TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
350
Texas and not from those officers. If they are not complied with, it will be better for the people of Texas who are the suf- ferers by the bad conduct of the Comanche & Kiowa to have open war and settle this matter at once. I have nothing more to say. [E. J. DA VIS]
No. 224
NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING BIG TREE AND SATANTA [October 6, 1873] Commissioner Smith---My Friends, Chiefs and young men of the Comanche and Kiowa.-- We have come together to-day on very important business. What is said and done in this council will be very important to you, your friends and all of us. God has given us language to tell what we think and what we know and nothing else. Now to-day let there be nothing but truth between us. If we want good to come out of to-days work we must have a good begin- ning. You have come together at the call of the Governor of Texas who is here to meet you. Governor Davis.- People of the Comanche and Kiowa I have brought back Satanta and Big Tree. They are here and we all see them. They were prisoners to the Texans and they could have taken their lives, but did not. I have come here because the people of Texas have been suffering a long time. I want to have peace if possible-We are at peace with all others of the Territory and w:mt peace with the Kiowa if we can. I have come here to make my talk as to what the Texans want. I will hear your talk and then tell them what the Texans want them to do so that they can consider whether they want peace or war with Texas. Satanta and Big Tree can tell them what they have seen in Texas and how they were treated. They will make their talk and then we will hear what the Kiowa have to sa.r -I will then make my talk. Satanta's Father to Gov. Davis. After invoking a blessing upon the Governor said. I am an old and a poor man and I ask that you take pity on me and give me my son. You have your
Powered by FlippingBook