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TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
a proper regard for its authority, too frequently neglected in frontier intercourse, demanded that I should first call upon your Excellency in regard to this business. Therefore that I might come properly before your Excel- lency in the performance of delicate and anomalous duties, and through the kindness of Your Excellency perhaps approach the indians under favorable auspices, and with the Knowledge on their part of the authority and entire good faith of My mission, I presented the whole Matter to the Supreme Military Authority of this portion of the Umted States-to Brvt Major Genl J. J. Reynolds Commanding· the district of Texas, who in the exercise of his ample faculties, confirmed the action of the people of Northern Texas through their committee in my appointment to confer with the indians etc, and at the same time constituting me the medium through whom the chiefs and indians should communicate with him at his head quarters at thP. city of Austin Texas and thence to the authorities at Washington City, as fully appears in the documents herewith presented to Your Ex- cellency. I desire therefore and most respectfully solicit the coopera- tion of your Excellency, 1st in permissions to formally visit and confer with the indians 2d that your Excellency inform the indians at their principal encampments ·of the purposes and authority I bring to confer with them. 3d That Your Excellency in case of their willingness to hold a conference, request their Chiefs and headmen to designate a time and place of conference convenient on the frontier and that they see that all tribes and fractions of tribes, if it be but one solitary individual-that all consorting with them and be- longing in United States territory be there represented. Fully impressed with the belief that this action with the Cooperation of your Excellency, will lead to the immediate relief of the Texas frontier and ultimately to definite and well defined treaty stipulations between the two Countrys as to indians on our respective borders, and as to the conduct of campaigns against indians and depredating bands along and across the boundaries between the United States and Mexico, I rely with confidence upon the courtesy and good will at your Excellency towards the authorities of the U. S. and the people of Northern
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