TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
56
your Patriotism and ability, the President has been pleased to appoint you agent to act as the organ of communication between this Government and the Cherokee, Shawnee, and other Indian Tribes. You will therefore diligently discharge the duties which may devolve on you as such, which will be required of you from time to time, as the public good may demand. The special ob- ject of your appointment at this time, is to cultivate and pre- serve the friendly relations existing between the frontier inhab- itants of Texas and the Indian Tribes. - Cherokee Shawnee etc which have emigrated from the United States to Texas, but whose claim to territory or even to occupancy has not yet been recognized, and is now a subject of grave deliberation on the part of the Texian Government. You will therefore perceive the importance pending the consid- eration of the question, of maintaining a good understanding between them and us. Any aggressive movement or meditated hostility on either side, will be promptly made Knovm by you to this Government. The Chiefs should be made sensible in your talk with them of the value of a pacific course on their part, and the determination of the executive to restrain the whites from the cornission of any acts of violence or intefer- ence. The atrocious conduct of the Indians of the Prairies, pre- cludes the idea of any adjustment with them untill ample satis- faction shall have been obtained for the destruction of our slaughtered citizens. The Cherokee and other friendly tribes cannot better evince their friendly intentions, than by prohibit- ing any intercourse with them, and you will demand it of them to adopt this course-such manifestations will be properly ap- preciated. It is not intended to prevent the employment of such of them as will enable you to procure information of the·move- ments of the hostile Indians. Your extensive Knowledge of the Indian Character makes it unnecessary to give more than general instructions. Great confidence is reposed in your discretion and management, which the President trusts will be exerted for the public benefit- Very Respectfully Your obt Servt [A. S. JOHNSTON]
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Instructions to Martin Lacy, Esqr. Indian Agent No. 7
[Endorsed]
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