THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 1671 the scene of its opera.tion is located in a remote and sequestered part of the Republic, its development will not be the less disastrous for having its origin in the secret and unfrequented wilds of our northern frontier- "'Ye consider this matter to be worthy of the ;olemn interposition of the National Government, and we entertain no doubt but the Gov- ernment of the United States, as soon as the subject shall be properly presented to them, will employ their influence with these intruding Indians to induce them to evacuate the Mexican territory and return to their respective homes: and in the event of a contumaceous re- fusal, that they will withold their annuities and withdraw their protection-Such a proc~dnre would in all probability constrain many of them to return and deter others from committing similar trespasses, and wonlcl essentially conduce to the future welfare and prosperity of Texas and to the tranquility of the several contiguous states- • And we further present to Your ExcelJency the great danger and the manifest impolicy of making any prnmises of concessions of Lands, either temporary or perpetual, and of offering any other rewards or emoluments, whether it be by military appointments or civic honors, to any of the Chiefs or head warriors of these barbarous Tribes-The friendship of savages is always treacherous-it is pur- chased today and lost tomorrow-it is generally clearly bought, and is never gratuitous but to superior force-when sold, the first price, though eyer so exorbitant, is only a prelude to future exactions -a sale is only a loan /01· 'ltse, and ns the savage is always suspicous and never disinterested, the loan is sure to be recalled whenever con- venience or interest may prompt--The very offer to purchase his friendship carries, to his mind suspicions of inability to compell it- fear alone is the arbiter of all his affections- Should It once be whispered among the numerous and populous Tribes of the North that those of their kindred who have already forced themselves upon ns, have been caressed and fostered by the Government, a very few months will be sufficient to fill up the vacant lands of Texas with a fierce and ungovernable people, who will soon turn their fury on their benefactors, and in comparison with whom, the Comanches, the vVhncoes, and the Towaclmnies are utterly con- temptible and harrnless- DA vm G BunNET [Rubric] 1 San Felipe de ..Austin 2d July 1827
'A copy oC this rlocummt published In the Telegraph and Tczn~ Register, October 6. 183S, ho.s ulso the sli;nutures o! Beu. B. .Mllnm and Stephen F. Austl.D.
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