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the Lapan Tribe of Indians have lately under different pretences come into Texas from West of the Rio Grande and now occupy Territory belonging to the State extending from about the mouth of the . . . . . . . . . . [blank] emptying into the Colorado about eighty miles above this place to the head of the Concio, also emp- tying into the Colorado, and those Indians having come within the limits of Texas without the previous knowledge or consent of the Government and (as I have been informed) have located themselves on lands belonging to the State with the intention of remaining I regard it as important to ascertain as speedily as possible their locality numbers intentions &c You will therefore procede with all convenient dispatch to their nearest Camp or Settlement and from thence extend your visit as far as may be necessary to accomplish the objects of your mission or as far as prudence will allow. In your intercourse with the various bands you will treat them kindly and assure them of the friendship of the peop[l]e of Texas & the United States generally-at the same time you must be cautious not to give them any assurance that they will be permitted either by the State or General Gov- ernment to remain permanently within the limits of Texas nor should you say any thing to them by which they may properly infer that such a privilege will be extended to them. If you can conveniently avoid discussing the subject of their settlement within the limits of Texas it will be most prudent to do so-- Should they insist upon discussing this question you may satisfy them by refering them to the agents or Commissioners of the United States who will meet them in council next spring or sum- mer but at the same time inform them that the State of Texas has the Exclusive right to the land they occupy & to jurisdiction· over it and that therefore the consent of the State Government too must be had before they can acquire any right to remain where they are. You will as far as you can ascertain their dispo- sitions habits employments- the places from which they came the connection between the various bands & the nature of their Government. You can apply to Captain Grumbles commanding the Ranging Company stationed near this place who will detail Jim Shaw to accompany you as interpreter &c. It is desirable to have all the information you can acquire upon this mission as soon as possible that it may be laid before the P1·esident. You will therefore report to this Office the result of your inquiries at the earliest day possible. As I have fully informed you in conver-
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