encamped in the splendid forest which covers the undulating ground, on the opposite side of Buffalo Bayou, where the city is situated, a 'big talk' was arranged with the president, General Sam Houston, and the cabinet of Texas, at which Mr. Crawford, who was then upon his visit to that country, was invited to be present.

"The 'talk' was held in the 'White House' of Texas, General Houston's residence, then a log cabin, consisting of a passage or hall, open at both ends, and a room of very moderate dimensions on each side.

"On the anniversary of the battle of San Jacinto, (21st of April,) a lofty flag-staff had been erected in Main-street, and, on this occasion, a splendid silk flag of the new republic was, for the first time, displayed from it.

"Around this flag several hundreds of Indians and Squaas danced a grand war-dance. Such exhibitions have been too often described to require a particular account here. They began moving round the centre like so many radii, as is done in the Flowerdance when represented on the stage, accompanying the movement to a dull and monotonous sort of humming music of their own voices, which became quicker and quicker till they got into very rapid motion, with shouts and yells occasionally, and, all at once, they stopped, and suddenly dispersed. After this, the chiefs adjourned to the 'talk.'

"These consisted of some six elderly and very sedate grave gentlemen, who were seated around a table, and communicated through an interpreter. The latter appeared a very intelligent, middled-aged man, and seemed to possess the implicit confidence of the chiefs. In presence of Mr. Crawford, they were made to intimate their friendly disposition to the new rulers, and received assurance of their protection in return. General Houston, having ordered the interpreter to inform them that there was an officer of their Great Father across the water present, in the person of Mr. Crawford, they expressed their disbelief, by looking, as it were, melancholy, serious, and all shook their heads. General Hous

ton then asked Mr. Crawford to stand forward, and took down his (Mr. Crawford's) sword, which, being an old one, such as used to be worn in the navy, had a crown and anchor on the handle. Upon seeing these emblems their doubt seemed to vanish, as they all stood up, and one by one, in the most composed manner, examined the sword carefully. They then returned it, muttering two or three words; all bowed their heads, and, in token of assent, uttered a sort of 'ugh.' Immediately afterwards, the oldest advanced to Mr. Crawford, took him by the right hand, and commenced a sort of manipulation up the arm, grasping it strongly, as if feeling the muscles at short distances quite up to the shoulder. Mr. Crawford was desired to do the like to the veteran chief, which he did. He had to go through exactly the same ceremony with all the other chiefs, ending with the youngest. After the whole was ended, it was explained to Mr. Crawford that he was recognized to be treated as a chief by their tribes, and that he was known as such, and would be so received should he pass their country. So ended 'the Talk.'

"In the afternoon the presents were delivered, and instant distribution commenced, each carrying away his respective share. Tobacco seemed, of all the articles they received, to be the most esteemed. Drunkenness then began, and at last General Houston had to send round to the liquor stores to request that no more whisky should be sold, which had the effect of inducing them quietly to retire to their camp, but the woods rang nearly all night with their yells. Amongst them was a very finely formed youth, who wore the large silver badge which was given to his father by General Jackson, whose faithful guide he had been for years through the intricate wilds of the far west.'"

In the preceding narrative the reader will not fail to observe the respect paid even by those Indians of the south to their "Great Mother" (our gracious Queen) across the water. Their acquaintance with

F F

the emblems of British royalty, and their readiness to admit Her Majesty's representative, Mr. Crawford, to the rank of a chief amongst them, are no less remarkable. These facts confirm my opinion (stated in page 235) of the practicability of Great Britain and Mexico combining to form treaties with, and civilize these children of the desert. A universal partiality to Great Britain pervades the whole of the Indian tribes, from the lakes of Canada to the plains of Mapimi; and the Comanches, Apaches, and others of the south, from long experience, have learned that the Mexicans are much kinder neighbours than the United States or Texas. It may be questioned how far, in 1837, these Indian chiefs would have assured General Houston of their friendly disposition to the new rulers of Texas, had he not very adroitly contrived to make the representative of British majesty appear a party to the arrangement. At the present moment, the enormities committed by the Texans have obliterated every vestige of kindness, and a war of extermination goes silently on.

APPENDIX.

DECLARATION

OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS, AND PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT, PROCLAIMED AND ADOPTED IN GENERAL CONVENTION, HELD AT SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, NOVEMBER 3, 1835.

DECLARATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS IN GENERAL

CONVENTION ASSEMBLED.

Whereas General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms, overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and the other members of the Mexican confederacy; now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, solemnly declare—

1st. That they have taken up arms in defence of their rights and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defence of the republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico, of 1824.

2nd. That Texas is no longer, morally or civilly, bound by the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism.

3rd. That they do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal Mexican republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas.

4th. That they will not cease to carry on war against the said authorities, whilst their troops are within the limits of Texas.

5th. That they hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the Union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such measures as they may deem best calculated to protect their rights and liberties; but that they will

continue faithful to the Mexican government so long as that nation is governed by the constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the political association.

6th. That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies now in the field.

7th. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of any debts contracted by her agents.

8th. That she will reward by donations in land all who volunteer their services in her present struggle, and receive them as citizens.

These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and call God to witness their truth and sincerity; and invoke defeat and disgrace upon our heads, should we prove guilty of duplicity.

PLAN AND POWERS OF THE

PROVISIONAL

GOVERNMENT

OF TEXAS.

ARTICLE 1. That there shall be, and there is hereby created, a provisional government for Texas, which shall consist of a governor, a lieutenant-governor, and a general council, to be elected from this body, one member from each municipality, by the majority of each separate delegation present; and the governor and lieutenant-governor shall be elected by this body.

ART. 2. The lieutenant-governor shall be president of the council, and perform the duties of governor in case of death, absence, or from other inability of the governor, during which time a president, pro tem., shall be appointed to perform the duties of the lieutenant-governor in council.

ART. 3. The duties of the general council shall be to devise ways and means, to advise and assist the governor in the discharge of his functions; they shall pass no laws except such as, in their opinion, the emergency of the country requires-ever keeping in view the army in the field, and the means necessary for its comfort and support; they shall pursue the most effective and energetic measures to rid the country of her enemies, and place her in the best possible state of defence. Two-thirds of the members elect of the general council shall form a quorum to do business; and, in order that no vacancy shall happen in the council, if any member, from death or other casualty, shall be incapacitated to act, the governor shall immediately, on information thereof, notify the member elected to fill the place; and on his default, any member who has been elected to this body from the same jurisdiction.

The governor and council shall be authorized to contract for loans, not to exceed one million of dollars, and to hypothecate the public lands, and pledge the faith of the country for the se