Robert Neighbors - Adoption By The Comanche

Adoption By The Comanche

In his early days as an Indian Agent, Robert Neighbors recorded one of the best known meetings with the Comanche, and their Chief Old Owl. While he was beginning as a Texas Indian Agent, for the Republic, in 1845, Major Neighbors was at a Tonkawa camp. Chief Old Owl arrived with 40 warriors, and in a manner the Major called “most insolent,” demanded that the Tonkawa feed the war party and their horses, and provide for them entertainment. The Tonkawas, in fear of their lives, provided 40 women, food, and shelter, and cared for the horses at once. Neighbors, known as a fearless man, took this opportunity to be introduced to the Comanches. Neighbors, who was the Indian Agent for all Texas Indians, told the bemused Comanches he wanted to give them the benefits of civilization. Old Owl, introduced to Neighbors, first complimented him on his fine blue coat. Neighbors, understanding the meaning of this compliment, presented the Chief with the coat immediately. Other warriors admired his pants, boots, and other clothing, and soon Neighbors was standing only in a nightshirt.

Old Owl however, took a liking to the fearless Neighbors. He told him though most whites irritated him, he liked Neighbors, and invited him to accompany the war party, and he proposed instead of Neighbors making a civilized man of him, that he would make a fine horse thief out of Neighbors, and adopt him into the tribe. Neighbors, feeling this was an opportunity few men would ever receive, accepted at once. The war party went to Mexico, where Neighbors attempted to buy beef on credit to feed the warriors. When the Mexicans declined to sell beef to a Republic of Texas official on credit, Old Owl told them two beeves were to be forthcoming immediately, or the hacienda would be burned down and every living being killed. This proved highly effective, and the food was immediately forthcoming.

Neighbors, having left an indelible impression on Old Owl as the first (and only) Republic of Texas official to ever ride with a Comanche War Party, took his leave of them with thanks, and went home.