their common and joint inleresl, and to act offensively and defe11siv1~ly against Lhe Americans of this country. That they are prepared for hostilities, I am satisfied, and firmly believe that they will begin hostilities in about twenty or twenty-five days-this upon Lhe frontier settlements. No doubl any longer exists in my mind bul that the Indians are concentrated about the forks of the Trinily, and that that would be the proper place to attack them if we were prepared for i l. The lower Indians will concentrate about the Neches, forty miles south of Nacogdoches, and the Cherokees at the Sabine, sevenly-five miles northwest. With respect, I submil the whole for your consideration, and remain your most obedienl servant, i\L 8. Menard, To His Excellency Samuel Houston, Indian Agent. Commander-in-chief of the Texian army.
[3935) [MENARD NARRATIVE]
Narrative of my confidential agent, who has just returned from the Cherokee nation, and who has communicated with the Cherokee chief "Bowles," in order to learn from him their intentions and feelings towards the Americans of Texas. He passed himself off as a Mexican officer; and after he had satisfied Lhem of his good intentions, and the interest he took in their welfare and happiness, he began the conversation, and said: "My friends, we have heard so many contradictory tales about your inlenlions concerning the present war between Mexico and the Americans of Lhis country, thal I feel anxious to know positively what you mean to do. We have heard that you made a treaty with Lhe Americans, and that you had forsaken your friends the Mexicans; that you have also forgollen Lhe treaty you made with Omada in .1827. I can hardly believe it; but I want to know the truth, and also what you mean lo do." "Bowles started up and grasped Lhe sword which he had received from Omada in .1827, and said emphatically, 'This shall pass through my heart before I prove false Lo my former friends, Lhe Mexicans. I never have forgotten them, and never will. It is true that Cola1111y (or the Crow, as they call General Houslon)was here Lo talk wilh us lasl winter, and at that Lime prudence~ made
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