plunder the white inhabitants of Texas. He promised them "free plu_nd~r, an~ said that the Spainiards (Mexicans) wished all the wlnte 111hab1tants of Texas (Americans) destroyed, that they were al_l deserters from their own country, &c. This information came drrect from the Caddoes, who said that no impression had been made upon them by it, and that they had all refused to go with him. Upon my arrival at the first village I found only two or three squaws and some children; lhe squaws said that all their warriors had gone to the prairies in consequence of what "Manuel Flores" had told them, viz: that the Americans were 11oin11 to kill them all. 0 0 By means of my interpreter, I told tham that I had come there as a friend of the Caddoes, that the Americans were their friends, and desired the Caddoes to return to their villages, and to live and hunt in peace as usual. They then informed me that there were several warriors in the neighborhood; I sent for them, and explained my instructions. They were very glad to sec me, as they said they had heard so many reports they did not know what to believe; now theyknow the truth, and were glad. I never before saw Indians appear to be so happy. I then proceded to the second village, distant twelve miles, where I found several warriors, among them a chief called "Cortes," a very intelligent Indian, and said to have great influence with this nation. I caused my instructions to be fully explained, and their whole appearance changed from gloom and sadness to that of joy. "Cortes" said that when the great chief went to the prairies to hunt he had told them to be quiet, and directed them not to trouble or interfere with the whites in any manner whatever; that they depended upon the whiles, and was it not for them they would have nothing to eat. He said that he would send to the prairies, and let the chiefs and all the warriors know what I had come to tell them. I asked "Cortes" what I should say to General Gaines, the great chief; he replied, "Tell General Gaines, the great chief, that even if the Caddoes should see the Spaniards (Mexicans) and Americans (while inhabitants of Texas) fighting, they would only look on, but take no part on either side; tell him I will send and let the nation know what you have told me; tell him that the Caddoes were all very friendly towards the whites when they went out to the prairies to hunt, and that they are still very friendly; they had no corn, they went to hunt that they might eat." Everything, he said, that he told me was true; he was very glad to see me, as now they knew the truth; they had heard so many stories that they did not know what to
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