Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. IV

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1860-1916

79

sist them, from the time of their arirval to the first of January next. This does not include a provision for clothing, blankets, etc, of which they are said to be very destitute. These Indians were induced to come into the State by the Military Authorities referred to, with the view of employing them as spies in the operations of the Frontier Regi- ment. They lost most of their warriors in the massacre at Fort Cobb, and it is said they have been friendly and true to the White man for years, that they entertain the most bitter hostility towards their Comanche foes, and are eager to be employed in war against them. So soon as I ascertained that this unfortunate Tribe of Tonkawa had been introduced into the State, and promised homes and military employment without her authority; I caused a letter to be addressed to Col McCord Comdg the Frontier Regiment directing him at once to corispond with the Confed- erate Military authorities of the Northern Sub District of Texas, or with Genl Steele, with reference to them, and to urge upon them the propriety of taking charge of, and providing for them, I did this, because I believed that Texas had been for years peresuing the same policy in trying to rid herself of the presance and care of the Indians, and devolved it upon the Gen- eral Government to whom it more appropriately belonged Upon the Confederacy rests the obligation of the care and protection of the friendly tribes of Indians, and Texas re- verses her policy when she invites them back to her soil I have recieved nothing in reference to the Corre- spondence which I directed to be instituted on this subject But the Tonkawa, are returning to Texas, where doubtless inocent of an intention to affend against a policy inaugurated by her laws. They doubtless believed that those who assumed the au- thority of inviting them to a home and military service in Texas were clothed with power to do so, and to make their promises good: and while the assumption of such unwarranted authority upon the part of subordinate officers of the Govern- ment, may be dis-approved, I do not believe it just to visit either the censure or punishment upon the ignorant Indians. They are in our midsc-the:v are friendly-they are willing to fight for us-they are desolate and without a home; and if the Con- federate authorities, do not take charge of them, I believe that the state should make provision for them. To leave them on the Frontier without protection and without support, would

I i i I j I l i r I • !

Powered by