WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1859
226
their place of retreat. It will identify them with the transaction, and they will be exposed to that punishment which they will then justly deserve. If you do not locate them in some place, they will be migratory throughout the whole region, and they will neces- sarily depredate upon the frontiers of Texas, or from the Eastern portion of the United States to California. It is indispensable that this western reservation should be immediately established. We have had clearly demonstrated the advantages resulting from two reservations on the Brazos River. There, the Indians are progressing in agricultural pursuits, in adopting civilized man- ners and customs; and they are industrious. They have already become attached to the modes of life which they now pursue in preference to that to which they were heretofore subject. They were uncertain in the acquisition of the means of subsistence for their families on former occasions. They were part of the year, in a state of starvation; but, after the adoption of this coloniz- ing, or reserve system, they have been brought into bodies which cultivate large fields of corn, they produce many vegetables and other conveniences; and at their leisure season, they go and kill their wild meat and bring it in and pack it away. When the inclement season arrives, they have every comfort and con- venience around them; and their wives and children are sheltered. They are protected so long as they remain on their reservation, or when they go on hunting parties, for then agents are sent with them for the purpose of conducting them. Every benefit that could have been anticipated has resulted from that system up to the present time. We, also see the beneficial effects of the reserve system result- ing in the neighborhood of these existing reserves, and if another reserve is placed west of them, it would be a check on the Comanches who traverse that region between the extreme frontiers of our settlements and El Paso. The very moment that you suspend this project, the Indians who have 'already been apprised of the design of the Government to establish an ad- ditional reserve, will impute a change from this plan to a dis- inclination on the part of the Government to favor them, or to be friendly to them; and it will subject our frontiers to aggression, to injury, and to be broken up. Every benefit results on the one hand, and every injury is to be anticipated on the other. I hope that the measure will not be suspended. It was adopted upon mature reflection, and is a sound measure of policy. I believe it to be wise; I believe it to be expedient; I believe that we shall not be able to substitute any plan in lieu of it that will be
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