Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. II

I 1·

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845

39

River, Clear Fork or any of their old villages. They shall not be disturbed at their camp fires by good men or by those who obey my orders; and if bad men go to them to disturb their women and children they must treat them as enemies. If good men go to them they will meet them as brothers and must feed them. If they are lost they must point to them the road that will lead them to their homes, and see that they are not injured. Ii the Comanche Chiefs who intended visiting the Ioni during the roasting ear season, should conclude to come down to Wash- ington to see me, I will be very happy to see them. and Mr Sloat will give them a safe and trusty guide, or accompany them himself." I have done now, but will talk again about the trouble which has come upon the white people by bad men after I have heard my red brothers talk. After Cap' Neill had concluded the Waco Chief Acaquash gave the following talk. "My heart is the same as at the first treaty, because we are of one family, one god and one father. I am not going to throw off my brother Houston. with my warriors I will do my best. I like my warriors and do not wish to lose them. I throw away every thing bad and come straight on the road of peace. I can- not lose my white path. I keep it straight and I want to clear all that is bad out of it. Last spring I was happy, and have been ever since, when I could hear the words of Houston. When I started for this place I did not fear, though I came as with my eyes closed. Some of my white brothers may think I tell a lie, but I speak the truth. I have brought my young men to hear good talk. that was the reason I brought these my young men. I knew there would be peace. killing that captain is nothing: he was not of my people. We must keep up the white path. it is true all people have bad men, but we must keep in the white path and make the bad behave themselves. Last spring at Washingtor. I met with Houston in friendship. I told him our children were hungry, and he promised our people powder, here at this place, to be given. I always do my best in going out and striving to make peace; the Caddo people stay at home. I have brought along my young captains, not for myself. but as presents to Houston, to make their hearts good for peace. all my white and red brothers feel as I do; all want

Powered by