TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1844-1845
48
c.-..me here to see Houston. he is not here, but you are here for him. The Big Spirit above hears me: I speak one way. All my young men listen and are pleased with the talks and will hold fast to them. the chiefs and captains have all talked alike, and their talk is good. Houston is like a God. he has talked to his red brothers and made their hearts glad. he has made the people happy and friendly. he has placed on a white road that has brought us all here together. The talk of Houston is good, and so is that of the other chiefs. it is all good, and all leads the same way. Keechi, Waco and Tawakoni, we are all here in council, to speak the words of truth. if we go home and lie it will be bad for us. Long ago we made peace with the United States' Indians, and we made peace with the whites: with them it has lasted and I hope this will be the same. Houston said in the winter there would be a council when the grass should grow. I in- tended then to come and bring my young men: I have done so. Among my people are some bad men who will not listen : my talk is good. If they will not listen I am not to blame. If they do bad I don't wish them to do so. There are living among us some bad Tawehash or Quychitas [Wichita?], and there are some Keechi and Waco who have never been brought in to council. when they do wrong we are blamed for it, and that is hard. I want you, when you have done here, to send white men, Delaware and any others to seek for stolen horses. we have none. Let some one go with me to the Tawehash, and if the horses are with them they shall be given up. I hold fast to your council, and to all the Councils of my brothers. I thought to meet Houston here and said so to my young men. I hope that he would meet them here and give them a strong talk; so that they would not wish to steal when they go back. Houston has given us all things that we want aud we must not steal. if any of my people do so they shall be brought up. we have come with all our strength to see Houston and get presents. Why should they steal from the whites? they shali not do it. My young men and women come to see Houston. we are very poor: if Houston gives us presents we shall be glad, very glad. The white people are good and give us many pres- ents. We should not steal, nor should we get tired at trying to get back the horses that are stolen. The Great Spirit our father, and our mother, earth, witness I mean all what I say."
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