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WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1844
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I am much pleased with the talk that their chiefs sent me. I regret much that Luis Sanchez has been indisposed, because he is a good man, and greatly useful to the object of peace. If he is able to return to the Comanches, he will be the best man to send. On the subject of the presents, which are to be made to the Indians, I would remark that presents not exceeding one hundred (100) dollars to each tribe at the treaty, in proportion to their necessities, will be made of goods which will be procured from Mr. Torrey, and delivered to the principal chiefs of each tribe, and will be made in addition to the presents which I have already directed. It will be recollected that those I have directed are composed of tin ware, some tomahawks, spears, cooking utensils, ammunition for killing game, tobacco, hoes, axes, &c., &c. These are not to be included in the amounts to be given to the head chiefs of each tribe. Care ought to be observed in the distribu- tion of presents, according to the necessities of the different bands, and every possible means used in furnishing them with seed corn, and such vegetables as will be beneficial to the support of their women and children. I have not my former instructions before me at this time; and if more ammunition is necessary for the killing of game for the subsistence of the women and children than has been allowed, you will direct Acaquash, with some two ·or three other chiefs, to come down with Col. Neill, and the persons who return with him from the treaty, to see me. I will then make such arrange- ments as will procure abundance for their women and children. If it is necessary for Acaquash to come dov.rn, I wish Col. Williams to come down as an interpreter, if it should not be necessary for him to go to the Comanches immediately. You will be informed that some Wacoes have been killed out in the neighborhood of the Colorado, charged with having stolen horses. They were pursued and killed, and the horses taken from them. If this is true, I am very sorry for it. Let Acaquash be informed that if this is true, not to make war upon our people until he has seen me, and we have counselled together, and if it is wrong I will satisfy him and his people. We have bad men amongst the whites, and there are bad men among the Indians; and chiefs must not let them bring trouble upon the women and children. It will be best that Acaquash should come to see me. He is an honest man and a true friend ; and deserves presents from this
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