Nacogdoches

14^th Sept. 1837

To Jesse Watkins Esqire,

Sir you will proceed to the Prairies to meet with the Headmen of the Kichai, Caddo, Tawakoni and Ioni tribes of Indians. Take with you, as an interpreter, Lewis Sanchez. You will first listen to any talk they may desire to hold with you, and then inform them that we are disposed to be at peace with all our Red Brethren. We are disposed to break our long knives and bury one Tomahawk with them, and to open a wide road between the house of the Red and White Man. All we shall require of them will be to give up the prisoners they have of ours, to bring back all the property they have stolen, not to murder or steal anymore, and to prevent other Indians from doing so where they may know of it. To all of which, if they will agree, you may promise them that we will make a Treaty of peace with them, which shall last forever. The presents which are furnished to you, you can distribute as you may think most proper and you may make such arrangements about the chiefs coming in as is most satisfactory to the Indians. I would like well if they could be brought down to the seat of government, but fear that cannot be done. We will ask the President to nominate two commissioners here who can Treat with them and will be furnished with the proper instructions. In your talk with them you will be careful not to promise them lands at any particular place and be cautious you make no promises, however slight, that can not be strictly complied with

Very Respectfully Your

Obedient Servants,

Signed

Thomas J. Rusk

K. H. Douglass