' I I 11 I I I i I I I
TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
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commence their journey of removal beyond the Red River. In your Communication with these Indians, you will en- deavour to convince them by all proper arguments of the friend- ly disposition of this Government towards them, and of its de- sire to make such arrangements as will be entirely just and Sat- isfactory to them. But will at the same time·assure them that under no circumstances can they be permitted to remain in the Country longer than will be required to make the necessary preparations for their removal. That this Course has been adopted towards them, because I am satisfied that it is Essential not only to the peace and prosperity of our own citizens, but to their Safety and Existence as a people: and that unless they Consent at once to receive a fair Compensation for tr.eir im- provements and other property, and remove out of this Country, nothing Short of the entire distruction of all they possess, and the extermination of their Tribe will appease the indignation of the white people against them. If you meet, or can have Communication wit~ the Kickapoo tribe of Indians you will make known to them also, the necessity of their ·immediate removal out of the country, and you will take such Steps as you may find necessary to get them beyond our limits without delay. As regards the Delaware, Shawnee, and such other tribes as have manifested a peaceful and friendly disposition, you will permit them to remain in the country for the present, upon their giving assurances of their good conduct while they .do remain, but you will be careful to impress it upon them, that any evi- dance of hostility on their part will cause their immediate pun- ishment and expulsion. But 'in giving them permission to re- main for the present you will be careful to excite no hopes on their part, of being eventually allowed to identify themselves with the Country, or to claim any right in the Soil. The terms of their Continuance are, that they shall not be disturbed pro- vided they Conduct themselves properly until such time as Con- gress or the Government may make such arrangements in re- spect to their future disposition as will be Satisfactory to both parties. Reposing gentlemen the most entire confidence in your dis- cretion and abilities, these matters are Confided to your man- agement, with the fullest assurance on my part, that every thing will be done which circumstances may demand, towards bring-
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