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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
184
ing to every precept of the Christian religion, and shocking to every sentiment of humanity. G. W. Terrell, Attorney General, and Acting Secretary of State. IThough this document was signed by the Attorney General and Acting Secretary of State, it is written in Houston's characteristic style and was no doubt composed by him. Historians in various instances refer to it as from Houston's pen; and Houston himself refers to it in his communication to Congress, December 22, 1842. The only known source for the document is C. Edwards Lester, Sam Houston and his Republic, 163-167. MEMORANDUM FOR THEj INDIAN COMMISSIONERS, OCTOBER 17, 1842 1 [ Note.-. The first twelve articles of this document are sub- stantially the same as those of the document dated October 9, 1842, and are therefore omitted.] 13. If trouble should arise between the Texians and the In- dians, there shall be no war; nor shall men go out to steal from, or kill either party until the President and Chiefs shall send letters to each other through the Agent, after hearing of the cause of the trouble: And we declare before the Great Spirit that we will never molest any person bearing a white flag- ·nor will we ever send a lie by any one. 14. The Chiefs of the tribes in the treaty to the number of two to each tribe, may visit the seat of government and counsel with the President in person. They shall be protected and sup- ported at the expense of the Government while on the trip. 15. If property is found in the possession of either the white people or the Indians, it shall be restored to the owner through the agent who shall have the power to fix the reward for the restoration. · 16. Neither party will ever induce the other to meet in council or treaty for the purpose of deceit or injury. 17. As Chiefs, we declare before the Great Spirit, that we will never harm women or children in peace or war. 18. Both parties agree that they will not molest either the Lipans or the Tonkeway Indians, but that we will keep peace with them so long as they act justly and honestly toward us ; and should the Indians have complaint against the Tonkeways or the Lipans, the same shall be made known to the Agent of the Govern- ment before satisfaction is taken; and if they should refuse to do
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