Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. II

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845

41

these indians are away let them stay so until the Comanche come in, and then if they say they will make peace we will do the same. I see one thing true: I heard when I should get here I would find plenty of corn. I have come and have got it for my women and children and am satisfied. I want to hear where the white men were killed. I never knew of it till now. and I want you here to tell me. (He was informed by the Commissioners that they were killed between the Gabriel and Brushy Creeks, 18 or 20 miles East of Austin about 12 days previous) No Tawakoni have been out to war since last spring. I do not think any of my people did it, yet I cannot say it is not so. it is 16 days since we left our village_. yet I never heard of this before." Talk of Sah-sah-roque the Keechi Chief "Great Chiefs and captains; you are all before me; I want you all to listen to what I say, it is hard that Houston is not here. you hear it and the blowing winds will hear it too : the Big Spirit will hear it, and he, my white brother will hear it also. · it is hard that Houston is not here. I have listened to my white brother's talk and am glad to hear it, my heart is happy. When I went to see Houston I found a big road and a white path; I had plenty to eat, and at the same time Houston gave me this paper which I hold in my hand. he told me that this was the council ground, and that here he would be; the Great Spirit heard it, and the mother, earth, and was glad; and he told me presents should be here. yet Houston comes not here himself. he told me I should find my path white going home and ever to keep it in the same fair way. My young men wanted to go to war, but I forbade and kept them all at home. You have come here for Houston, and I am glad. when you go back you will take my talk to him, he will be glad to hear it. · My white and red brothers; the Big Spirit and mother earth all hear me: your talk is strong and good and I will hold to it: I will not throw it away. the young men will hear it, and if any want to go to war this will stop them. I talk but one time, my- self, but one way. I have but one tongue. the talk that I have heard today I will hold to tomorrow. the Big Spirit and mother earth will attest to it. the counsel which you, head men, have given to me is all good, and I will hold to it.

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