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TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
44
eludes the possibility of seeing you and meeting them at that time. He says it will not do to disappoint them, therefore he will take out some presents and meet them according to ap- pointment, and conclude the most favorable treaty practicable, w1thout indicating the precise limits· of the territory which will be secured to them; assuring them at the same time, that this Government has no disposition to injure or take from them any rights which they may possess. If they can be satisfied with regard to Boundary there will be but little difficulty in managing them. They claim all the territory North and West of the Guada- lupe mountains, extending from Red river to the Rio Grande, the area of which is nearly equal to one fourth of the domain of Texas. A ·deputation from the Lipan, consisting of Castro, their principal Chief and ten of his Captains, in obedience to instruc- tions of Commissioners who treated with them, arrived about eight days since. Castro was much chagrined when he was infor~ed of yr absence, and manifested a great desire to see you. He is a sagacious, shrewd, and intelligent Indian and is familiar with Mexican politics. He vows eternal hatred to the Mexicans and friendship for the Texians. He is at war with the Comanche and will not make peace with them, until they shall have concluded a per- manent treaty with us. They left yesterday with the presents that had been fur- nished them, Castro promising to return by the meeting of the Congress. The Commissioner of the Land Office has issued orders in- structing surveyors to confine their operations strictly within the limits of their respective counties, which, if obeyed may pre- vent intrusion upon the Indian territory on the Colorado. Genl. Urrea has declared for the Constitution of '24 in the state of Sonora; and Gen. Coss is expected to do so in Tamauli- pas. Col. K states that Mexican scouts occupy the country between San Patricio and the Rio Grande. Understanding that considerable dissatisfaction exists among the Indians of the East which the prospect of losing their land has produced. We have thought that perhaps the accompanying
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