firm and lasting peace. When the path between us is smooth and white, and all trouble removed from our footsteps, we shall then know that you are our friends and not our enemies. When the Great Spirit smiles, clouds and darkness are taken away from our path. When He frowns, war and death and trouble come upon us. Let us listen to the counsels of the old men. Let us live like brothers and be happy.
When the pipe of peace is smoked, you may come to see me, and none will do you harm. The white and the red men will meet as brothers. The Comanches once made peace with me at Houston.
We smoked together, and they returned safely to their people. But a bad chief came in my place, and bad traders went among them and carried trouble with them. At a council in San Antonio many Comanche chiefs were killed by bad men. I was then far away, and did not hear of it till it was over. I was filled with sorrow. My heart was sad. The man who counseled to do this bad thing is no longer a chief in Texas. His voice is no longer heard among the people, and he has no more power to harm the red men.
These things shall no more take place. We must forget our sorrows, and walk together like brothers in the path of peace.
Our people have suffered, and we have done each other much harm. War has been among us; and the white and the red warrior have been killed We have prisoners and your people have prisoners of ours. When we meet in council they shall be exchanged. The white and red prisoners shall all return to their homes, and we will take prisoners no more. When you see the red prisoners they will tell you that they have been well treated. They have not been hurt; and when our prisoners are brought to the council you will find yours there also.
I send m.y war counselor to invite the chiefs of our red brothers in Texas and on the borders, to meet in council at Bird's Fort on the Trinity, at the full moon in August. The chiefs of the white and red men will there sit around the same fire and smoke the pipe of peace. Many of our Delaware, Shawnee, Waco, Caddo, other friends and brothers will be there. They have made peace, and will speak for us.
Our great brother, the President of the United States, is anxious to see peace established between Texas and all the red people. The chiefs he sends to you will say so.
A talk like this has been sent to the Comanches by our Delaware brothers, and white chiefs, who will see them, and invite them to the council.
Executive Department,
Washington, May 30, 1843.
LETTER TO A-CAH-QUASH.
TO: A-Cah-Quash, Waco Chief:
My Brother:— I send you my friend to shake you by the hand, and tell you that my heart is still warm toward you. Col. Eldredge has told me all
