TEXAS l:NDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
65
rangements satisfactory to both parties for their return to their own tribe beyond the Red River. But if listening to the sug- gestions of bad men equally the enemies of the red man and the white, they shall persue such a course of conduct as to put in jeopardy the lives and property of our citizens, or to destroy that sense of security essential to the happiness and prosperity of our frontier, the inevitable consequence will be a prompt and sanguinary war, which can term'inate only in their destruction or expulsion. This language may sound harshly to a people who have been so seldom spoken to in the spirit of frankness and candour. But, however disagreeable it may be to hear the truth, it is always better that it should be known, and it is now spoken from no unkindness to those to whom it is addressed. If the Executive were capable of dissembling, he might use language far more flatt'.?ring and pleasing. He could amuse you with pledges which would never be fulfilled, and, with his unauthorized promises secure your confidence and friendship until he should choose to aµply coercion in the place of argument. But, in the opinion of this Government, no crisis can arise, which would justify the employment of hypocrisy and dissimulation; and he is· more your friend, and worthy to be listened to, who knowing your destiny, tells you what you may expect and be prepared to en- counter, than him who would excite expectations which must meet with disappointment, and encourage the indulgence of passions which can only lead to disaster. This language will now be duly appreciated and properly responded to, and I would advise you to adopt it before the pa- tience of this Government shall have become exhausted by re- peated injuries. A few more wrongs from the Cherokee will loose to them all the advantages which it is now in their power to reap from the present amicable disposition of this Govern- ment; and that clemency to which they will ultimately have to appeal will be forced to give way to the stern principles of vin- dictive justice. Your destiny is involved in the rejection or adop- tion of this counsel If you listen to the voice of reason, you may become a prosperous and happy nation; but 'if you follow the dictates of improper passions, your ruin is inevitable. This Gov- ernment has no desire to wrong the Indian, or to shed his blood ; but it will not hesitate to adopt the most vigorous and decisive
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