WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
496
TO THE TORREY BROTHERS 1 Executive Department, Washington, December 23d., 1843. To Messrs. Torrey & Brothers : Gentlemen-From information lately received from the Falls of the Brazos, it is ascertained that there are now at that point and in its neighborhood a considerable number of Indians of various tribes, who have come down to trade. It is said they have large amounts of peltries, and some of them specie, which they are anxious to exchange for goods. But there are no goods there; and hence they were in that respect very much disap- pointed. Major Porter 2 and others say, it is 'Very important that goods should be provided for them, otherwise they will look for a market elsewhere. New there is a fair opportunity of begin- ning a profitable business with them; and if it be at all possible, I would advise you to send up at the earliest possible day a supply of the most essential articles of traffic-powder, lead, blankets, &c.,&c. For the present you may open your establishment on the border of the settlements-say at the Falls; and as soon as circum- stances will permit, you can place your trading house at some point more convenient to the trade. Sloat and Sanchez have been gone about a week on their way to see the Comanches, so as to have them at a council in April next. Among the Indians at the Falls is a chief sent in by the Comanches to learn the true disposition of the whites towards them, &c. I expect him and several other chiefs down at this place by the end of the first week in January. The prospect for a peace is good. Do not omit to send goods if practicable. Much may be lost to yourself and the country by not doing so. Sam Houston. 1Executive Reco,·d Book, No. 40, p. 291, Texas State Library. 2 Major Robert H. Porter. See Houston to Benjamin Bryant, July 8, 1843.
TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1 Executive Department, Washington, Dec. 26th, 1843.
To the Honorable the House of Representatives: In compliance with a resolution of your Honorable Body I have the honor to communicate herewith, various statements and
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