V\TRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1843
163
tribe, and when the captives were delivered, the chiefs would again be at liberty and all would be well. Captain Howard proceeded to place sentinels at the doors and windows of the room, and drew up his men ready for any eventuality. This movement angered the chiefs, especially when they were told that the soldiers were their guards, so they gave the signal, and a regular melee followed, in which the Indians lost thirty chiefs and warriors, three women and two children, killed; while twenty- seven women and children, and two old men were taken prisoners. The Texan loss was seven killed and eight wounded. According to their custom, the Indians had brought along with them for trade, about a hundred horses, and many buffalo robes and other valuable peltries. All these fell to the victors as spoils. Then, at the request of the Indian prisoners, one old squaw was released, was given a good ho1·se, was well provisioned, and told to go carry the news of the affray to her people, and to tell them that as soon as the white prisoners should be brought in to their friends, the Indian captives would likewise be at liberty. It was not long before a white flag was seen on a near-by hill. It proved to be the white captives brought in by the Indians. This was the end of the "Council House Fight," for the time being, but it inflamed the hostility of the Indians towards the Texans, and was the cause of many brutal massacres in the year following. See John Henry Brown, Indian Wars a,nd Pioneers of Texas, 76-78, also his History of Texas, II, 175-177; Johnson-Barker, Texas and Texans, I, 463-465 (this account gives Colonel Hugh McLeod's official report of the episode.)
To A. BRIGHAM 1
vVashington, February 16, 1843
Major A. Brigham, Treasurer, You will please pay the bearer, Mr. Mortimer, twenty six dollars in Exchequer money, or equivalent to thirteen Dollars "par'' agreeably to the within account~ Charge the same to the contingent deposits Sam Houston Received of A. Brigham, Treasurer, Twenty Six Dollars Ex- chequer Bills -- Washington, Feby. 16th 1843. Thos. V. Mortimer per P. bremond 'Original document in possession of Mrs. Madge W. Hearne, by whose courtesy this copy has been made.
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