WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1858
169
"That country, for 'a number of years, has been a general rendezvous for horse thieves, viz: Witchitas, Keechieus, Kick- apoos, .and renegades from other tribes, who have carried on a very lucrative trade with Indian and white traders from the Creeks and Cherokees, and white traders from Arkansas, as a large portion of the horses stolen from Texas have been disposed of in this very Territory; also, the fact is that it will be absolutely necessary to concentrate the several bands of Comanches at one point before they can be fully controlled. The Witchitas inter- marry with the Wacos, &c., and there is a friendly intercourse generally between the Indians who must be settled on that reserve and the Indians of Texas; and most of the supplies for that agency must be procured, and can be purchased at a cheaper rate, from Texas than from any other point-that reserve being about one hundred miles nearer to the Texas agencies than to any other established agency. I would also recommend that the Comanches now settled in Texas be removed to that reserve as early as prac- ticable, and the present reserve be abandoned ; also, the establish- ment of a military post on said reserve of sufficient strength for its protection." This was the recommendation of the superintendent. My late honorable colleague, General Rusk, was familiarly acquainted with this region of country. He had been there in quest of Indians. He knew all about their tribal character. He knew their affinities and relationships. He knew all about the true policy of the country in relation to those Indians, and particularly what was required for the protection of Texas; and what did he say? Major Neighbors' letter, from which I have read an extract, was submitted to the Department, with this indorsement: "I have examined the foregoing communication, and entirely approve the recommendation it contains. "Thomas J. Rusk." That was the language of Rusk. Was there any action taken upon his recommendation? If there was not, it would have been treating him with very little respect; but it was attended to, and Commissioner Manypenny, in his communication of the 19th March, 1857, says: "With reference to the new reservation west of the Chickasaws, and the suggestion made by you in relation thereto, the opinion of the Secretary of the Interior has been obtained, and there does
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