TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
157
Blood and War makes no nation rich, it makes all poor. When I go back to the United States, I wish to be able to in- form the President that the war whoop is hushed; that friend- ship and peace exist to day, where war existed yesterday. War is sometimes necessary, Men must sometimes fight, every brave man aught to defend his rights; then, to make peace and friends is deemed honourable in a great and brave man. The time is fast coming when the Red man can no longer rely on the Game in the Woods and on the pra'irie for his sub- sistanc~; the wallowing places of the Buffalo are fast growing ur, with grass. Like my Red friends the Muskogee and Chero- k~e, should learn to cultivat~ the soil, then the white and red man might vis·it, eat each others Corn, and exchange their la- bour. The talk you have heard to day from the Texas Commis- sioner has been a good talk, it gave me pleasure to hear it. I believe he uttered the words of truth. I believe the Govt. of Texas will act in good faith with the friendly Indians with whom they may treat. My friend Capt. Blake of the U.S. Army came along with me from the United States as an escort with 15 men as authority from the Govt. of the United States, of my commiss'ion also as respectful to the Citizens of Texas and the Red brethren here assembled. I hope to be able to go back with joyful news. On the part of Judge Terrell, in behalf of Texas if they perform their promises, which I believe they will, I can see no cause for any more war between you, Texas promises to lay off a line of Land and assign it to you[.] If Texas should lay of[f] a line of Land to be occupied by the Delaware of the United States the President will expect the white people to right all their wrongs, if any, and the Delaware in all cases 'in like manner towards the whites. Should the Red brethren continue war after these propo- sitions have been made to them, their great-father in the United St.ates will be displeased, he thinks a great deal about these diffi- culties and wishes them all settled. Listen not to the Counsel of bad men, when injury is done you. Apeal to the Presidt. of the United States, before taking up the Rifle. The President will always try to do you justice. I hope if you have not authority now to make a final peace. to make a beginning, and in a short time hence, when more of your
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