TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1825-1843
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white man to punish indiscriminately the whole of a peaceful tribe for the misdeeds of a few·bad men? It certainly is not and especially when ample redress can be had by a different course. I have therefore felt it to be my duty to issue my proclamation calling upon you to abstain from a course which, if persisted in, must lead to the most unpleasant consequences, both to you and the Country. To prevent as far as possible future difficulties of this kind, I have appointed an agent to superintend the affairs of these Indians, and to keep a strict watch over them so as to prevent encroachments on the white settlements; and should they again trespass on your rights, or property, you will make it known to this agent who will be instructed to take the necessary and proper steps to have the offenders punished, either by their own chiefs, or by reporting them to the Government. By pur- suing this course instead of assuming to yourselves the right of making war for every supposed or actual injury, you will not only have ample justice awarded to you, but you will avoid con- flicts which must necessarily arise between yourselves and the constituted authorities of the Country, which might produce the most disastrous results, and which as good citizens, and a law abiding people I am satisfied you would regret. With my best wishes for your prosperity and welfare. I am with respect Houston July 9th 1839 Your fellow citizen MIRABEAU B. LAMAR [Endorsed] Letter addressed to the Citizens of Liberty County relative to the Coushatta Indians from the Executive July 9th 1839 No. 41 RECEIPT FOR GOVERNMENT DRAFT [July 9, 1839] Recd. New Orleans July 10 of Col Bee One Hundred and Thirty dollars being 1/:? p. cent on $26000 this paid for him H. Bean & Co. Twenty five Thousd Dollars in Silver for the Cherokee--- [Endorsed] The within charge paid by me Jas Reily
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