New-York tribune., 1872-08-28
TIE INDAAS IN IyDL4H 1ERRIroRK

CAPTIVEs IN THEIR HANDS-TEXAN COUNTIES
DEPOPULATED IN CONSEQUENCE or INDIAN
RAIDs-A WAR POLICY NEEDED.
IFRoM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
Fort GILL, Indian Territory, Aug. 9.-The
situation since the late council with the Indians at Fort
Cobb has not materially changed, except that Kick
ing Bird who represented being friendly toward
the Government requested the day after the council
adjourned, ten days grace for his people before the
commencement Of active operations In which time he
promised TO use his best endeavOrs have the capves
now IN the hands OF his tribe returned TO their people.
These captves supposed 10 be the Lee family cap
tured some time IN June, on the Clear Fork Of the
Brazos Texas, and consisting of one woman grown
girl and boy 1t is not understood that this concession
on the part of Kicking Bird will make peace with the
tribe but is looked upon rather as earnest Of his de-
sire 10 sustain friendly relations with Ii is thought
that his influence will not be sufficient TO effect 80
desirable result Much than this remains 10 be
done DIV the Indians before peace OF any duration can
be secured They have in their hands over 200 head
of Government mules which they have stolen from tins
post apd Camp supply this Summer, which 1t IS TO be
hoped they viii be compelled to give up as an additional
evidence Of their desire for peace. One hundred and
teptv.ope Of these mules were stolen from COL MoOres
detachment OF the eth Infantry May June last at
Bear Creek station, about 50 miles north Of Camp Sup
ply The remainder &c in number, were captured at
this post in June. In addition this is estimated that
they have stolen from the white settlements on the
frontier Of Texas no less than 500 horses AS
auenee Of these frequent raids into Texas Clay
and Young counties have been entirely depopd-
lated. The same may be said partially of Jack and
ThrockmortOn counties. Seven OF eight years ago
these counties were dotted at very frequent intervals
with industrious, thriving settlements. Your oore-
snondent visited great portion OF those localities last
summer and beheld only scene OF utter devastation
Texas has suffered as has other STATE in our Union
from ne depredatons Of these hends IN humsn shape.
Whole families have been either kied OF captured, and
every conceivable and nameless outrage has been per
peirated upOD the Inhabitants. AZ the ate council bt
indians pleased 10 speak III terms Oi peasaptry Oh
the treatment inflicted upon, one OF the prisoners now
i'm their hands the nature Of which, OF course can De
correctly surmised 49,
The Indian policy Of the Administration IL indeed
curious one. IL is folly 10 suppose that people who
are cOnstntOnay murderers, thieves ana rODbefs can
be conquered and made 10 submit 10 the Just demands or
the Government Dy tue exercise Of any other agency
tnau the war power The history the North American
Indians furnishes ample and convincing proof Of this,
there being but TWO exceptions nnc Cnickaeaws anu
Choctawsj 10 tue general re that Indian peace can
not be secured without rst administering good sound
thrashing as preliminary operation IL Is useless 10
make treaties with them without hrst intctiDg punish
men ventnfe 10 pedict aud ~ dong sO sustained
bv numerous LtcedeBn JhHt were the GOverumcD Mt 20
IA. W nuke peace wurtbe Bio~asV conaithsohtbttr