General Gaines thinks with this force he will be able to keep the Indians quiet; I think it doubtful, and should not be surprised if the Sabine should be the seat of an Indian war. Many rumors are afloat as regards the Indians' intentions. One thing is certain: Bowles, the Cherokee chief, is determined to obey the commands of the Mexicans. He says he is a colonel in the Mexican army, and will obey their orders. Speaking of the United States sending troops across the Sabine, he says that General Gaines dare not cross the Sabine; that he, Bowles, knows the treaty as well as General Gaines does. If, however, Bowles falls into the hands of General Gaines, I think he will Jacksonise him a little, at least hang him up to dry. The day previous to my leaving, four companies left Nacogdoches for the Texan army; two of horse from Red river, and two of Infantry from Kentucky. Judging from their appearance, I think they intend to play the game out. They were all well armed and equipped. Two gentlemen came in from the army previous to my leaving, bringing the news that the commanding general, Lamar, had sent two companies for Santa Ana, to bring him to head-quarters, as they say, to try him for his life. The general's opinion is that it is to keep him safe. General Houston has written to the commanding general, protesting against this proceeding, and states as a reason, that they had entered into a treaty with Santa Ana; that this treaty has been sent to the city of Mexico; that commissioners have also been sent to the President of the United States, neither of which have as yet been heard from, and that he thinks, in justice to Santa Ana, they ought to wait their decision. The report of Santa Ana being in irons is not true. Previous to these gentlemen leaving, there appeared to be some misunderstanding as to the intentions of the cabinet in appointing Lamar to command, not knowing their views, whether he was to be commander-in-chief or pro tern. In order to put the question at rest, they took the vote. On counting the votes, there was nineteen hundred for Houston, and three hundred for Lamar. The Texan army are at Victoria, on the Warloope. The Mexican army are in the neighborhood of Matamoras, three hundred miles from the Texan army. I spent some time with General Houston; his wound is healing. Dr. Erian, his attending
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