270
WRITINGS OF SAM HousTON, 1831-1832
of the North! This is one point upon which the Dept of War in- structed me, and upon which the Secretary of War, may be very anxious to obtain information! T'o reach the wild Indians at this season will be difficult, and only practicable, by way of St. Antone. I wish to set out for that point in six days, and pro- ceed as directly as possible. It is probable at this time, or by the time I can reach there, that the Kimanchies may be within few hundred miles of that place; if so I will endeavor to see them. It will probably be the best plan, as they are friendly with the citi- zens of Texas, and trade with the American population of that Province. Should I be enabled to meet with the Pawnees or Kimanchies, if nothing else can be effected, I will concert signals with them, by which they can be approached with safety, next spring, on the Red River, or in its neighbourhood Since the murder of two soldiers in this vicinity about four years since, by the Pawnees there has been no intercourse be- tween citizens of the U States, and those Tribes - which circum- stance, may or may not be favorable to a Treaty with them. I will remark upon the Kimanchie character, that they are intelli- .gent, and were formerly, much disposed to cultivate, peace, and intercourse, with citizens of the U States. There is little doubt but what they have a pretty correct general idea of our Govern- ment-- They believe we have one Great Chief and that he has a general superintendance over the Red People, who are in Treaty with us, and that he sends presents to them! It would be of no great importance to treat with the Pawnees alone, as they are said to be under the dominion of the Kiman- chies. Hence the propriety of embracing all the Bands of both Tribes, for the establishment of permanent peace to the Indian frontiers! I do not suppose it will be in my power to make another report to you, until, I reach the U. States, on my return, when I hope to have it in my power to make a report that will be satisfactory, and may lead to some result, of a truly beneficial character to the Government as well as to the Indians. I hope you will be so kind as to forward a copy of this com- munication to the Sec'y of War! It will lay before him all the information in my possession, and supercede the necessity of a direct report from me at this time. The impossibility of ob- taining a Delegation of th~ Indians from the Kimanchies & Pawnees, this winter, to unite in a general council, at Fort Gib- son, you will at once see, nor do I think it possible to achieve 1t
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