TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
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had never been by the route he designed to go. While Second- Eye was perfectly acquainted with it-To cap the climax of this rascality he took the only rifle we had with us, knowing that we had no provisions, and when I remonstrated with him assur- ing him that I would report his actions to your Excellency he only replied "that no one had told him that I was captain of the party, and that he knew his own business and should do as he pleased"-He then left and I saw no more of him untiJ I reached "Warrens" on Red River where he had arrived one day ahead of me, thus causing me to lose another day- On the 20th started for Bird's Fort having been detained two days to recruit the horses which were unable to proceed farther without rest. On the 24th arrived at the Coun- cil.ground, on the Trinity River- Of my after proceedings your Excellency is already advised- P.S. I omitted to mention in its proper place, that the amount of goods sent out by me for the Comanche had become so reduced by the purchase of a Mule from the indians and presents to the different tribes on my way up, that I was obliged to purchase of Conner some goods to make up a decent assortment for the Co- manche-The amount received of him includfog the fifteen dol- lars reported as paid to a runner was about fifty dollars-I can- not state the precise amount as I unfortunately lost my memo- randum book, but Conner has the certificate I gave him, and it will be found on presentation not to exceed that sum. Upon concluding this report I would remark, that from my observation and experience among the wild indians, I can see no serious impediment in the way of securing a permanent and favorable treaty with all the different tribes--The head Chiefs and influential men among them all, feel it to be to the interest of their people to have peace with Texas-They are destitute of almost all the comforts of life, and at times undergo great sufferings which might be alleviated by an intercourse with the whites-This they are sensible of and their interests rather than any love for the white men will induce tnem to the observance of peace- Upon so recent a formation of
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