Excerpts from speeches that became peace treaty:

The Comanche Nation of the 1840s had an oral, rather than a written language. The peace treaty that was negotiated on March 1, 1847, was based on speeches made by participants. Here are two excerpts from speeches made by leaders of each side in the pact:

John Meusebach, German leader

"My brothers: We are not afraid of war, but we love peace and . . . wish that you leave the red path of war and walk the white path of peace with us . . . I am not making this agreement to drive you from the land of your fathers . . . we shall dwell as one people of brothers . . . I do not scorn the red brothers because they have a darker color, and I do not regard the whites as noble because they are lighter in color. If (others) wish to draw a line of distinction, let them do so. We shall not see the distinction because we are brothers and wish to live together as brothers . . . I have spoken."

Chief Santanna, Comanche leader

"My brother: We have listened to your words. What we as chiefs decide our people, our people will obey. We hope you have spoken the truth. this will become evident when it comes to action. I believe that you and your people mean to deal with us honestly as brothers should . . . my brother will walk the white path of peace and keep it with my people . . . and the white path will be broad and lead to the hearts of the German people, so that my people may enter and stay among them without fear and betrayal. I have said it."

---

© 1997, Jonathan C. Donley