Indian Papers of Texas and the Southwest, Vol. III

TEXAS INDIAN PAPERS, 1846-1859

84

No. 78 LETTER FROM D. G. BURNET TO H. R. SCHOOLCRAFT [September 29, 1847]

4. THE COMANCHE AND OTHER TRIBES OF TEXAS; AND THE POLICY TO BE PURSUED RESPECTING THEM. By Ex-President David G. Burnet. The eminent position in Texan history, of the writer of the following paper-his early migration into the area of Texas; and the opportunities of observation he has had, for a long series of years, upon the manners and customs, traits, character, and numbers of the aooriginal population of that state, give a value to it, which will not fail to be recognised. Mr. Burnet was one of the earliest Americans who migrated into that country, dur- ing the era of the Austin movement. Austin, Texas, September 29th, 1847 Sir: Major Neighbors, the special Indian Agent for Texas, some time ago presented me a pamphlet containing many queries in relation to Indians, their history, habits, etc.; and requested I would furnish something concerning the Comanche, among whom he knew I had been. Always willing to contribute any thing in my power to the general mass of intelligence, on a subject of such intrinsic in- terest, I have prepared a paper of some length,-it may be of some little value,-relating to the Indians of Texas, but prin- cipally to the Comanche, our most considerable tribe. In the continued absence of Major Neighbors, I take the liberty to transmit it to you. If ·it will add any thing worth being con- tributed to the amount of information sought to be collected, I shall be fully compensated for the trouble of preparing it. The subject touched on in the two last paragraphs, though somewhat extraneous, is one of present interest to the General Government, and to this new State. Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Henry R. Schoolcraft, Esq. DAVID G. BURNET. August 20th, 1847

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