TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
336
letter addressed by Agent Haworth of the Kiowa Agency (to the writer hereof) concerning the release of the Kiowa prison- ers, the probable consquences of a failure on the part of the Government, faithfully to fulfill its pledge, and in this connec- tion permit me to say in the opinion of this Office no surer step can be taken towards an Indian War with the Kiowa and other tribes with whom they are affiliated, than to refuse to comply with the promise of the Government to release the Kiowa Chiefs. In case of such a war the responsibility rests on the Depart- ment at Washington, not on this Office, nor with the Agent. Aside from official responsibility I feel that I shall be held personally liable by the Kiowa, for I made the promise, and the Indians will not hold me guiltless because acting under instruc- tions of superiors; At the present time I believe I have the con- fidence of these people, sufficient. to give me a pass to their camps anywhere without molestation, and without a guard, but their confidence once shaken, and of course I would be consid- ered and treated as an enemy. Can the Govt afford to risk the chances of an Indian War, as a legitimate result. of a refusal to deliver these Chiefs, in accordance with its promises. I have to request that this Jetter together with enclosure be handed to the Hon Secretary of the Interior without delay. Very Respectfully. CYRUS BEEDE. Chief Clerk.
No. 218 LETTER FROM E. HOAG TO C. DELANO
Office of Indian Affairs Central Superintendency Lawrence, Kansas 5-19-1873.
Hon C. Delano
Secty. Interior
I am in receipt of thy letter of 12th inst. respond- ing to letters from this Office of 30th ulto, and of 6th inst. touching the liberation of Kiowa and Comanche prisoners, and enclosing copy of letter from the Gevernor of Texas which ex-
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