243 American traders have engaged in this nefarious and unholy traffic, and have actually ba1·tered arms, ammunition, provisions &c to the Indians for horses plundered from the people of Texas. The Comanches and other tribes are raging a relentless and ex- terminating war upon us and they draw their supplies from other Indians, the recipients of the favors and bounties of the U. S. Government and from traders licensed by the same. Nor are our Mexican neighbors blameless in this. Two days before the affair on the Canadian a party of Mexican traders left Iron Jacket's camp In the Comanche Camp was found powder, lead, rifles of American manufacture, and many other evidences, that they were driving a brisk trade in many quarters. Now, Sir, allow me to ask; if this state of things continues when may Texas expect peace? Never as long as we have a horse left, or as long as there is an Indian left to steal him. They have grown rich in the business. Fifteen thousand dollars would not cover the amount of property and provisions found in Iron Jack- et's Camp, independent of the several hundred horses they had in possession. The war is worth money to both parties-the co- manches and their allies, and the traders. They will not give it up without a desperate struggle. These are the chances for peace What can be done to check these monstrous evils and to give peace and security to the frontier? You have the remedy in your own hands. Call out the Regiment immediately-let a campaign be made against the Comanches and their confederates-earry the war into Africa-and, if practicable, let the gentlemen who have traded with the enemy come in for a share of the punish- ment--wipe them out together. Do this, and if you fail to con- quer a lasting peace and to restore confidence and security upon the frontier, you may take both my ears. The question of cost should never be suffered to enter a matter of life and death. The Citizens of this State are entitled to protection and they ought to have it. The General Government have failed and refused to accord it, and the duty devolved upon yourself as chief Magis- trate of this State. The United States cannot avoid footing the bill. If they should let Texas assume high ground Protection and allegiance go hand in hand. There is no principle better estab- lished than, that when a Government fail or refuses to protect its citizens the ties of allegiance are disolved, and they have a per- fect right to take care of themselves. In my opinion Texas has already had ample cause to sever her connection with the Union on this very head. Should the President hesitate to call out the Regiment, or should Congress scruple to pay the troops, if you
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