WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1842
33
Good pickets and cabins should be placed at the trading houses and a good lot enclosed with stout rails. From what I know of the people on the Brazos they would not hesitate to volunteer, when they see the advantages which would result from such an establishment. It would be of advantage to the farmer, for he could procure mules and many other articles which would be brought by the Indians. I wish to see the people there and suggest to them my wishes to give them security, by such means as I think will ensure the object. Let me know by what means peace could be made with the Indians. If they can be seen, I will have peace- for it is to their interest to make peace and preserve it. By this means, I am satisfied it will not cost the government one dollar to the hundred ,vhich have been expended to keep up a mockery of war. If peace is made with the Indians, I will appoint an agent for them, and use every exertion in my power to benefit the frontier, that our citizens may cultivate their farms in peace and free from alarms. In a war with Mexico, the friendship of the Comanches would deprive the enemy of all their horses. After a peace, from ten to twenty men at the trading houses, respectively, would at all times be a sufficient guard. You would be enabled to command the trade from the head waters of the Trinity to the Rio Grande, which now only finds a market at Coffee's or at Santa Fe. Our frontiers ,vill suffer no longer, nor will that of our friends. The United States can pro- tect theirs; and when the Indians learn that those with whom they trade on the Brazos are the same people who live at Bexar, Austin, and on the Trinity, they will cease to make war upon us. The frontier will then be safe. Keep me advised at all times of any and all important intelli- gence. I have not leisure to enter into a full detail of matters- nor indeed to condense my views- for a thousand things are fast pressing upon me. Do request the people not to make the Lipans and the Ton- cahuas our enemies. As friends, they will be of great use; as enemies they would be very annoying; and at this time Texas has €nough to do with old enemies. I do not wish to provoke any new
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