The most hostile and troublesome Indians were the Comanches and their depredations exceeded those of all other tribes. In February, 1840, they showed a disposition to make a treaty of peace, and on March 19, twelve of their principal chiefs met the Texan Commissioners in council at Beiar, where General H. D. McLeod was in command. It was known that the Comanches had thirteen white captives in their power, and the release of these was demanded. The Indians produced only one, a little girl. After a brief discussion in which the Indians displayed a defiant demeanor, an order was sent to Captain Howard to bring his company into the council room, and as soon as the men had taken their position, the chiefs were informed that they would be detained as prisoners until the captives were surrendered. A terrible conflict ensued. The twelve chiefs who were fully armed, were killed in the council room while the warriors in the yard outside maintained a desperate fight. All were finally slain either there or in the pursuit. Thirty-two Indians were killed and twenty-seven women and children made prisoners. The Texans had seven killed and eight wounded.