John G. Purnell to Richard Fields, 10-04-1825


Summary: Exhorts Fields to remain at peace with Mexican nation and American settlers.


Saltillo October 4th. 1825

To Captain Richard Fields

Commander of the Cherokees in Texas

My esteemed friend When last I saw you in my house in Monterrey I little thought in so short a time you would have commenced a war against your American brothers and the Mexican Nation more particularly A man like yourself who is acquainted with the advantages of civilization and who joined us in our late war as a brother against the Brittish nation nothing like personal motives should ever induce you to commit an act which will ultimately injure you in the estimation of your American brothers much less lead your nation into a war which will render them unhappy: dreadful may be the consequences if you continue in such mistaken measures as a friend I advise you to look for peace as the surest means of making the nation happy who have confided in you by electing you their chief, we all wish to live with you like brothers you know we have never deceived you it is not by maddening war that we are to progress in civilation or the comforts of life it is by a firm and lasting peace by a friendly intercourse like that which exists between brothers. If your claims for lands were not granted at a time when the Government was not firmly established that should not be a cause of war ask and it will [be] given to you this nation has always felt friendly inclined toward yours and I am sure if you cease hostilities they will enter into a treaty with you by which you will obtain more permanent advantages than you can by being at war. listen to advice of your friend who ansciously looks for the prosperity and happiness of yourself and nation let us bury the hatchet smoke the pipe of peace and live like brothers then will the great Mexican nation offer you the arm and protection of Government: take these important considerations into deep reflection in your councils let not personal prejudices act upon you but that you may be governed by prudence wisdom and friendship is the sincere wish of your old friend and Obedient Humble Servant

JOHN G. PURNELL.