed will apply without delay. - Stephen F. Austin, August, 1823"
(I borrowed this from a friend who wrote it on another forum . -Jim-)