TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
109
Creek ____________ Cherokee ________________ Euquatop ) Mescalero ►
10 5
50 25
( J APACHE BANDS ----·----------- 1
2,000 1,500
400 300
Total supposed number ____________________ 29,675 5,915 This estimate is made from the best information that could be obtained from the Indians by frequent inquiry on the subject. These Indians range promiscuously across our frontier, from Red River to the Rio Grande, during the greater portion of the year, and seek shelter during the winter in the uppor cross tim- bers of Texas, between the head waters of the Colorado River and the Wichita Mountains. They have, for the last two years, shown a disposition to establish friendly relations with the gov- ernment and citizens of the United States. With several of the bands our intercourse has been extremely limited, for the want of proper means, and a sufficient number of agents, or men, calculated to cultivate friendly intercourse. This has been particularly the case with the Kiowa, the Apache, and the upper bands of Comanche. The only serious misunderstanding that exists with any of the tribes is that growing out of the attacks on the Wichita and Lipan last summer. All intercourse with them has ceased for some months past; and it will be impossible to adjust those dif- ferences satisfactorily, without money or presents to give them as indemnity, they claiming to be the aggrieved party. Most of the tribes are disposed to cultivate the soil; and, by proper encouragement could be induced, in a short period, to settle down and turn their attention to farming. By the laws of this State, the right of soil is denied the Indians; conse- quently they have made but small progress in farming. The advance of the white settlements, since the annexation of Texas, has been so rapid, that the Indians were led to believe they would ultimately be driven out of the country. [Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, Historical and Statistical Information Respect- ing the History, Condition, and Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the United States, (6 Vols.; Philadelphia, 1851-1857), Vol. 6, page 708.]
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