Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916 29 intruders such as the Comanche and others off of it; That; they have by long wars become enfeebled, and have sought and obtained the favor and protection of the United States Govern- ment; That they do not think it would be just in so powerful a Government to take and distribute their country to a people who had wared upon them without first paying for it. That in all the Treaties which they have held with their Indian neigh- bors whether civilized or wild roving bands of the prairies, this right has never been disputed. Feeling confident that the United States are too equitable to take and appropriate that which does not belong to them without a just compen~ation, they ask that the matter be brought before the proper Tribunal for adjustment . In conclusion it is the united opinion of all that the time has not yet arrived for the measure proposed with this people, because of the continued hostility of the wild bands oy whom they are perpetually annoyed. In their present situation at a moments notice their whole force can be brought to bear upon any foe that may assail them; but if they were settled after the manner of the white man as proposed, they would be at any time liable to be butchered and scalped before a force sufficient to resist their enemy could be collected. In their present mod~ of settlement the protection received from the Government although inadequate, has never been com- plained of, but if they were compelled to spread out over a large district of country, the present force would amount to almost none at all. All of which is most respectfully submitted. Very Respectfully Your obt. Sert

S. A. BLAIN as agent for Wichita & other L. D.

Hon. A. B. Greenwood

Com. Indian Affairs Washington D. C.

Original in possession of C. Ross Hume, Anadarko, Oklahoma.

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