195
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1842
To GEORGE W. TERRELL AND OTHERS, INDIAN COMMISSIONERS 1 Executive Department, Washington, November 13th, 1842. To Messrs. G. W. Terrell, &c., &c., Indian Commissioners:!! Gentlemen - I have accidentally heard from you as often as three times since your departure, not by despatch, but orally. It would have gratified me extremely, upon the presentation of any impediment to your mission, to have communicated with me by express. From rumor I learn that the Indians have not arrived owing to some misunderstanding which took place with the commissioners who met them on Red River. I hope it will be attended with no serious impediment to the treaty. The weather has been such as to prevent either the procurement or transportation of the presents that were designed by the Execu- tive; nor was it possible to have the prisoners assembled and delivered over, owing to the high waters. If the chiefs will designate any white man in connexion with the commissioners, he shall be despatched for the purpose of collecting the prisoners, and restoring them to their friends; as it is the earnest desire of the government that not one should remain a moment longer than they can be given up to their rela- tions. They are principally on the Colorado and its waters, which have been higher and more difficult of crossing than has ever been known at this season of the year by the oldest inhabitants. These things will satisfy our red brethren that our anxiety is to restore all their people that are prisoners amongst us - to re- ceive ours-to trade with them- and to preserve mutual peace. You can allow a reasonable time for the collection and restora- tion of the prisoners; and the chiefs can designate some person, who may remain with and be under the protection of Mr. Stroud, 3 for the purpose of receiving them. I desire to know by what means, the treaty negotiated on Red River obtained publicity; because, if there is a failure now to conclude a treaty and estab- lish proper regulations with the Indians, I shall attribute it to that entirely. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Reconl Book, No. 40, pp. 156-157, Texas State Library. 2 E. W. Winkler (ed.), Seaet Jow·nals of the Senate, Republic of 1'<'.ras, 1836-1845, pp. 288-293, gives the personnel of this commission and the treaty signed at Bird's Fort, September 29, 1843. The following names
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