137
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1829
out to them the ruinous const:quences, which must result to them; and the Creeks also, and the probable evils to the United States; The war will, or may have a tendency to draw upon the frontiers of both nations those numerous hoards of Indians, who have never yet, dared to invade them! It will surely have great influence upon those of the Cherokees, and Creeks yet remaining on the E-- side of the Mississippi, and in all probability, deter them from removing to a country, which they, will understand is in- volved in a war; and where they must meet the hazards and dan- gers in the causes of which they had no participancy. It will fur- thermore have a tendency to exasperate those wild Tribes, and if the war Party of the Cherokees &c should escape them, and return to their nation safe, as they now anticipate, it will only increase the fury of those whom they may have wantonly injured by taking lives, & stealing horses from them. And when they are once aroused to vengeance, if it should not be in their power to get satisfaction of the cherokees, it will subject the U. S. Traders from St. Louis to St. A fe; and their escort, to the hostility and depredations of those Tribes, so very numerous- When Indians once start on a war Party, they are ntver very scrupulous, of what people, they take scalps or property if they can do it at little risk, or with absolute impunity. Gen 1 J oily, Head Chief of ·the Cherokees, was so very unwell that it was impossible for him to ride to the Talk, but sent by me a message to his warriors and the Creek Chiefs, which I delivered to them all in counsel, but the Cherokees did not regard it at all; the Creeks assured me that they would not begin war, with any people without Gen 1 Jacksons consent, but even after this assur- ance I have some fears least Sniith, and his men, may have too much influence with them. I have been informed (but vaguely) that some Osages, Choc- taws, Shawanees, & Delawares are to join the Party, and in all make it some 250 or 300 warriors. I will not give up the project of stopping the Cherokees, until all hope is lost; and there are yet some fifteen days to accomplish it before they will actually start from home. What the agent has done in this business I do not know, but surely he could have delayed (by the aid of the chiefs and your command) if he had not put a stop to it entirely! It is deplorable that the chiefs of the Cherokee nation of them- selves have no power by their laws to put a stop to the organiza- tion of War Parties; or even prevent their frequency; which may not only render the course onerous but dangerous to the nation. It
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