WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
161
obstacles to a treaty. The commissioners must exercise such a discretion in the arrangement to be made as will secure the great- est advantage to Texas without imposing unjust conditions upon the Indians. Goel will ratify all the advantages which may arise to either party under equitable stipulations; for He hates fraud, imposition, oppression, and injustice; and these have produced all the evils which have afflicted Texas from this source. Mr. Beasley has informed me, that one great obstacle will be the massacre of the Indians at Bexar.~ I have always condemned it. The chiefs of Texas will never sanction such conduct, and I will punish any man who does injustice to the Indians. On the subject of the Delawares and Shawnees, I will say: I have known them from my boyhood. They are a brave, honest, upright people. Many of them I have known personally, and have had business transactions with them. They have never deceived me. They never told me a falsehood. I would rely upon any promises they may make. If Linney, the Shawnee Chief, is there, tell him I remember him as a brother. I always spoke truth to him. He will re- member my words. He and his people were wronged, but I was not in Texas, nor did I know of it until I returned. The men who injured him and his people are not remembered by good men, nor are they permitted to walk in council. Their voices are silent. With these Indians you will make such arrangements, as you may think proper, and permit them to plant corn, &c., &c., at a convenient distance from the whites. They will be faithful to us; and would, if necessary, form a barrier to any Indians who might wish to commit aggression. If you make an arrangement with them, tell them that an agent shall be sent amongst them to see that justice is done to them; and they shall have the privi- lege of our trading houses as all other of our friendly brothers. General Burleson has advised me that the high waters have swept off the fencing around, and much injured his plantation, and that he cannot attend the council. Captain Elliot could not attend as he is detained at Galveston in expectation of despatches from England. Governor Pierce lVI. Butler, Indian agent for the Cherokees in Arkansas, has been appointed commissioner on the part of the United States; and it is possible he may be at the ·waco Village at the treaty. I have heard from the prisoners. Some of them are on their way under charge of Col. Watson and Capt. Yorke. You may, if
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