WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
371
him that the same man is not the chief of Texas at this time who was when their chiefs were killed at Bexar~-that he looks upon such things with abhorence-that both parties are to forget all past injuries and that for the future we are to be friends. Also, that the chief who made war with all the Indians in Texas has left it and will never return again to bring trouble upon them. When they make peace, they shall come to our trading houses where they will find friends, but not enemies. Tell them that I expect them in early August, when the moon is full, at the great council to be held at Bird's Fort on the Trinity, which will be ninety four days from this date. Tell the chief that I expect he will send runners to all the tribes of the Comanches with talks of peace, and say to them that the tomahawk is buried-that there is to be no more blood in the path, and that I wish the head chiefs of each band to attend at the council; and that no more horses· are to be stolen. You will tell him to bring all the prisoners which they have of ours to the council, and that their prisoners shall be there also. As proof of it, I send him two of theirs without ransom. If the Comanches have been deceived by our people, they will never again be told falsehoods. The same chief who sends this talk, made a treaty with the Comanches at Houston, and whilst he was chief it was not broken. It was broken by bad men, and the whites as well as the Comanches have had much trouble and sorrow since that time. Let us forget our sorrows and live like brothers. There is room enough for the Comanches in the prairies. They shall hunt their buffalo and the white men will not harm them. When they come to the white men in peace; they shall be met as brothers and trouble will not more come amongst us. I have not sent the chief the uniform coat, and the four men which he wishes for hostages. When he makes peace and comes to see me, I will give him the uniform coat, and will make him presents-such as one brother will give to another, who had come on a long journey to see him. I am sure he will believe my talk. The Delawares will tell him that I am a friend to the red men-that I have grown up among them, and have lived with them since I have been a man. I have never told a red man a lie, nor have I ever turned away from my friends. When I take him and his people by the hands, I will never turn away from them; but while they keep peace and treat us as brothers, I will always be their friend and never forget them. Nor shall the winds scatter my words.
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