Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/363

 white brothers, and you know they intend to have peace. As the chief of all this nation, I wish to make peace with all the red brothers. I have spoken to you, and you know what my words are. The talk which you brought from the Comanches and other red people is good. My ears were open to hear it, and my heart rejoiced that there was to be no more blood in the path between us. You will now turn your face to the Comanches and Kiaways and to all the red people. You will take the words of the chief of Texas with you. Their ears will be open, and they will listen to what you have to say to them.

You will tell them what I have said about peace and the words which 1 have spoken about prisoners. If ours are brought, they shall have all theirs. In about two and a.half moons I wish the Comanches to meet us in council at Tahwoccany Creek. I will expect all the Comanche chiefs to be there that the tomahawks may be buried, and that no more blood may be shed, or mischief done till the grass ceases to grow and the water to run. Their prisoners will all be there to go home with their people, and ours must be there also. Before then I will try and send traders up to the Kechi villageAt the treaty-ground there will be corn, tobacco, and some lead to give to those who are friendly and make peace—for we will never give these things to those who are our enemies.

You can say to those tribes which make corn, that they may settle down in their villages, and that I will send them hoes and axes, and when we get the trading-houses built, that I will send them many other presents. This will not be done to buy peace, but to help our friends to make corn and other things for their women and children to eat.

I want you to take this talk in a hurry, that the Comanches, Kiaways, and other red brothers may come to the council at the time spoken of. After the treaty is made an agent will stay at the trading-house near the treaty-ground. The agent will send me your talk in writing, and if any mischief is done to your people, you will not get mad till you hear from me, and I will have the men punished that did wrong. If the young men of your nations do bad, or say that they will not walk in your counsel, you must punish them, or it will bring trouble upon your women and children. You have seen me and talked with me and heard my words. You know I will not lie—and therefore keep them in your heart.

Your brother,

, May 2, 1844.




 * —— I was happy to hear from you. My heart swelled with pleasure. I remembered that we were friends, and that the path between us was white. I was sorry that the Comanches did not come down to the treaty, but I expect them when the leaves turn yellow. In four moons I will expect some chiefs; when green corn is to be eaten. If you can come down with the Commissioners, I will wish you to do so.