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November 28, 2002 |
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I mentioned last week that I wanted to continue the happenings during the war between the states and the following years, and in looking through the report of Governor Throckmorton which reported the conditions of the affairs in the State of Texas to the North who had gained control of Texas. This was Governor Throckmorton’s final report as governor. His termination was not in his final year that he was elected to serve but was his final year as demanded by the Northern superiors who demanded him to relinquish his power as governor. The following is a report that was written on May 30, 1867 by Throckmorton as he was about to close his tenure as Governor: EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, AUSTIN, TEXAS May 30, 1867 To the Honorable Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D.C. Sir: I deem it proper for your information to state that with the aid of the military authorities, the Tonkawa Indians were removed to the frontier and turned over to the care of Major Starr, commandant of the post at Jacksboro, on the eighteenth day of April, 1867, since which time the authorities of the State have not had control of them. It was the desire and intention of the Executive of the State to locate these Indians upon lands of the State, to be used by them as a home, and to aid them in adapting themselves to a life of industry, etc. But the effort to control and restrain them by an agent of the State proved entirely abortive, as the State had not the power to enforce obedience. The Indians, looking alone to the general government for support and protection, were little disposed to respect authority that sought to restrain them from licentiousness and the wandering life of beggary which they had adopted. I would most respectfully urge upon the department the necessity for locating these Indians near one of the frontier posts of Texas and the placing of them under the charge of a special agent, or of the commandant of that post. Situated in that was, the warriors could render efficient service to the government as guides, scouts and trailers, in campaigns against the hostile tribes. In the event this suggestion is not deemed proper, then I would recommend that they be sent without delay to the Wichita Agency, near Fort Arbuckle, in the Indian Territory, with the other tribes, at which agency they were living at the beginning of the late war. Before closing this letter, it may be proper to state that a copy of the letter of Commissioner Bogy, referred to in the accompanying communication of this date, was turned over to the officer in command at Jacksboro, and it may be that he will purchase beef for the Indians on the faith of the same. I would state also that should the department deem it proper to settle these Indians in Texas, if they should be located upon any of the public domain of the State, that title will be made to the Indians for the same as long as the Indians see fit to occupy it, and every facility will be afforded to make a selection of lands that will be suitable to their wants. I am, sir most respectfully, your obedient servant, J.W. Throckmorton, Governor of Texas This final report of Governor Throckmorton was made when the name of our settlement still had the Indian name of Onega, and this report was made twenty-four years before the railroad came through and changed the name to Aubrey. During the year of 1867, this region was predominately a Cherokee village. The United State Postal Service began its operation during the year of 1881, when the Onega name was changed to Aubrey. The railroad officials were the most impressed with the town, but the Indian name didn’t fit well at the time. Instead of a photo this week, I am enclosing a chart from the Governor’s report of Indian depredations committed on a group of early day arrivals from Europe as they were buying land and shoving the Indians farther west. |
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