WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1836
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Had I attempted to introduce a Delegation, and any disaster had befallen them, the effects would have been most calamitous to the Americans, in Austin's Colony, and throughout Texas, with whom the Comanchies have always been friendly. Nor would the designs of the U. States, remain without prejudice, for the Comanchie Nation would at once have supposed that it had been an act of treachery on [the] part of the President; of whose power and wealth, they entertain the most extravagant notions- and for whose character as a warrior, and Chief, they hold the highest respect, and admiration! Their confidence once betrayed, as they wou'd have supposed; could not easily have been regained! It has been by acts of base treachery, on the part of Mexico that the incurable animosity of the Indians has been produced! I was assured that the Indians were extremely anxious to visit the U. States - see the Presi- dent, and make a Treaty! If it is really the wish of the President that a Delegation should visit the United States, I would take leave to suggest, that it might be well to make application to the Mexican Minister, and thro him obtain permission, for some person to pass to Bexar, or the Brazos River; at the San Antonio Crossing,- meet the Indians there; and conduct them to the United States! They assured me that they would influence the Pawanees to unite with them- If such a course should be desirable, I would suggest the 1st or Middle of May as the most suitable time for them to set out for the United States! On the 28th day of May last, I visited Fort Gibson, with a view; of making my report to the Indian Commissioners, but finding them absent on official business, and the high waters pre- vented me from visiting the city; as I had intended, combined with the situation of my wound, which is worse than it has been for years, has delayed my report until the present! Sam Houston Special Agent To Gov Lewis Cass Secy of War [Addressed]: Gov. Lewis Cass Sec'y of War Washington City [Endorsed]: S. Houston July 33. 1 From the Collection of Mr. Thomas \V. Streeter, Morristown, N. J. 2 Remembering that Houston was a member of the Texas Convention of 1833 and Chairman of the ·committee which formed a constitution under
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