TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845
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No. 25 MEETING OF WACO AND TAWAKONI CHIEFS BY COMMISSIONERS [May 11, 1844] Meeting of the Waco and Tawakoni Indians by Gomm_issione'rs. On Saturday, the 11th of May, Comrs. Neill, Smith and Williams in company with Hon. G. W. Hill, Sec. of War and Marine and Maj Thos. G. Western, Superdt. of Indian affairs, several vis- iting whites, and most of the Indians upon the Council ground went out to meet the Waco and Tawakoni, and escort them into camp.-Commissioner Williams took the lead, bearing a white flag. We met them about four miles from the Council ground in the open prairie and formed a line; they did the same, when through Luis Sanchez, the Interpreter, the principal men on each side were requested to advance for the purpose of introduction-the following is the talk of Sanchez. "Brothers, You have met here to day your white brothers in this prairie; you see them here now all present be- fore you, This chief (Comr. Neill) is one, who, when you em- brace, calculate you are embracing Gen'l Houston, and the same when you embrace this chief, (Comr Smith) or this; (Comr Williams) and the same when you embrace any of the whites now here. You see, at the same time, how many red brothers have united with the whites, to come out and meet you. At this time they all look upon you as the children of Gen'l Houston, they are all glad to meet you here, and expect you to feel the same way. Look around and see how many tribes are here to meet you; and what you see do not forget." After the talk we all embraced, when it was proposed that we should retire to a grove, for shade and water, and there smoke the Council pipe, which we accordingly did. when seated beneath the trees the pipe and tobacco were produced, and the following talk given by Luis Sanchez. "Here is tobacco, by the Big Spirit
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