escort of mounted men; bearing a Flag, to see and confer with the Commander of the Mexican and Texian forces in that quarter: lo each one of whom he will freely communicate the powers, views and purposes of the undersigned: particularly guarding the said Commanders against any movement in arms across the Sabine Bay, or any of the prinicipal water courses emptying into that Bay: or across the country lying north thereof and between the said waters and the Red River near Fort Towson: or across any other part of the said unmarked, or Supposed Boundary Line between the United States and Mexico: and more especially guarding the said Commanders against the employment by either of them, of any of the Indians belonging to, or usually resident with, the nations or tribes residing on the United States' side of the above mentioned National Boundary Line: and he will distinctly say to them, should any such Indian warriors be found in hostility against the inhabitants residing upon either side of the said unmarked Boundary Line, that the undersigned will not hesitate to use the force confided to his command, to inflict on the Indians, as well as on those who may be found acting with, and aiding them, such summary furnishment as shall afford to the said frontier inhabitants, that protection and security against the cruelties of savage war, which the laws of war, and of civilised nations, warrant, and which is expressly provided for in the 33d article of the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico. I take much pleasure, Genera], in availing myself of the present occasion to offer you assurance of my cordial respect and esteem, with my best wishes for your heal th, happiness, and prosperity. Edmund P. Gaines
To General Samuel Houston Commander in Chief of the Texian Army. near Harrisburg, Texas.
P.S. Since writing my letter, of which the foregoing is a copy, I have heard rumours of a Battle in Texas which suggest the propriety of the remarks which follow: Should the fortunes of war place you in a situation requiring, or rendering desirable, the humane offices of a friendly neighbour, I will take great pleasure in extending to you, any act
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