Their horses were noble animals, and
of great value, their saddles richly embossed with gold and silver. The
display of so much wealth excited all the worst propensities of the
Texan populace, who resolved at any price to obtain possession of so
splendid a booty. While the chiefs were making their speeches of peace
and amity, a few hundred Texan blackguards rushed into the room with
their pistols and knives, and began their work of murder. All the
Indians fell, except one, who succeeded in making his escape; but though
the Comanches were quite unarmed, they sold their lives dearly, for
eighteen Texans were found among the slain.
I will close this chapter with a few remarks upon the now acknowledged
republic of Texas.
The dismemberment of Texas from Mexico was effected by the reports of
extensive gold-mines, diamonds, &c., which were to be found there, and
which raised the cupidity of the eastern speculators and land-jobbers of
the United States. But in all probability this appropriation would never
have taken place if it had not been that the southern states of America
had, with very different views, given every encouragement to
the attempt.
The people of Louisiana and the southern states knew the exact value of
the country, and laughed at the idea of its immense treasures.
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