TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
143
t•f honm~ra 1 )le and peaceful citizens. When there are men con- tir.uall:· on tl-:e aler~, to repol·t and magnif~· acts committed by such pcn;ons, it is a matter ot surprise to the undersigned, that more serious disti.lrbances do not arise. through the instigations of those, more interested to add to the flame, than to diminish the causes. I am gratified in being able to i;:tate, tr.at the parti- cipators, generally speaking, in these outrages are not citizens of the Republic, but are fugitives from other countries, reck- Jei,s, and dangerous men. In as far as my powers extend you may rest assured, Sir, that no means shall be left unattempted, that will tend to bring these violators of the Laws of the Re- public, and disturbers of the peace and harmony of nations, to i:peecly and impartial Justice. It may not perhaps, be considered amiss, if in connection with this matter, I report, what is but to app~rent to disinterested citizens on this side .of Red River, while so doing, I cannot refrain from expressing my regret, that the Agent of the Choctaw Indians for tl-:e United States, Mr. Upshaw, has felt himself called upon to indulge in expressions of ~he most unfriendly character, and a most pernicious ten- dency. When one in authority, whatever limited powers he may b~ clothed with, permits himself to be guided in his public acts, hr his private feelings, and in the performance of his official ch1ties, sanctions the violations of the Laws, and encourages the perpetration of atrocious acts, it is not surprising that com- piaints should be made on either side, and a feeling of hostility e1,genc!ered, detrimental to public harmony, and private safety. When savages are told, by those entrusted with their govern- mc-nt, that the Laws are too weak and powerless to fulfil the ends of their creation, and protect those for whom they were enacted, that each for himself, must be his own Judge and execu- tioner, it is then time for those interested to protect and guard themselves, and their families. That this has been done, I re- gret to say; but I am compelled by the statements of the Indians themseh·es, to report the fact, in order that it may be !aid before those, to whom their Agents are responsible, and who, it cannot bt: cloubtecl, will institute investigations upon the subject. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the highest respect your obdt and humble sent- JESSE BENTON JR. Di~trict Attorny, 7th Judcl Dist
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