TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
338
In the progress of our labor with these Indians, our duty and labor in leading them to a better life has been very plain, and if they are to be further benefited thereby, our course cannot be compromised by adopting a half war and half peace, or hesi- tating and vacillating policy. We make promises to them, and they to us. The latter promises are honored, and the former should be. Enough has already been said to these Indians in reference to the release of these prisoners. They fully under- stand the situation. If the safety of the Frontier, the security of life and treasure, and the preservation of peace is to be main- tained, the promised release and restoration of the Kiowa and Comanche prisoners should be no longer postponed. The suc- cess of our labor, the best interests of the service require early and reliable information as to the purpose of the Department herein. I transmit herewith a memorial from the General Coun- cil of the Indian Territory to the President and Secretary of the Interior, embodying the views of the Confederated and Civilized Indians of the I. T. on the same subject. Very respectfully ENOCH HOAG Supt [Enoorsed] Indian Affairs
Papers relating to indian affairs
No. 219 LETrER FROM E. P. SMITH TO C. DELANO
Department of the Interior, Office of Indian Affairs Washington, D. C., May 22d, 1873.
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith copies of letters re- ceived at this Office from the Office of the Central Superin- tendcy, relating to the release of the Kiowa prisoners. The attention of the Honorable Secretary is invited to the assurance of Agent Haworth and Cyrus Beede, acting for Su- perintendent Hoag, that the interests of peace, as well as the welfare of the Indians, seem to require early action on this sub- ject.
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