TEXAS .INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859
115
the call of the State Executive, assembled and was organized. The alacrity with which each command repaired to the respec- tive post assigned it, and the useful and efficient services per- formed, entitled them to the thanks of the citizens on the ex- posed frontier, and the admiration of the State Government. They were freely accorded in the universal expression of appro- bation by the people of the frontier, and the joint resolution herein referred to will appropriately convey to the government of the Union the high appreciation in which their services are held by the State. The Executive of a State characterized for her generous devotion to the true interest of her citizens, en- tertaining, as he did, a high sense of the magnanimity and jus- tice of the General Government, could not falter in the discharge of an important trust, when his motives could be indicated, and his duty was clearly masked. There is every confidence existing at this time that too much reliance was not placed in a willing- ness on the part of the General Government to supply with the necessary appropriation, the means for expenditures necessarily incurred in repelling with volunteer troops (in the absence of regular troops) the ruthless incursions of Indians, under her exclusive control and management. A due regard was paid to a proper economy in making the draft for men, and no more were brought into the field than were indispensable in covering the exposed and attacked points. The valuable services rendered by them in driving back the Indians and restoring confidence on the border, during the period of their employment, very far, it is conceived, overbalanced any pecuniary loss to the Govern- ment, and vindicated, in the clearest manner, the measures adopted. The United States exerdsing guardianship and entire control over the Indian Tribes, was very naturally looked to as a proper arbiter, possessing the power and authority to relieve our frontier inhabitants from the outrages and afflictions brought upon them mainly by Indians who are intruders within the limits of Texas, and in Treaty with the United States, en- joying all the practical benefits arising therefrom. During the existence of the Republic, treaties were entered into with the various tribes at present inhabiting our State, embracing stipu- lations reciprocally beneficial; and it is asserted with a just confidence, that if we except occasional violations by abandoned and unprincipled men, good faith and a concialitory intercourse on the part of our citizens, characterized the relations sought to be established. The generous and humane policy pursued by
Powered by FlippingBook