TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916
362
No. 226
NEGOTIATIONS CONCERNING BIG TREE AND SATANTA
Wednesday Oct 8th 1873. Gov Davis reads communication and says that it is not neces-
sary to read it to the Indians, but that he will read it for the benefit of the white men present. [Reads letters from Commissioner Smith of October 7th 1873.] I replied to that to day as follows. (Reads reply to Commissioner Smith of October 8th 1873) (He then reads reply to Mr. Smith.) Turning to Mr. McCuster Interpreter to tell Satanta and Big Tree to stand up. He then addressed them as fol- lows. Satanta & Big Tree and Kiowa & Comanche: Since I spoke to you on Monday, the Government of the United States through Mr. Smith the Commis- sioner of Indian Affairs and authorized to speak for it has offered to become responsible to me to do that which I requested of your tribes to do. The Gov- ernment of the United States has promised me to make your tribes do what I demanded of you your- selves to do. The Government has promise me this as an inducement to let these Indians go to their tribes. Because the Government has promised me this, and because I do not want the Government of the United States to fail to comply with its prom- ises I am about to turn over Satanta & Big Tree. You heard Monday what I demanded. Satanta, Big Tree and you Kiowa & Comanche heard what I said. The same thing the Government of the United States now promises me you shall do. Now Satanta & Big Tree you see that they comply with what I demanded. That they kept good faith with the Government, or otherwise you will be arrested, and returned to your tribes together with the other bad Indians who may join with you. Now Satanta and Big Tree you go to your tribes and remember what I told you. Commissioner Smith addressing the Kiowa and Co- manche present said You all now see what a load
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