WRITINGS OF SAl\'I HOUSTON, 1839
338
"But the conflict is at an end,- we explained to them the number of our native Mexican fellow citizens had taken arms in our behalf, seemingly because convinced that we fought for justice to ourselves, and with respect for the rights of every Indian. "However unfortunately- just at this time, and while they were being told, the government would put them in possession of their lands, - some of our fellow citilzens without c1,idho1'ity, ran off, and included in a survey, part of a Cherokee claim or grant; consequently creating , by such an act, a distrustful disposition on the part of those Indians- in conjunction with all these un- lawful acts, so repeatedly committed on the poor confiding In- dians of Texas, who are thus made to believe that we are ac- tuated by the same spirit as their former oppressors. Therefore, do they credit any gross misrepresentation made to them, given to former apprehension the guise of truth; and they are now loosing past confidence in all individual protestations or advice; like the wrecked bark which having crossed a wide expanse of ocean, is in sight of her destined port, but without the friendly sails that propelled her, and without any visible aid or probable chance of assistance! Under these Indian circumstances alone, we must respectfully solicit and entreat your most Honorable Body to consider that as a State, we would be enabled to take such active measures in their behalf, as would convince them that they could not with impunity be lawfully or unjustly in- truded upon; humbly trusting that we could do such justice to their wishes in relation to lands, as could not fail to assure them our friendship and protection;- besides, enlisting those North American Tribes of Indians among us, in favor of the State and General Government, by securing to them a perma- nence of situation, and enrolling as brother-citizens of that con- federacy which they so much respect and regard." This, eminating from an empresario, he thought had some squinting at the rights of the Indians. He, Mr. H. had come to the country but three months before, and at that time did not know their rights. He would not have alluded to this subject, but it was time to put matters at rest. The public had been in the dark long enough, and he was determined that every thing should be brought out: not that he had any particular hatred to- wards the gentleman, but that the individual here alluded to had thrown the gauntlet, and dared him to the combat.
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