The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-08-26
OUR INDIAN ALLIEs.

In May, 1901, ten. Albert PIKE, OF Arkansas
was appointed by President Davis Commissioners
to the Indian tribes, whose territories are con-
tiguous to Texas and Arkansas, and conferred
upon him the most ample powers to conclude
treaties with them. In the summer and fall of
1861, Gen. P. concluded treaties, on the most
liberal basis to our Government, with the follow
ing named tribes, to-wit Cherokees, Greeks, Chloe
taws, Chckasaws, Seminoles, Osages, Cados.
Anodakes, and Wachitas. BY the terms of the
treaties the tribes bound themselves to furnish
all of their capable of bearing arms" to aid
the Confederate States in their war swith the
Federal Government, and this alliance to last
while water runs and grass grovs'-or condi-
ton that the Indian forces shall not be removed
beyond the boundaries of their own territories
without their consent.
In compliance with the terms of these treaties.
they have now 5000 warriors in the field, 5000
of whom mounted. They are all armed with
the rifle or double-barrel shotgun, and have thus
far armed and equipped themselves. Thew are
represented to be provided with rations, and obev
orders with alacrty.
Texas and south and west of Arkansas embracing
an area of 10000 square miles A military re-
connolssance OF the country recently made by Capt
T. j. Mackey, of S. c., Of the Corps of En- gineers
develops the fact that it abounds in copper, lead
iron, coal and salt. The Cherokees, Creeks, Choc-
taws, and Chickasaws, are slave-owners. The
chief products of their soil are cotton, tobacco,
wheat, corn, oats and barley, and they own vast
herds of CATTLE horses, and sheep.
Gen. Pike has recently concluded treaties with
the Apaches, Kioways, and Camanches, and will
soon effect an alliance with the Arapahoes, Chey-
cnnes, and NaVahoos. Our Camanche and Kioway
allies now hold the main Smoky Hill route to the
Pixies Peak gold region, and all the routes from
the Upper Missouri to New Mexico They have
utterly destroyed the vast commerce of the West
ern plains which has employed hitherto twenty
millions of Yankee capital. These Indians are
the priVateers of the great prairie stretching
away between the Missouri river to the Rocky
noun tains.
The Importance of retaining the alliance with
these Indians admits of no question; otherwise we
would require an army Of 10000 men in Northern
Texas and Western Louisiana President Davis
acted with wise fOrecaste in selecting Gen Pike
the Jurlst and statesman, to make these treaties
lie Is unquestonably the right man in the right
place.
The treaty concluded with the Camanches is
important in many respects. It is the first treaty
that formidable tribe has ever made with the white
man. 1t STIMULATES perpetual amity with the Con-
tcderate States, and the State of Teras This
treaty has been kept in good faith by both parties
tor the last eight months being the longest period
OF peace ever known to exist between the Texans
and their once troublesome neighbors. For the
first time in the history of Texas that State has
no troops in the field to protect her frontiers
against the incursions of the Camanches When |
1t is considered that this nation can bring $500 |
warriors against US or our enemies, (who can cope
with United States dragons in equal numbers,
and that warike Indians invariably select time
when the whites are at war with each other to
prosecute campaign against their nearest neigh
bors, the Importance of this will be appreciated |
The Texan now herds his droves in security in |
The midst Of bands Of armed savages who formerly
stampeded his cattle in the very heart of Texas
Richmond Dispatch.