Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. II

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845

32

and other Indian tribes, for the purpose of giving a talk to the Waco and Tawakoni. The council was opened by the following talk from the Dela- ware Chief, St. Louis. "Grand children and white brothers: I am going to talk with these people a few words. I feel happy that we all meet here together. I am glad to see you, Waco and Tawakon·i, here in this place; in this our council house. I will tell you the reason I am glad; we are all to meet here and talk of peace and friendship; it is better for us and for our children. I tell you when I look upon you, Waco and Tawakoni, I feel sorry, and for that reason I now give you these words. I call on the Great Spirit now to look down upon us, talk with each other, I am glad to see you, the principal chiefs, here; I am glad to talk with you. the Great Sp"irit has given you sense of head and heart. he has given to you his words not to use in bad ways, but in good. The reason all nations have a big chief, and obey him, is because they love their women and children. More than two years, all our big men have been striving to make peace, because we love our women and children and our warriors. When I look upon you I don't think you have got sense, for when you come to Council you do not bring your young men; neither do you tell them what you hear yourselves. Look at the people friendly with us; a big nation on the north. I can't tell you how many different nations; and all friendly,- that is the reason, I say to you make a treaty and stick to it. When I look upon you I feel sorry; you are weak; that people a strong nation and all friendly. now look at all these red people around me; they are friendly with the whites, and this big nation is friendly with them. The whites when they see indians fighting among themselves try always to make peace. When I see you shake hands with the whites I don't think you holy; you don't shake hands fast and strong. I have often told you in council it were better to make peace; if you would make a strong peace it would be better for your warriors, your women and your children. I shall be glad if you do well and make peace and save your young men, women and children. all the people you see here around you do well; they make treaties and stick to them. When I see your calculations they look dangerous for your young men women and children. It appears to me when I

Powered by