WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
312
I I I l
to be able to render such an account of my stewardship as will neither cause my friends to blush for me, nor to leave my country anyth~ng to deplore. The supply of corn to which you allude, was intended to answer the purposes of the council; and you will issue it in such quan- tities as will enable it to hold out. A show of liberality is gratifying to an Indian; but they would rather realize its benefits. If beeves have to be obtained, propose to purchase them at fair prices at government account. If that cannot be done, you will direct such number to be procured from Mr. Ethan Stroud' as will be necessary. If he should refuse to let you have them, you will have them taken by impressment, then valued, and used for the government. You will see that all the issues are made with care, and in such manner as the necessities of the Indians require. I will require of you an invoice of all the presents purchased; and you will render a strict account of the manner of their distribution, the names of the chiefs to whom issued, with a list of articles presented to each chief, with their value, as well as the presents which have been forwarded to you for distribu- tion. I desire much if it js convenient, that Acaquash should come down with you, and some two or three other chiefs-such as you may think proper. I should like much to see Jose Maria. You must see that good care is taken of Luis Sanchez, and that he is furnished with everything that he may want, or that you may think needful. Bring no more down with you than are necessary, for it incurs considerable expense and trouble to us. The amount expended in bearing their expenses to Washington had better be given them in presents at the trading house. I am much gratified that Mr. Sloatr. has succeeded so well; and desire that you will express to him my high approbation of his conduct. You will compare the intelligence which I send you, with that of the commissioners; and after conferring with them, and making the presents to the Indians, you will assure them that it is my intention to meet them at Tawoccano Creek on the last of I September next. I will then expect confident1y to meet the Com- anche chiefs, with my other red brothers, and make a lasting peace under the eye of the Great Spirit, and make to them such presents as will be proper and agreeable. I expect that Gov. Butler will be there in September. If it should be the desire of Luis Sanchez, you will bring him down
! i
. I I
' ~ I • I I I '
Powered by FlippingBook