189
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, }8Ll2
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the Republic. Done at Washi~gton, the 21st day of October, 1842, and of the Independence of Texas the seventh year. Sam Houston. 1 Papers on lnrlian Affcifrs; also Executive Recorrl Book, No. 40, p. 155, Texas State Library. To GENERAL GEORGE W. TERRELL 1 Washington, 21st Oct. 1842 Dear General. Mr. Owen will hand you this note. The Delegation being on the ground will be enabled to judge of the best point for the line to be designated, and let it be left to the President where to place the trading houses, and Agencies, and in such numbers as he may deem proper. If the Indians desire it, and do not come down to see me, say some 8 or ten chiefs at the time, I will go to see them, next fall, and give them presents myself unless the Mexicans again make trouble for us, and detain me at home. You have a discretion left to you as to the amount of presents to be given to the chiefs at this time; at least $500, if you think proper! I did intend to have sent at least 100 blankets for presents to the Chiefs, but there are no mackinaws, and, Mr. Charles Power who was to bring them, and other articles for the Indians' trade, from New York, with Mr. Kimble & others was shipwrecked off the Bahamas, and the vessel, cargo, and every soul was lossed. Mr. Patton is recommended as agent on the Brazos. I wish you to get acquainted with him. I will approve one after you all return! Salute the Commissioners,-my friends, and the Chiefs.-We must have the Indians to forage on the Mexican frontier &c. but let them be humane, and kind to all women, children, and all defenceless persons. Do the best you can, and if anything should arise send me an Express, and if the Chiefs will come down to see me, Mr. Owen will come in conduct of them, and take them safe back again. This is important. Sam Houston [ Rubric] [P.S.] If the Chiefs would prefer a meeting again in the Spring, I would as soon meet them at that time as in the Fall. Houston 1 From Mr. Al Dealey's Collection of Houston Letters. This letter is in the handwriting of Washington D. Miller.
Powered by FlippingBook