532
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1860
been absent from the Reserve at any time during the last four months. Thousands of horses have been stolen and from all the evi- dence before me I am convinced that they all have gone beyond Red River to find a market. I would take it as a great favor if you would try to gain through the Indians, if possible, some information in relation to this matter. Your connection and association with the Indians induces me to think that some inquiry into the matter might perhaps elicit such information as would lead to the detection and punishment of such villainies. I cannot believe that the Indians upon your reserve have had anything to do with these depredations, but the people upon the frontier are so impressed, and so it is to satisfy myself and dis- abuse their minds ·that I make this request. And I know that when you are apprised that over sixty persons have been killed, and most of them scapled and over two thousand horses stolen within four months you will readily cooperate with me in fer- reting out these murderers and thieves. I have a suspicion that most of the horses find their way either to Levenworth, or the Clear Fork of the Canadian on the borders of the Missouri and Arkansas. Be pleased to let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Sam Houston. 1 Executive Reco1·ds, 1859-1861, p. 103, Texas State Library. S. A. Blair was Indian Agent at Fort Arbuckle. See Houston to James Buchanan, Febuary 17, 1860. To CHARLES s. JoNEs 1 Austin, Texas, March 20, 1860. My dear Sir, I thank you for the beautiful present that you sent to me. It came sa.fe and sound to hand, and it is the finset metal I have ever seen or used in white pine. I will soon send to your lady a specimen of its use, which you will please present with my best respects. I was sorry when you were here that I could not show you my household. Mrs. Houston is now better than she has been since our removal to this place. My press of business is even greater than when you were here.
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