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TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845
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day, and we have listened to many good talks. Captains I want you now to listen unto me. the Big Sp'irit, above, is watching all now here. young men you all look happy. Captains, if you love your children, advise them not bad, but good; and show to them the white path; I will counsel you like my Delaware brother, for his counsel is good. we are all made alike, all look alike and are one peopl~, which you must recollect. The Great Spirit our father, and our mother, the earth, sees and hears all we say in council. You have here listened to none but good talk. I hold the white path in my hands, (a string of wampum beads) given by our white brothers. look at it: see, it is all fair. To you, Waco and Tawakoni captains and war- riors I give it. stop going to war with the white people. they, the white people, gave it unto me: I give it now to you: use it as I have done and your women and children will be happy, and sleep free of danger. I give to you this piece of tobacco to smoke, and consider of the white path. when you return to your village, then smoke this tobacco, think of my words and obey them." A Kiowa Indian called "Good Shirt" was called up at the request of the Commissioners and the following dialogue ensued. Corns. "Where do you live, and when do you intend to return to vour people?" Kiwh. "My people now live far away, but when the leaves fall they will be near, and I shall go to them. they fear your race and do not come here, yet would be glad of peace." Corns. "Say to them, we do not wish to make war upon them, but be friendly to all nations. We want you to listen and at- tend, and what you here see and hear carry and report to your people. before you leave we will give you a present as a token of our respect." Talk of Black Cat the Shawnee Chief. "My red and white brothers, and you our grandparents, the Delaware, listen to me while I talk a few words to you. Thi::; is the second day Houston has talked of peace to our people. be- cause he loves us all he would make peace with all, and have us all as brothers. The sun shines brightly upon us as we meet here to talk today of peace. The Tribes now here united must do their best for peace, so that we can all be happy with our wives and children. Waco, Tawakoni and Keechi: you do not stick
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