85
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1837
early period to hold treaties with several of the most numerous and active of the frontier tribes. As yet, nothing has been effected, owing in part to the season of the year at which the business was commenced, as well as other causes. A hope is entertained that something beneficial will shortly result, as our commissioners are in constant expectation of holding a treaty with the associated bands of the prairies. This government has recently received information from sources entirely satisfactory, that a delegation consisting of twenty northern Indians residing on the borders of the United States, had visited the town of Matamoras, and had stipulated with the Mexican authorities , to furnish that government three thousand warriors, well armed, so soon as it would invade Texas. Commentary upon such alli- ances in the present age would be an insult to chivalry and a reflection upon the hearts and understandings of those who have sought to establish the maxim, that war is calamitous enough without the evils of treachery and massacre, which devote alike the female and the warrior to cruelty and death. Assurances are rendered to this government, that citizens of this republic have lately been made prisoners by the Caddos, and that scalps recently taken on our frontier have been seen in their nation. It is within the province of this government to enquire into the causes which have produced these calamities, and no vigilance on my part shall be wanting to prevent recurrence. I feel fully aware that the policy of this government is to pursue a just and liberal course towards our Indian neighbors, and to prevent all encroachment upon their rights. The army of Texas has never been in a more favorable condi- tion that at the present. The permanent force in the field is sufficient to meet all the emergencies of invasion, while at the shortest notice the defence of the country can be brought into immediate action in that event. I feel assured that a system of discipline, subordination and police has been established in the army, which reflects much credit upon its general, and does no less honor to the officers and soldiers than to our country. They have encountered many priva- tions and difficulties within the last season, which it was impos- sible fo:r the government to avert, owing to causes already stated, and I am proud to say that order has been maintained, and the spirits of those men devoted to liberty have not sunk into pusillanimity and weakness, but have been borne up and illumined by the ardent hope that they may, ere long, meet an
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