WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
311
confidence in thefr pledges, when interest might have induced their violation. This dispatch is written because several days would. elapse before an Express could reach Washington and return. It would at least delay communications a fort.night, therefore, as the business is important, I do not care for official formality. The substance is what I am now after, and for that reason, I write. Sam Houston To Hon. Isaac Van Zandt, Genl. J. P. Henderson. 1 Frnm the Collection of John H. Gundlach, St. Louis, Missouri; also in G. P. Garrison (ed.), Diplomat1'c Corresp<>ndence of the Republic of Texas, II, 274-276. Extracts to be found in C. E. Lester, Sam Ho11sto11, 214.
MAY, 1844-JUNE, 1844 TO THOMAS G. WESTERN 1
City of Houston, May 1st, 1844. To Maj. Thomas G. Western\ Superintendent of Indian Affairs: Sir- I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your official note of the 25th ultimo. I am gratified at its contents. The disposition of the Indians, in their locality, at this time is such that I cannot expect a general meeting until September next. By the last of that month may be the best time for a; council to meet at Tawoccano Creek. You will -give notice to this effect, and I will there make them presents. I will expect to see the Comanches. It is difficult for them to understand when an appointment is made for a council. You will, therefore, direct them to come at the first change of the leaves from green to yellow. The buffalo, too, will be convenient and abundant at that season. The commissioners will be directed what presents to make, and to remain no longer at present, but to return. Col. Williams 3 I will desire to remain at the trading house, if he can do so, as an agent; and with the additional salary of an inter- preter, which will be in all seven hundred and fifty dollars per annum. This will be some recompense for leaving and remaining absent from his family. You will be stationed at that point, after you have come to Washington and possessed the Executive of your general as well as special intelligence, in relation to your duties. Our relations may soon be changed from a sovereignty to the integral part of sovereignty. If this should be the ca~e, I wish
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