TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845
147
bama Indians and forthwith proceeded to investigate their true situation. The Lands appropriated for them by act of Congress I found surveyed one league embracing Coletee Villedge [Colete Village], claimed by Hamilton Washington I ordered him to leave the land he refused to give it up that is his claim but said the Indians might cultivate their fields. I put them on the land where they have remained to date they have built their houses on the East bank of Trinity River on a/c of the overflow of the river-If fifty or sixty acres of land was presented them includ- ing their houses they would be quite happy. They are turning their attention to agriculture If some facilties were offered them by presents of hoes, axes, wedges, ploughs, trace chains etc etc their farming efforts would be doubled as it is they have made good crops of corn, peas, and potatoes etc. The upper league including the Batteest [Batista Village] town is occupied entirely by the whites and they refuse to give up the land and part thereof I visited the Alabama Town and found it settled by the Whites and no Indians there when their land was run off for them, they took it for granted it was for the white man and without an explanation left for Opelousas-finding unhealthy they re- turned to Texas and settled fifteen miles south of their old town On Doct. Wheats league of land they planted corn there this year This land is situated about thirty miles west of Town Bluff on the Neches River in Liberty County from the threats of the individuals on their land they are not disposed to return to it but wish to live in Texas They number twenty eight war- riors about twenty women and as many children The Coushatta No. fifty Warriors as Many women and some thirty five or forty boys and girls- I have restored to them three Horses-the Whites have several Cows of the Indian so I am informed The Indians are entirely friendly and want to remain so, so say their Chiefs Thus S'ir I have given you a faithful account of my proceedings as Agent for these Indians My term of office expired on the ninth [illeg.] Inst I would give it as my opinion some Agent should be kept here to prevent any further diffi- cultys Ris"ing between the White and Red men I am Sir Yours Most Respectfully Jos. L. ELLIS [Endorsed] J L Ellis an Agent of Coushatta and Alabama Indians-
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