And, In Attaining This End, Which Of Itself Has
Already Become An Object Of Public Interest And Import, Another,
Of Much Greater Consequence, Might Be
Brought About, Namely, The Securing To The States A Most Valuable
And Increasing Trade, Now Carried On By Caravans Directly To
Santa Fe.
"As to the first desideratum:
The Indians can only be made to
respect the lives and property of the American parties, by
rendering them dependent upon us for their supplies; which alone
can be done with complete effect by the establishment of a
trading post, with resident traders, at some point which will
unite a sufficient number of advantages to attract the several
tribes to itself, in preference to their present places of resort
for that purpose; for it is a well-known fact that the Indians
will always protect their trader, and those in whom he is
interested, so long as they derive benefits from him. The
alternative presented to those at the north, by the residence of
the agents of the Hudson's Bay Company amongst them, renders the
condition of our people in that quarter less secure; but I think
it will appear at once, upon the most cursory examination, that
no such opposition further south could be maintained, so as to
weaken the benefits of such an establishment as is here
suggested.
"In considering this matter, the first question which presents
itself is, where do these tribes now make their exchanges, and
obtain their necessary supplies. They resort almost exclusively
to the Mexicans, who, themselves, purchase from us whatever the
Indians most seek for.
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