WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
397
ceived that it would return immediately. I regard that event as entirely problematical. Sam Houston. 1 Exec11ti'.ve Record Book, No. 40, pp. 248-249, Texas State Library. William B1·yan. See Houston to the House of Representatives, January 27, 1842.
To GEORGE W. HILL1 Executive Department, Washington, May 30th 1843.
To Hon. G. '\V. Hill, Commissioner, &c. Sir - You will proceed to Red River as Commissioner of this government for the purpose of attending the Grand Indian Coun- cil, to meet, as I am informed, at some place near the Wichetaw. You will see the officers of the government of the United States, who will attend on that nccasion. You will communicate to them the Indian talk with which you are furnished, and open to them freely the objects of your mission. You will solicit their kind offices, as the government of Texas has had assurances from His Excellency, the President of the United States that he entertains a sincere desire that peace should be consummated between the people of Texas and the Indians on our borders. The talk will be communicated to all the Indians, unless the course should be disapproved by the officers of the United States Government who may be present. This precaution is designed to preserve harmony and promote the objects of your mission. But if the council should be holden within the limits of Texas, you will be governed by your own discretion. It is very desirable that the chiefs residing within the limits of the Republic should attend the council at Bird's Fort, on the Trinity, which is to meet at the full moon in August. You will accordingly request their attendance. Knowing as y-ou do the object and disposition of this govern- ment to promote peace, you will pursue such a course, directed by your discretion as will seem to you, most conducive to the purposes in view. As Bird's Fort is remote from the settlements, and the diffi- culty great in procuring supplies, it will be well to suggest that those who may attend of the Indians, should come supplied with provisions.
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