WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,3
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was aware, too, of the influence you wielded over all the Indian tribes with which you were acquainted. Those circumstances taken into consideration inspired me with confidence that the exertions which you would employ would secure the great object of a treaty. The conduct of our commissioners. who were sent to Red River has presented many embarrassments, which I hope are now about to be obviated. They affected to have done much, when really all they did had a tendency to produce confusion. I imagine they met with a few indifferent fellows who assumed to be captains, and they regarded and treated them as such. For the considerations bestowed on them by the commissioners, they were disposed to requite them by most extravagant promises. Accordingly everything was promised and nothing performed. Some of the commissioners were honest and trustworthy, whilst others, I apprehend, were influenced by considerations of pe- cuniary benefit. If we succeeded in a treaty, whilst I shall cherish the recollection of your influential and friendly agency in the matter, I will omit nothing that can give permanency to peace and establish such relations with the Indians as will be of mutual benefit between them and the whites. It is a very important matter, and one that requires constant vigilance, with authority sustained by law. Perhaps the Americans are as little disposed to be controlled by the mere force of law as any people on the face of the globe. Every man wishes to set up for himself; and at once becomes the arbiter of right between himself and his adversary whoever he may be. It will be the constant aim of this Government to arrest the exercise of this principle. It is ruinous to harmony between nations, and in- creases the wretchedness and insecurity of the unoffending por- tion of the community. I take pleasure in communicating to you by this express, the laws of the last session of our Congress. I had previously sent a copy by a villainous fellow, who has run off with supplies sent to the commissioners! You will find the law respecting Indian intercourse, contained in the volume. It was originally drawn by my direction, but you will receive it mutilated and garbled by the wisdom of Congress. Unless it had been vetoed, I was obliged to receive it as it is. I hope it will answer some good purpose. I regret that you could not find it convenient to pass this place. It would have afforded me much pleasure to greet you
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