occupy the lands, the cession of which they had solicited in vain.
This proposal was approved of by some of the tribes, but rejected by others; and a very small body of Indians entered the Mexican territory with Hunter, who proceeded, in conjunction with a few American settlers, to proclaim the independence of Texas, under the name of Freedonia.
They were opposed by the Mexican Commandant of the Eastern Internal Provinces, (Don Anastasio Bustamante,) in conjunction with Colonel Austin, the chief of the flourishing establishment formed by the American settlers at the mouth of the river Brazos; and the Indians, on the appearance of so formidable a force, were glad to obtain terms by immediate submission. It is not known whether Hunter was given up as a peace-offering to Bustamante, or killed in some skirmish; but his head certainly fell into the possession of the Mexican General, with that of Field, a white man, who, like Hunter, had passed his life amongst the Indians, and was regarded as one of their chiefs.
As this event took place a very short time before my departure from Mexico, I was unable to acquire any information respecting it; nor am I aware of the changes, which Bustamante's vigorous operations in Texas may have produced. It is to be hoped that what has already taken place there will serve as a warning, and that the Government will henceforward pay some attention to this valuable possession; for,
