This article delves into the details of a pivotal historical document: the Treaty With The Comanche, Aionai, Anadarko, Caddo, Etc., 1846. This treaty, forged amidst the complexities of westward expansion and evolving relationships between the United States and various Native American tribes, aimed to establish a framework for peaceful coexistence and regulated interaction. Concluded at Council Springs, Robinson County, Texas, near the Brazos River, on May 15, 1846, the agreement involved representatives from both the U.S. government and a coalition of indigenous nations.
Representing the United States were P.M. Butler and M.G. Lewis, acting as commissioners with the authority to negotiate and solidify the terms of the treaty. On the other side stood the chiefs, counselors, and warriors representing a diverse group of tribes, including the Comanche, I-on-i (Aionai), Ana-da-ca (Anadarko), Cadoe (Caddo), Lepan (Lipan Apache), Long-wha, Keechy (Kichai), Tah-wa-carro (Tawakoni), Wi-chita (Wichita), and Wacoe (Waco), along with their associated bands. The gathering at Council Springs was a significant event, marking a moment of potential cooperation and understanding between these distinct cultures. The original document serves as a primary source for understanding the complexities of intergovernmental relations in the mid-19th century.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
The treaty, comprised of fourteen articles, addressed a range of crucial issues, laying the groundwork for future interactions and setting expectations for both parties. While some articles were later stricken out, the remaining provisions offer a valuable insight into the concerns and priorities of the time.
Article 1: Acknowledgment of Protection
The initial article established a fundamental shift in the relationship between the signatory tribes and the United States. By acknowledging themselves to be under the protection of the United States, the chiefs, warriors, and counselors effectively relinquished claims to independent sovereignty and accepted the authority of the U.S. government. This article laid the foundation for future U.S. influence and control over the affairs of these tribes.
Article 2: Regulation of Trade and Intercourse
Recognizing the importance of trade in maintaining peaceful relations, Article 2 granted the United States the sole and exclusive right to regulate trade and intercourse with the signatory tribes. The tribes, in turn, pledged to protect licensed traders and their property, ensuring a safe environment for commerce. To prevent exploitation, the treaty stipulated that traders must possess a license issued by a U.S. superintendent, appointed by the President. Unfair dealing by licensed traders would result in the revocation of their license and further punishment under U.S. law. Unauthorized traders, or those operating without a license, would also be subject to legal consequences. This article aimed to establish a fair and regulated trade system, benefiting both the tribes and the U.S. citizens involved.
Article 4: Prisoner Exchange
One of the most pressing issues at the time was the captivity of individuals taken during conflicts and raids. Article 4 addressed this concern by mandating the exchange of prisoners between the tribes and the United States. The tribes agreed to deliver all white persons and negroes held captive to the U.S. superintendent of Indian affairs by November 1st of the same year, at a location to be determined. In return, the United States pledged to provide fair compensation to the tribes for the release of these prisoners. Furthermore, the United States committed to returning all prisoners taken from the signatory tribes by either Texas or the U.S. government, without charge. This reciprocal exchange aimed to alleviate suffering and facilitate the return of individuals to their respective communities. The article also addressed the potential for resistance to this exchange, granting the President of the United States the authority to send a military force to retrieve prisoners held against their will. The chiefs of the signatory tribes pledged to assist and protect any individuals sent for this purpose.
Article 6: Notification of Threats
Maintaining peace and security required cooperation in identifying and addressing potential threats. Article 6 obligated the signatory tribes to notify the U.S. agent residing near them of any designs or suspicions of hostile actions by neighboring tribes or any other individuals against the peace and interests of the United States. This provision aimed to foster a sense of shared responsibility for maintaining order and preventing conflict. By acting as informants, the tribes could contribute to the security of both their own communities and the United States.
Article 7: Justice and Legal Accountability
Ensuring justice and accountability for crimes committed by members of either society was a critical aspect of the treaty. Article 7 stipulated that if an Indian committed murder or robbery against a U.S. citizen, the tribe to which the offender belonged was obligated to deliver the individual to the nearest U.S. post for trial and punishment under the laws of the relevant state or territory. Conversely, if a U.S. citizen committed murder or robbery against an Indian, the U.S. agent residing near the tribe was responsible for arresting the offender, who would then be tried and punished according to the laws of the state or territory where the crime occurred. This article sought to establish a system of equal justice, holding both Indians and U.S. citizens accountable for their actions and providing a mechanism for resolving disputes through legal channels.
Article 8: Addressing Horse Theft
Horse theft was a persistent problem that often led to conflict and instability. Article 8 explicitly addressed this issue, acknowledging the disruptive nature of the practice and the potential for it to escalate into widespread strife. The article declared that horse theft must cease entirely on both sides, with severe punishment for those convicted of the crime, according to the laws of the relevant state or territory. Furthermore, the treaty mandated the restoration of stolen horses to their rightful owners, regardless of who possessed them. The chiefs of the signatory tribes pledged to assist U.S. citizens in recovering stolen horses, while U.S. civil magistrates were obligated to aid Indians in reclaiming their stolen animals. This article aimed to eliminate a major source of conflict and establish a system of cooperation in preventing and resolving cases of horse theft.
Article 9: Establishment of Trading Posts and Agencies
To facilitate trade, communication, and the overall implementation of the treaty, Article 9 authorized the President of the United States to establish trading houses, agencies, and posts along the borders of the tribal territories. These establishments would serve as centers for commerce, diplomacy, and the administration of Indian affairs. Recognizing the friendly disposition of the signatory tribes, the U.S. commissioners agreed to provide them with goods as presents, both immediately and in the future. A total of ten thousand dollars worth of goods was promised, to be distributed at Council Springs or another designated location, at a time determined by the President. This article aimed to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. government and the tribes by providing tangible benefits and establishing a physical presence in their territories.
Article 10: Commitment to Peace
The cornerstone of the treaty was the commitment to lasting peace between the signatory tribes and the United States. Article 10 declared that the tribes agreed to remain at peace with the United States forever. All animosities for past offenses were mutually forgiven and forgotten, and both parties pledged to carry the treaty into full execution, in good faith and sincerity. This article represented a desire to move beyond past conflicts and establish a new era of peaceful coexistence.
Article 11: Maintaining Friendly Relations with Other Tribes
Extending the commitment to peace beyond the immediate parties, Article 11 stipulated that the signatory tribes agreed to remain friendly with other tribes already at peace with the United States, particularly those residing on the waters of the Arkansas, Missouri, and Red Rivers. This provision aimed to create a broader network of peaceful relations among the various tribes and the U.S. government, promoting stability and preventing regional conflicts.
Article 12: Prohibition of Intoxicating Liquors
Recognizing the detrimental effects of alcohol on Native American communities, Article 12 prohibited the introduction of ardent spirits or intoxicating liquors of any kind among the signatory tribes. Violators would be punished according to U.S. laws, and the tribes agreed to notify the U.S. agent of any violations and to prevent them by any means possible. This article aimed to protect the tribes from the harmful consequences of alcohol abuse and maintain order within their communities.
Article 13: Provision of Services and Education
To promote the well-being and advancement of the tribes, Article 13 outlined provisions for providing essential services and education. The U.S. government agreed to send blacksmiths to reside among the tribes, maintaining their guns and farming implements. Schoolteachers would also be sent, at the President’s discretion, to instruct the tribes in various subjects. Furthermore, the treaty stipulated that preachers of the gospel could travel or reside among the tribes with the permission of the President or his agents, and they would be afforded ample protection in the discharge of their duties. This article reflected a paternalistic approach, aiming to assimilate the tribes into mainstream American society through education, religious instruction, and the adoption of agricultural practices.
Article 14: Preservation of Friendly Relations Between Tribes
Acknowledging the importance of intertribal relations, Article 14 stated that the signatory tribes were anxious to be at peace with all other tribes. The President of the United States agreed to use his best efforts to preserve friendly relations between the tribes party to the treaty and all other tribes under his jurisdiction. This provision aimed to prevent conflicts between tribes and promote a sense of unity and cooperation within the broader Native American community.
Signatories and Witnesses
The Treaty With The Comanche, Aionai, Anadarko, Caddo, Etc., 1846 was signed by P.M. Butler and M.G. Lewis on behalf of the United States, and by numerous chiefs, counselors, and warriors representing the various tribes. The names of these individuals, along with their tribal affiliations, are meticulously recorded in the treaty document, providing a valuable historical record of the individuals who played a key role in shaping the relationship between the U.S. government and these Native American nations. Additionally, the treaty lists the names of secretaries, witnesses, and interpreters who were present at the signing, further documenting the event and its participants.
Conclusion
The Treaty With The Comanche, Aionai, Anadarko, Caddo, Etc., 1846, stands as a significant historical document, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of the mid-19th century American West. While the treaty aimed to establish a framework for peaceful coexistence and regulated interaction, its implementation was often fraught with challenges and inconsistencies. The treaty’s provisions reflect the prevailing attitudes and priorities of the time, including the desire for westward expansion, the regulation of trade, and the assimilation of Native American populations. Studying this treaty provides valuable insights into the historical relationship between the United States and these diverse Native American tribes, shedding light on the challenges and complexities of cross-cultural interaction during a period of significant transformation. This Treaty With The Comanche, Aionai, Anadarko, Caddo, Etc., 1846. is a critical piece of history.