At a point between Mansfield and Johnson Station, in a wooded section later the home of the Subletts, an Indian was shot and killed by a small detachment of rangers under a petty officer.
Shortly after, Col. Johnson was summoned to appear at Austin before Neighbors, the Indian agent, with whom complaint had been duly filed. There Col. Johnson met his accuser, Jose Marie, brave and fearless Chief of the Caddos, furious at the killing of one of his tribe and determined to have money or blood.
Col. Daggett related that the Chief made a "big speech," saying the Caddos had held peaceful possession for years, one of their tribe had been deliberately shot down while hunting in territory
not forbidden, and if a good round sum was not paid for the Indian's life he would order his tribe to go on the war path. Many whites, including women and children, would bite the dust, and though the Indians might be defeated, the killing of the brother would be avenged. The authorities paid Jose one thousand five hundred dollars in cash.
Col. Daggett described the Chief of the Caddos as a remarkable Indian who had fought the whites, first and last, from the Brazos to Fort Belknap, territory he claimed as his lands. He was
five feet tall, heavy set, with square shoulders, prominent nose and piercing eyes. Imperious and impressive, his appearance was not impaired by the fact that he wore a large ring in his nose, to which was attached a garnet ring.
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