135
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1829
& Kiowahs who are at war with each other; and consequently war parties will necessarily infest -the trace of the Traders. And if the Indians should sustain any loss from their enemies, they will never be scrupulous about the means of remuneration which will consequently subject our Traders to depredations from all the Tribes, who may suppose that they owe no allegiance to the Presi- dent of the U. States. A treaty was once concluded with the Pawanees of the River Platte, but those who reside more west- wardly and who are more numerous, have never held treaty with the U. States. From the best information I can obtain, the only Tribe of all those named which has received Medals, is the Osage. The Osages and the Pawanees have been engaged in war from time immemorial, and every year, at least two campaigns are-made against each other. Many prisoners have been taken by both nations, until their number has become considerable. The ex- change of prisoners united to the necessity of the Tribes being compelled to hunt off the same ground, would, as I believe, dispose them to peace on reasonable terms. If this object could be effected, there would be but little difficulty in making peace with the other Tribes, as I apprehend, and if they should remain hostile, it would be easy to control them, with the friendship of the Paw- anees, and the cooperation of the Osages. Peace would cost a mere trifle to our Government, when compared to the advantages which must result from it! The escort might be withdrawn, or its station be rendered permanent, at some eligable point on the Arkansas, or the line between us, and the Mexican States. The troops will now be liable, without great caution to have their horses stolen, and .probably the.object of the Government for the present defeated! Treaties between the several tribes, and between them and the United States, could be easly effected, by the distribution of some hifling presents, and meda!s of the President (not Mr. Adams) 2 given to the Chiefs, by some man who understands the character of the Indians. To promote a measure which promises real advantages to the Government, and security to its interprising citizens, if upon examination it should be adopted, I beg leave to pi-esent the name of Colonel Augustus P. Chouteau,3 as an agent for that purpose. He is a man of fine intellect, clear, vigorous, and active.- He has the best practical knowledge of Indians of any man with whom I have ever been acquainted- he would execute the trust, with pride, effect, & fidelity!
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