WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1844
293
To GEORGE W. HILL1
Houston, 6th, April, 1844.
To Hon. G. W. Hill, My dear Sir,- I send Mr. W. Winn to the treaty on business, and as Secretary to the commission. You will see him I hope. I desire that you should be on the ground. If Smith does not attend, I wish you to act as commissioner, and for that purpose, I have left a blank in the address of my instructions. If Smith should desire that you should lend your aid and counsel, if it should be necessary, and if any difficulties arise, try and have them removed and a treaty made. I was resolved to have been there myself, but I now find that I am compelled to go to the Island on business, growing out of our foreign relations. Instead of their becoming simplified, I find them very complicated and not in the most pleasant position. I must try and "red them up" in the best manner possible. I "~ill leave Mrs. H. and Sam here, and if possible I will be at the treaty by the 20th inst. I wish you to see my instructions to the commissioners. I learn that Major Western is indisposed, and may not attend the treaty. Do the best you can. Thine truly, Sam Houston [Rubric] "'Houston's Private Executive Record Book," pp. 515-516, courtesy of Mr. Franklin Williams. For Rm, see Volume III, 273-274.
To J. C. NEILL AND LEONARD H. WILLIAMS'
City of Houston, 6th April, 1844. To Colonels J.C. Neill~ and Leonard H. Williams,3 Commissioners, at Tawoccano Creek: Gentlemen- Being necessarily detained here on official busi- ness, it will not be in my power to be at the treaty ground so soon as I anticipated. It may be that I cannot reach there during the time expected-say the 20th instant. If I should not, you will proceed to make the treaty, as nearly conformable to the draft which I sent to you, as you can. You may vary it in such way as may be needful for the good of the country and the preserva- tion of peace. If peace is made, you will make such presents to the Comanches and other chiefs of the tribes as may be necessary; say, to the
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