Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. II

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845

47

my red brothers and will follow them. I confess that I did bad in this affair upon the Colorado. in going heme I met my peo- ple coming to counc'il, and I said in my heart, I will love my warriors and make peace, that they may live. Now my heart is like Houstons; I have taken the white path, and I wish to keep it. I heard Houston was here. I came to see him and hear him talk, and for him to hear me. I have brought my warriors, women and children to hear good talk in council, and that we might all eat and drink together. I am in hopes my bad conduct will be thrown away and forgotten. I met my people corning and I joined them, with my women and children to hear good talk, and without fear. all my young warriors have now taken the white path strong; they have but one chief, and he is Houston. Houston sent his talk to us by Acaquash; he said when the grass was up he would be here, and have presents for us. we have heard that the presents are here, when we get them we will do well and walk in the white path. What I say is true, both of me and my young men. you will see it is so. Look at us; we came here poor, having nothing; now if we go back and the Comanche see we have presents they will believe whatever we say is true; but if we go back without they will not believe, but think we lie. If you make us many presents and the Comanche see them, it will be l'ike putting a rope around their necks and dragging them in. We are with the Comanche friendly, the same as you, chiefs, say you are with the white people. we all mix in together the same as one people. When they make peace it will be a good one. we all talk one way. We have been like people with their eyes shut; of the white people we know nothing; but now we are here and can see and judge for ourselves. I did not attend the council at Bird's Fort. I was sick and when my people came back I knew nothing about it. This is the first time I have been in council; the first time I have heard you talk. I have heard both my white and my red brothers. what they have told me is good and I will hold to it. I have no more to say." Talk of the Tawakoni Chief Ke-chi-ka-1·oqua. "Brothers, listen all today, both red and white. I have heard what the white and the Delaware Chiefs have spoken; they give good counsel and I will hold fast to it. 'tis why all of our Tribes are now here, to hear good counsel. we are all mixed in together; all in the white path: we will hold fast to it. We

Powered by