TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
339
In the opinion of this Office the judgment of the Superin- tendent and the Agent is to be relied upon. I am also informed verbally by Major Alvord who became acquainted with the affairs of the Kiowa, during his commission last summer, that in his judgment the release of the prisoners may be done with entire safety, and indeed, that such release at the present time would be eminently in the interests of peace, as tending to pre- vent, rather than encourage depredations and hostilities. I beg to suggest that, if it is not practicable to secure the release of Satanta and Big Tree, by the Texan authorities, re- quest be made to the Secretary of War, to have the prisoners, about 130 in number, captured by Col Mackenzie last Septem- ber, set at liberty. Whether they should be sent under military escort to Fort Sill, or liberated in Texas, and allowed to make their way home, should be left to the discretion of the commanding officer. As an additional reason for early action in this latter case, it may be stated that these Indians are held as prisioners at the expense of this Office, which will be largely decreased by their liberation, owing to the fact, that they have been permitted to retain their horses which are fed from the Government forage.
Very Respectfully Your Obdt Sert. EDWD P. SMITH Commissioner
Hon C. Delano Secretary of the Interior.
No. 220
REPORT CONCERNING BIG TREE AND SATANTA [May, 1873] Whereas the strict observance and exercise of good faith is in- dispensable to the perpetuity of peace and good will between nations as well as individuals: And whereas certain promises were made to the Kiowa Indians contemplating the early pardon and liberation of their chiefs Satanta and Big Tree (now im- prisoned in Texas) upon certain conditions which have been fully complied with on their part: And whereas the treachery of the Modoc in the massacre of the lamented Canby and others on the Pacific coast is recognized at Washington as cause suffi-
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