253
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 18-14
It is expected that you will be and remain with both these tribes as much as possible, and superintend all matters connected with their well-being and the peace and safety of the citizens of the Republic. You will see that they commit no depredations of any kind, and with this object in mind you will keep them as far as practicable out of the limits of the settlements. You will restrain them from the use of all intoxicating liquors; and to effect this the better course will be to permit no person to furnish the same to them. You will be permitted to trade with them in such articles as they may need and such as may not be prejudicial to their welfare, and you will restrain other persons from trading with them, as in almost all such cases they lose their property without any beneficial return. You will make frequent reports to the President detailing their numbers, condition, and all circumstances affecting in any im- portant manner either the Indians or the Texians. You will receive as compensation for your services two hundred and fifty dollars per annum. Sam Houston [Rubric] 1 Papers on Jndicm Affairs; also Executive Reco,·d Book, No. 40, p. 338, Texas State Library.
TO J. PINCI{NEY HENDERSON 1
Private
Washington, Texas, 10th February, 1844.
My dear Henderson: I thank you for your favor from Gal- veston. I have only time to tell you that important despatches have reached us from the United States (generally) as well as from Mr. Van Zandt. Now, as I learn, this can find conveyance in the morning, and the Secretary of State has rode out of town, I avail myself of the chance to say to you, by all means come directly to Washington. You will then be on your way to Washington City, as the complexion of affairs will justify the movement. Matters are quite ripe, if we are to judge from developments making on the subject of annexation. The lions are all stirred up, and the menagerie is quite full, if the action of our small members in Congress has not spoiled the show. Matters appear about right, if they will only advance. You will be somewhat amused when you come to see all. I hope you will
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