'YiaLE«¥IMIi¥ISIESflTr¥«' ILIlIBIgiaiET Gift of Texas State Li"brary 193H3 TEXAS STATE LIBRARY THE PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR Edited from the original papers in the Texas State Library by Charles Adams Gulick, Jr., and Eadierine Elliott, Archivist, Texas State Library Volume III VON BOBCKMANN-JONBS CO., FBINTBES AND BOOKBINDHBS, AUBUM, TSXiA, 46-1923-500 TEXAS STATE LIBRARY THB PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR It I Edited from the original papers in the Texas State Library by Charles Adams Gulick, Jr., and Katherine Elliott, Archivist, Texas State Library Volume III VON BOBCKMANN-JONBS CO.. PRINTEES AND BOOKBINDERS, AUSTIN, TEXAS. PREFATORY NOTE In volume three of the Lamar Papers there is a somewhat different alignment as regards the editorial work from the alignment in volumes one and two. The documents to be printed were selected by Charles Adams Gulick, as in the other volumes; but Mr. Gulick resigned his position on the State Library staff before finishing the annotation for the material. Notes for this volume have therefore been provided by Miss Katherine Elliott^ Archivist; and the bulk of the proof has been read by Miss Winnie Allen, Acting Archivist, during Miss Elliott's leave of absence from the Library. Elizabeth Howard "West, State Librarian. Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar No. 1303 [1839 May 2S], B. E. BEE, [FEENCH PEIGATE PHAETON, VEED ISLAND], TO [J. N.] ALMONTE, [MfiXICO, MEXICO] i Gol: Almonte Dear Sir, The more I think of it, the more I am satisfied the Washing- toii Plan is a good one — I will sail in a few hoiu's for the Havana — '¦ write me at New Orleans through the Lizardis — say, whether you will meet me in Jiily at Washington, or whether Mr Martinez will be em^ powered to act with me. ~" ' - ' Yours in haste but with great esteem " Barnard E. Bee No. 1304 1839 May 29, J. HAMILTON, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO, [M. E.] LAJVIAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^ {Private & confide'ot^ial) ' , : Philadelphia May 29th 1839.— 12 0. c. — at night My Dear Sir. ' ' ¦ I have the gratification of informing you that Mt. Burnley & myself have: just ' concluded an arrangement through Mr. Biddle with the B. U._ S. by which we shall have the support. & influence of 'that powerful Institution to aid us in our negbciation abroad : & by which we have obtained an advance of such funds to a limited extent as may be neces sary for the defence of your Indian Frontier & for the expences of your Naval & diplomatic Service until we can make our final negociation abroad,' of mhich we haife tke. Vest ¦prospects. 1 The particulars of the arrangement we shall have the honor of com- miihicatiag to you from and after the 7th June when we shall send a highly , confidential Messenger (one of my sons), with funds to New Orleans and who will hear' dispatches to be placed to the credit of your Government to yourself to Houston, from ourselves. Such is the state of public sentiment here connected with slavery and the slave states, that Mr. Burnley & myself were compelled to pledge ourselves to Mr. Biddle that the aid and cooperation of the Bank in this matter should not be devulged' either here or in Texas until we shall have completed our negociation in Europe. We have been for the last fortnight intensely' engaged and have had to combat every .species of prejudice by every species of exertion.- "Copy. In no. 1255, p. 6. "A. L. S. Cf. no. 1304a. 2 TEX.4.S State Libeaey We think the day star has arisen (which must be the Star of Your Eepublic), and that a bright dawn awaits your administration Believe me My Dear Sir with best wishes & With sincere esteem Very respectfully & truly. Yours His Excellency J. Hamilton. M. B Lamar Presdt. of Texas. . . . P S. Do not allow the 8 persent Bonds, to appear in the Market until we return, then if the Money is wanted, I have no doubt I can assist Mr. Eeiliy to an advantageous negociation. — I write at 12 oc at night with a dim taper & bad pen, but with a light heart full of confidence & hope. [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency J. Hamilton — President Lamar 29th May 1839 To the particular Houston Private & Confidential attention of Texas. Wm Bryan and Court at Mo No. 1304a 1839 May 29, J. HAMILTON, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS]' Philadelphia May 29 1839 (Duplicate) Private & Co'nfidential My Dear Sir — I have only a moment with the hope of saving the express Mail from Baltimore to drop you a line to inform you that Mr Burnley and myself have just succeeded in effecting an allayement through Mr Biddle with the B. U. S. — ^by which we have obtained the influence & support of that powerful Institution in aid of our Loan, and an advance of funds to enable you to keep all quiet on your Indian Frontier this summer & to defray the expences of your diplomatic & Naval services in the U. S. — The particulars of this negociation we will transmit you by a special & trustworthy agent Mr Thos. L. Hamilton my son who will leave this* about the 10th June & whom we shall send to New Orleans with fuuds to be lodged to your credit in the Merchants Bank — also with dispatches containing an account of all that we have done both of a diplomatic & financial character. He will forthwith -proceed to Houston to pay his respects after leaving his funds in New Orleans. We have accomplished this most auspicious first step in the face of the most powerful prejudice against slavery & slave states, after the intense labor of fifteen^ in which we could not have succeeded but for the great influence of Mr. Biddle. "A. L. S. Cf. no. 1304. 'Hamilton apparently omitted the word "place"' here. 'Hamilton evidently omitted a word here; probably "days" Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 3 You may judge what prejudice we had to encounter when I inform you that Mr Burnley & myself have pledged ourselves not to divulge the arrangement with the Bank until our negociation abroad has been consumated. — You will be so kind therefore as to regard this matter as private & confidential, until you hear from us from Europe. — We embark in the Great Western on the 13th June with the almost certain prospect wow of ultimate success. The day Star has risen (which must be the Star of your republic) which promises and prophsies dawn for your administration With sincere esteem My Dear Sir faithfully & respecly. His Excellency Your friend & obt st M B Lamar J Hamilton P S. The funds could not be got ready here before the 10th June. — P S. Your Commissary can make any contract in New Orleans for supplies based on his meeting My son in New Orleans with $200,000 in tr. S. B. Post Notes in denominations of $100 to $500. He may be heard of at Mr Mouton's Merchant Bank and at the Vir aud or Kings New Orleans about the 25th June. [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Jas. Hamilton Mirabeau B Lamar May 30, '39 To the Presdt of the particular Eepublic of Texas attention of Houston — Mr Bryan No. 1305 1839 May 29, [M. B. LAMAE], HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO D. G. BUENET, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] « Executive Department Houston 29. May 1839 Hon : David G Burnet Dear Sir, Finding it necessary from the important in terests involved in the Law Department of the Government, to Call the present Secretary of State' to the administration of that Department, and being unable at this time to select a suitable persoh as his suc cessor, I respectfully request you to take Charge of the department of State untill I can have an opportunity of calling some Gentleman to it upon whose integrity & Capacity I may rely with that Confidence which should always exist between the Executive & the members comprising his Cabinet In inviting you to a temporary discharge of the duties of this De partment, I am aware of the objections you make to it upon the ground of your holding already one of the highest ofiices in the Government, "Df.'James Webb. 4 ¦;_^ Tesas State Libeatiy , _.t .,/ but knowing as I do that the duties ,,p£- the -Gne cannot by any possibility come -in conflict with, the? other,: as af permanent appointment will be- made before you can be called upon to • discharge any of the functions of Vice President, I can perceive no impropriety in -the -measure, and. if there be. any, I am; willing.to take upon myeelf all its responsibilities. I have no motive in making, this .request' other than a desire to avail myself of the best talents of the Eepublic in a'dministering tbe Govern-. ment, and - entertaining a full conviction that from your ¦ well known patriotism & long residence in-the Country, the services of no-one *oiild be more acceptable to the Community, or more beneficial to the Nation, than yours, I can but hope that you will consent even though it may be at some sacrifice of personal cqnviece [convenience] or intest [interest] to render them untill I can make a permanent appointment whiclf wiff be satisfactory to myself and^ to the -J>ublic v: i J I . ,' I am Sir ¦'."•: - :-: JTylsd STO J •- .: ' ¦ Most' respectfully - Your friend & obdt. sevt. [Endorsed] ^ ¦ . [Endorsed] • - Presidents Letter , :• ' fiv:.^'^li .., - Copy inviting Judge Burnet f ; r- .¦ "¦¦¦''^nnliii.iiiv. Letter to D. G. Burnet into the Cabinet Protem i :¦: -K tenrfn^ requesting him to " as Secty of State .-,,r-- ' ; take charge of [£.-:aF.i3] State Depart mt :.::;¦; LixtlsJi ."iT, May 29. -/39^ ;¦ S)Z -rsM. No. 1306 1839 May 29, D. G. BUENET, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TBXAS]^ Houston 29 May 1839^' To His Excellency - ' • M. B, Lamar _ _ Cl." '- ' .1 8 1 '-"-¦¦'-'.¦ i - -- '', - 1 I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note' of this date, reqifestin^ me to take charge of the Department of State for a short Jtime,-' , ' . ¦'.'. Believing that Such -charge will not conflict "with the very limite'd- duties of the Vice Presidency and feeling a.lways Solicitous to con tribute my mit? to the advancement of our common interests, I will endeavor .to discharge the duties of that Department until you can pro-- cure.some gentleman to occupy it pernaanently, which I trust you will^ soon be able to do^ AVitb great consideration I have the honor to be Yonr obt Servant "David G Burnet [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] ,' To His Excellency Hon. D. G. Burnet M. B. Lamar May 29th 1839 Present 'A. N. S. •No. 1306. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 5 No. 1307 ' 18.39 May 29, MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON,. - TEXAS Commission to William Byrne as notary public of Eefugio County. D. S,, (printed form filled out). 1 p. Countersigned by James Webb, Secretarv of State; appended ,to no. 1802". No. 1308 1839 May SO, E. WALLEE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, ,,- . ^ .. - -- - HOUSTON. TEXAS.i" ; -•'--- City of Austin- May 30, 1839 His Excellency M. B. Lamar - . - Dear Sir - . - I write to express my regret that you should have been disturbed by applications for money that it is a part of my duty to disburse. I infer that this is the case from a letter I haye 'Tecieved from'Mx.. J. W. Moo'dyj wherein he Complains of not yet having recieved- payment for a waggon which was puPcha^ed'of" him-for me. The facts are simply these. I directed J. .D. Mc Ueod when about leaving" Houston to purchase a waggon and send it oh to Cqlumbia. The waggon arrived at that place and' I received a letter from McLeod stating that he had purchased it of Mr. Moody and drawn on me in his favour for the amount. I wrote him that when presented the draft should -bfti paid. ,- r-- ;"T'.. ;¦ " ' ^ Daily expecting to see it^presented Twas surprised > yesterday at reciev- ing a letter from Mr. Moody Complaining of the inconvenience he had suJfered from want of the money and requesting me to forward it as soon as possible. If McLeod expected me to- send' the money to him or Moody he should not have drawn a draft upon me but should have written to me^to that effect and.' I ' wotdd havo forwarded the money to him. with directions. to, pay it over, to Moody and take his reciept. But when -on the other, hand he drew upon" me and notified me of having done so, I, expecting momentarily ter see the draft presented to me would not send- the money out of my own hands for the purpose of paying for the waggon while the draft might be in the hands of I knew not whom, but would of course hold it for the purpose of taking up the draft. - - i I. regret exceedingly that the misunderstanding should have ocurred and hope it will be the last. I'haVe.s'ent the money by Mr Bigelow with directions to take up the draft and forward it to ine. .- , - ... , , I fear that- the arrangement allowing those persons who may improve lots befo.re the. sale to have them at that time- at the, s-verage price for which lo,ts,'siniilarly situated sell, will will [s{cr] not, answer, as they are selecting the best lots and putting. up pole, shantees. fe. : r , In this' manner all of the most eligible lots updn main Street wilt be taken up. ' , . "L. S. (by proxy). ' .., , 6 Texas State Libeaey Although I find I have to encounter many difficulties and labour under many disadvantages I am confident of being able to complete the desired works in time. I Eemain Eespy & Truly Your Friend Edwin Waller [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellencv M. B. Lamar E. Waller Houston May 30. '39 Texas No. 1309 1839 May SO, GEOEGE KNIGHT TBULON, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAxMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Application for a government appointment. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1310 1839 May SO, H. W. CATEE, COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI, TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Application for appointment as cashier in the national bank of Texas, should one be established. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1311 1839 May SO, EZEA HOLDEN, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Introducing John Loud. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1312 18S9 May 31, M. HUNT, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO M B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]" New Orleans 31st May 1839 My Dear General, I send you enclosed and appended a copy of a letter^'^ from our friend Gen: J. P. Henderson and in conformity to his wish have authorized his name announced as a candidate for Congress in Harrisburg Co. Plea'se communicate to Gen: Johnson Gen: H.'s re gards as expressed in his letter. Should a certain contingency occur which I communicatd [sic'\ to you as probable I may desire during the comeing winter or spring to go to England or France, but do not let it infiuence you a moment in making any appointments you are disposed to confer. "A. L. S. Appended to no. 1158. •=No. 1158. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 7 Should we fail to negotiate terms with Mexico and there is a probability of active operations I wish you to bear in mind my desire to be connected in such event with the army. Gen: Houston whilst here received as I am informed little or no attention. It is true a gentlemen of verascity [sic] informs me that his coat was burned off of him whilst he was drunk on his journey here and that he was seen proceeding to his lodgings on the day of his arrival (the weather very warm) wrapped up colosely [sic] in a large Cloak ! The Boat is on the eve of leaveing and I fear that I shall be too late to forward this or I would write more I will write again before I leave the city. Your friend To His Ex & svt M. B. Lamar &. &. Memuean Hunt No. 1313 1839 May 31, J. HAMILTON, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^= Philadelphia May 31st. 1839. [{Privatte & confidential) [Dr. Si]r In the letter I wrote you day before yesterday^* by express mail I may have forgotten to inform you that Mr Burnley & myself had pledged ourselves to Mr. Biddle but his agency & that of the Bank's in giving us an advance in our Bonds should not be known until after we had e.'ffected owr negociation in England t pray you to hear this in Mind, 1 trust you Cabinet to Secrcy. — If [no untoward?] event occurs our success is certain, and your ad ministration appears to be destined to^'' crownd [sicJ with resplendent prospects — I have only time to assure you of the esteem with which I am very respectfully & truly Your friend & obt His Excellency J Hamilton M. B. Lamar &c. — [Addressed] [Endorsed] Express Ma[il] J. Hamilton single only May 31. 1839. His Excel [lency] M. B. [Lamar] Care of Wm. Bryan Consul — Nevj 0[rleans'\ Mr. Bryan will be pleased to forward th[is] "A. L. S. »No. 1304 or 1304a. "Hamilton evidently omitted the word "be'' here. 8 Tesas State Libeaey .No. 1314 183», May, B. E. BEE, [VEEA CEUZ, MfiXTCO], TO [C] BAUDIN, [VBEA CEUZ, MEXICO] 1" United States Schooner Woodbury May th. 1839. Admiral- Baudin Clothed with important communications to the Mexican ' Gov ernment from Texas, and General Victoria not feeling at liberty to receive me until he hears from Mexico, I have from my intimacy with Mr Saligny, and from my knowledge of the hospitality of the French, thrown myself on the kindness of your Commodore, who has given me a warm reception. I shall remain with him until I hear from the Secretary of State of Mexico. I am &c Barnard B. Bee " No.. 1315 1839 May, B. E. BEE, VEEA CEUZ, [MEXICO], TO [J. N.] AL MONTE, [VEEA CEUZ, MEXICO]" Vera Cruz, May 1839, Colonel Almonte, Dear Sir, Advise my being heard-^it will be very easy to reject^ if my proposition is not acceptable ' ¦ I am &c Barnard E. Bee No. 1316 1839 May, B. E. BEB, VEEA CEUZ, [MEXICO], TO [M. E.] GOEOS- TIZA, [M]g!XICO, MEXICO] '" Vera Cruz, May 1839. Mr Gorostiza; ' Secretary of State Sir, Empowered by the Government of Texas to present important communications to Mexico, I have to request you will afford me such facilities as will lead to this end— and to a personal interview with the President &c &c "The foregoing is the import of the letter the copy has been mislaid."^^ "Copy. In no. 1255, p. 2. "Copy. In no. 1255, p. 2. "Copy. In no. 1255, p. 3. "The portion in quotation marks ;Was. evidently added by the copyist. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 9 iSTo. 1317 1839 May, B. E. BEE, [VEE^ CEUZ, MEXICO], TO [E.] PAKEN HAM, [MEXICO, MEXICO]^" May 1839. Mr Pakenham, Sir, . Jn fhe awkward, position I in which I find myself, I have deter mined to enclose you a letter from'the House of Lizardi instead of reserving it for a personal interview now rendered improbable. A word from you will work wonders I am respectfully Yours Barnard B. Bee ' No. 1318 1839 June 1, G.W. SMYTH, JASPBE COUNTY, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^^ - ' County of Jasper June 1st 1839 To his Excellency M. B Lamar Dear Sir On yesterday I received, yours of the 13th^'^.ajid also of the 23rd uit, in which ypu. did me the honor to tender me^the appointment of Surveyor (on the part, of Te^^as, to run the boundary line betwen the United States and this Govenment; I accept the appointment, and hold myself ready at .any moment to. com ply with the orders of the Govenment in that matter Yours very respectfully . . ' Geo. W. Smyth P. S. As conveyance by mail is unsertain, I have written duplicates & shall send one by Mail and the other by the flrst opertunity Yo[n]rs Geo. W. S [Addressed] [Endorsed] Jasper His Excellency Geo. W. Smyth Mirabeau. B. Lamar • June 1839 — Houston Accepts surveyor aptmt Mail Texas ¦*Copy. In^ no. 1255; p. 3, '¦^A. L. S. A copy of no. 1318 is in the Keedrds of the Department of State (Texas), Book 49, p. 262. --A copy of Lamar's offer of this date is in the Records of the Department of State (Texas), Book 39, p. 77. 10 Texas State Libeaey No. 1319 18S9 June 1, J. M. W.SITE, S^. LOUIS, [MISSOUEI], TO [M. B.] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^^ St Louis June 1st. 1839 Dear Sir, I think you could not do any thing that would make a more favorable impression in Europe, & in this Country, than by proposing a grant of flve leagues of land to Madame Vespucci — She will get nothing in this Country, but such empty notices as the enclosed — ^* In her position land would be more acceptible, than compliments — The mere notice of a grant in all the Journals of Europe, &_ America would make an impresion of a young, & generous Eepuck, [sic] doing a noble act — The introduction of Italians to cultivate the soil, & to introduce the tree, Olive, & Mulberry, would give value to the lands, & character to the Country — The idea too generally, & most erron eously circulated that Texas is the rendezvous of absconding debtors, & fugitive fellows must be checked, arrested, & put down — By some sueh act as this the country will acquire moral influence, & be associated with immigrants of another Class — I feel a deep interest in the success of the Country — If then infatuated Fanatieks ever drive us to a separation, I look to Texas as a Country to fall back upon, & whether a new confederation with the Southem States shall be effected, or not, the Southern Country will find a powerful ally in that new, & I trust I may soon add powerful Commonwealth — I have the honor to be your fend & servant Jos. M. White His Excellency President Lamar [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Jos. White President Lamar June 7. 1839. Care of Bryan Houston — Consul of Texas Texas — New Orleans ^A. L. S. ^Enclosed are three newspaper clippings giving accounts of the visit to the United Statea of Maflame America Vespucci, descendent of Amerious Vespucoius and political exile from Italj', and of the rejection by the United States Congress of her petition for American citizenship and "a corner of land." Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 11 No. 1320 18S9 June 2, E. WALLEE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^^ City of Austin June 2d 1839 His Excellency M. B. Lamar Dear Sir I have just received your favour of the 25th uit. per Col. Love. Mr Pilie left on the 31st for Houston for the pur pose of making the maps. Mr Sandusky who was here a few days since offered to make them for two hundred dollars eacli, Mr Pilie at fi.rst a^ked four hundred but after I had received Mr Sandusky's proposition offered to do them at the same price. I think that a less number of maps would answer our purpose, but it is optional with you what num ber shall be made. The location I have selected does not conflict with the town below as you fear. I had been advised to place it below but chose the present site which gives a distance between our lower line and the upper line of the other town of at least two miles. This selection of mine has been highly approved by all who have seen it and I doubt not will give universal satisfaction. The public buildings shall be in readiness in time for the next Con gress. I have two 16 feet square rooms up now and the rest in progress, therefore entertain no fears upon that score. I shall keep a regular set of books that I may be able to show at any moment the exact state of the business, all receipts and expenditures. Please write me as often as convenient and oblige Eespy & Truly Your Friend Edwin Waller [Addressed] [Endorsed] His ExceUency M. B. Lamar E. Waller Per Favour Houston June 2, 183.9 Col. Love Texas No. 1321 1839 June 3, M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO LINNEB AND OTHBE CHIEFS AND HEAD-MEN OF THB SHAW NEE, [SHAWNEE TOWN, TEXAS] ^^ To Lin-nee,^'' And other Chiefs and head-men of the Shawnees. Brothers ! We have long suspected that the Cherokees were our secret enemies : that while we were treating them with kindness, and they were "^L. S. (by proxy). ^L. S. A copy of no. 1321, dated May 1839, is in the Records of the Department of State (Texas), Book 39, p. 78. "'The copy in the Department of State Record Book has it "Sin-nee" 12 Tesas State Libeaey professing friendship for us, they, were holding dark Councils with the Mexicans. These suspicions are now reduced to absolute proof. The treachery and the 'hostile -machinations of the Cherokees have been fully discovered. They have listened to- the -forked tongue of the Mexicans, who are always women in war, and wily serpents in peace; and th[e]y have foolishly plighted their faith to the faithless. -7. '. The Cherokees can no longer remain among us. — They must return to the land appropriated by their, great father, the President of the- United States for the permanent residence of their people. — I. hope they will' go in peace, and return no niore; for we have no -wish to^ Shed 'the blood of the red men.^Brothers ! You are not Cherokees ; and we iDelieve you have not participated in their crafty and treacherous devices, or mingled your voices in their wicked Councils. — Be admonished, and refrain from all collusion with them, and with their impotent adv-isers beyond the Eio Grande. The Mexicans can render them no aid.— ^They will fulfill no promise they may make to them or to you: for they are strong only in w.ords. — But they are -willing to see the white men and the red men emploved in the mutual destruttion.of . each other.— They ^are wolves who prolit.by the conflicts of nobler animals. — We are much stronger now than when we conquered their best armies, headed by their greatest War Chief, and drove them from our soil. — Let not the . Shaw- ness be deceived: — The Mexicans will never return in battle arra.y to "Texas. — Small skulking pairties may wind their way, like snakes in the ¦grass, along our unsettled frontier where the feet of our warriors seldom tread, and, if undetected, inay reach your cabins in safety. — But they come with lying tongues. to beguile -the red men, and to seduce them into a war with us, which they dare '.not encounter themselves. — Brothers! Listen not to evil Council. -. Should the Cherokees refuse to leave our territory, force must be employed : for they must go. — We can no longer permit such vipers to remain amongst us. — But let the Shawnees be wise; and take no part in the controversy. — Eemain at your homes: or pursue the game in peace. — Let not the white Man's blood spririkle your ,path : or his property be the object of your prey. — ^And when the greiEd- Council of Texas shall assemble, about the time the leaves begin to fall and the grass become sear,-^ I will present your case to them, in" the words of truth. — Then, I trust, .an amicable arrangement may be effected which will be satisfactory both to yoii and to us and make smooth, and pleasant' the paths' of the Shawnees and of our people. Brothers ! Confide in what I say to you. — I speak the language of truth and have no hidden purpose to deceive. Houston June 3d 1839. Mirabeau B. Lamar '''The copy in the Department of State Record Book has it "scarce" instead of "sear". Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 13 - No. 1322 1^39 June 5, M. HUNT, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]?" New Orleans Sth June - My Dear General ¦ 1839 The speculations ofthe public journals of this city are abundant on the subject of relation that. may shortly exist with ilexico & Texas. Active operations, whether defensive or offensive,, would, be alike extremely popular. in this country and there would be no difficulty, J. think, m raising in the a-tlantic citi[et]s, a. sufficient number, of Emigrants, tc be eonnected with the Army, , as regulars as soon, as .they arrive in Texas, to make the army several thousand strong. ¦ Should' you determine to have enlisted and placed on active- duty ; a fource sufficiently large . to annoy the enemy, by aiding the Federalists; should Colo Bee's mission fail, or in any other way to protect or defend the country against Mexico, I repeat my desire to be connected- wtth such fource. My private aff'airs would be totally disregarded in such event. Indeed I would not be deprived of a participation in such opera-' tions should they occur, for my estate, and I would not I assure you deprive myself of a participation against the eneiny for the [sic] most lovely Lady in the U. S. Speaking of Ladies, by the bye, I have to say for a beautiful young Lady of this city, Miss Meur that she would be exceedingly honored to have a place ocupied by your pen in her Album.', I of course had no doubt but that that pleasure would be equally agre able to you &c. &c. In relation tq our friend Dunlap I ¦wilt a!gain express my solicitude to you. His delay in reaching Wash-- ington was not unreasonable, and I -do not think it a good ground of complaint against him. There ard- persons at Houston doing much to injure his popularity. Every one has some faults. Gen:. Dunlap is honest and patriotic, and is in 'every way an elevated gentleman. I shall do every thing in my power when I return to have his appoint ment confirmed by the Senate. The' support moreover of his nomina tion, is;, the support of your Administration of the GOvt, and the support of the" country. ¦ - , ..." I shall leave here in a few. days for Mississippi where I expect to meet with Gen : Foote previous to his departure for Texas to compile its hiator-y.'" ' I send the name of Mr. S. W. Eudder enclosed to Judge Webb as you assented to his appointment as Consul at Vicksburg. Should our beligerant relations become active with Mex ico, the appointnient of Consuls af all- the principal towns in the valley of the 'Mississippi would, I should think, be important, and 1 recom mend th? subject to your coiisider ation - •. - -¦ please write to me often and say what you intend, to do in con nection with the army should Colo Bee's Mission fail. You;, have not an adequate idear how popular the- taking of Matamoras or any other military movement against Mexico would be in this country at, this tiipe. «A. L. S. "TeaKM a'nd the Texans, by Henry Stuart Foote, was publiahed in 1841. 14 Texas State Libeaey It is a delicate subject 'even for a friend to communicate what may be disagreeable, but I hold that friendship destitute of candour is worthless, and I always take the liberty with those I like most of speaking freest. . . Your political career since your ocupancy of the Executi-ve chair, - is, so far as I have had interchanges on the subject, in this city, uni versally popular. Yet I hear every day that you are losing your popu larity, and upon my inquiring the cause, I am informed that almost every one comeing from Texas says so. I express my surprise that such should be the case, without a just cause, and am then informed that you are cold and repulsive in your manners, &c I plead the constant ocupancy of your mind an important matters of State and the impos sibility of those courtesies which seem to be looked for when your mmd is thus engrossed &c &c. It is however very little trouble to ask a man when he reached the city, &c, &c, &c, &c, and I -will take the liberty of recommending to you to tax yourself in this respect. Be pleased to rem [em] ber me kindly to your Cabinet— T am your friend Memuean Hunt To His Ex M B Lamar Prest &c &c [Endorsed] M. Hunt June 5. '39 No. 1323 1839 June 5, JOHN A. GOEMAN, TALBOTTON, [GEOEGIA], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETB] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Introducing Dr. Park. A. L. S. 3 p. Mutilated. No. 1324 18S9 June 6, EUFUS McLELLAN, MATAGOEDA, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Eeapplying for the post of collector at Matagorda. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1325 1839 June 9, V. PABSTMANN, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO [E. G.] DUNLAP, WASHINGTON, [D. C.]" To his Excellency, General Philadelphia June the 9th 1839 Dunlap, Ambassador from Texas — near the Fed. Government at Washington Most respected Sir, I take the liberty to address to Your Excellency this letter, on ac- "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 15 count of an object, which I fiatter myself will be interesting to you as the representative of the Eepublic of Texas. — I had the honour to address a letter to Your predecessor Dr. Jones — who viewed my plan favourably, and honoured me with an answer. My plan is in short: To establish in Texas a German Colony of 500 to — may be a 1000 families, to which I possess by my extensive ac quaintances and influence ample means in Germany, I can realise in a short time. — I have a brother in Cologne on the Ehain Eiver, who is a merchant, and Elnown — throughout the whole province, who will second me in my undertaking with all his ardor and influence. I remark to Your Ex cellency a point which is especially to be considered, namely: Vessels sail now from Cologne directly to America — without touching any land, since the Steam-navigation is established at that river. Mr. J. P. Dornenburg, who is employed by the Government at Washington — from whom I received a letter yesterday, mentions to me, that he spoke already with you about the same object and about myself personally. — Your Excellency's predecessor has — as above mentioned considered the whole very favourably, and promised to use all his influence near his Government — to bring it to maturity; but as I was not honoured 'with any news untill now from him, I thought it not alone prudent — but also a sacred duty — to acquaint Your Excellency with it. To be able — as your Excellency will certainly see, I must lay aside all my business to provide for my family and myself, and devote my time solely — to the execution' of this plan, which is connected with heavy expenses from my part — being obliged to make a voyage to Europe, and travel also a great deal in the interior of Germany, in order to make the necessary arrangement, so that I may be able to arrive there with a ship with emigrants in the shortest time. — Being already since 5 years a citizen in the state of Pennsylvania — and thour- oughly acquainted in 'the interior, I may for certain send there from this State more than 100 families — most of them stout farmers and mechanics of different trades so much wanted there — very probably al ready this fall. As 1 understood, that there will be an extra Session this summer — in Texas, I beg of Your Excellency to forward to Your Government this my humble proposition, and to recommend it, if You think it worthy to take notice of it. Your Excellency -will permit me to make yet another observation, which I believe will be considered, as it appears that hostilities may probable begin — either with the Mexicans or Indians, or both together. I have been a commissioned ofiicer and made the two last campaigns in France, — and am presently Captain of a Volenteer campany in Phil adelphia, of which many are ready to follow me, and who have already made a campaign in Florida. I should then make it my duty to form if the Government wishes — either a Company or a bataillon for the defence of the country. To coyer therefore my expenses as well as those of my brother in Cologne — and others, whom I have to employ, I wished that the Government would grant me as an indemnification for every ten persons — who will emigrate there either through my means — or that of my brother — 500 acres of land for ever, besides — 16 Texas State Libeaey the acres— to which every emigrant is ., entitled, when settling there. Should the period of granting lathd be prplonged, I -wished then also-- that then fpr the same sum. of ten persons— 320 acres may be allpwed to me — with the choice of any land not yet disposed' of. As it is ot the highest advantage— to have, a free navigation directly from Cologne to Texas I shall make it my sacred duty— to contribute all with my influence in Germany for the welfare of the Commonwealth of Texas. Permit me to beg of Your Excellency— to present these my propo sitions as soon as possible, and to accept the. assurance 'of my highest respect, with which I have the honour to be. ' Your Excellency's ' most obedient Servant Valentine Pabstmann ¦"' ; N. 102 Vine street [Endorsed] V Petermann Pha. llth July 1839 No. 1,336 1839 June 10, J. E. EOSS, LIBBETY, [TEXAS], TO M. B. . LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] ^^^ Liberty. June 10th 1839— To His Excellency ' ¦ ,' M.B.Lamir' , , 'S''^'' .- . ' , , , Colutta CouncillOT. of the Cushatta Tribe of In dians, caine' on board of me at Hirams' Landing the 24th about two miles -below his Villages and requested, me to. call and see you as soon as - possible.- ; (being detained for freight; I thought it expedient tq 'wri'te). — Thus was his Talk — ?^ Tell the Big .Captain of your Nation I am a Friend to the ^hite Man and- have i been so-always, but .the Indians , are mad,fl'7e;0.f the Cushatta's are Killed, and the ballance of the Baptist Indians are now seeking safety among the Brush and. trying to collect spme of their horses & cows in order to retreat to some strong Na'tion or. Tpwn — The White Man accuses the Indians of- stealing their; Horses for an excuse to murder & Eob the Indians — :. This- is not right and it' will if, persisted in cause ^a wound never -to' be heal'd, I'm now over '.one hundred :years'. old. ; I can't take my rifle, and Tomahawk and go to War, nor do I want to^do so — I am the 'White mans friend, but will not accuse my nation ,'W'rongfully. I have given the White man my Lands — I have given them bread — and the former Big Captain told me that the White man should be my Friends. The white man lies, they are '^A. L. S. '''An A. Df. of La,mar'a reply to this "talk," in which he states that he has appointed an Indian agent to act as mediator between the red and white mefl and in whieh he urges the Cushattas to refrain from coBimitting acts calculated to arouse the hostility of the whites, is in the Texas archives, "Indian Affairs" under date of July 9, 1?39. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 17 doing evil for good, I am for Peace and all my Indians are for peace, and if you your Big Captain is determined to murder us and destroy our property we will be compelled to surrender and die like a Brave Nation should do. Times was, when we could have driven the White man off — but we were their Friends and did not want to hurt the White man. I want Your Big Captain to write to my Friend Hiram's and tell us the truth, I will live here till I die which cannot be long and I want to Know what is to become of my people — Capt S. C. Hirams Hirams' Bluff Trinity Eiver will interpret what you may wish to Colutta if directed to his care — With respects Your Obt, Servant Jno E Eoss [rubric] [Addressed] Libertv July 2 Free [Endorsed] To " John B. Eoss His Exet. M. B. Lamar June 1839 President of the Eepbc Houston No. 1327 1839 June 10, E. HALL, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. [B.] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^* Houston June 10th. 1839 Dear General The person who sent the Carriage for you, has written me, that he accepts the terms on which you propose to take it. Viz. at the cost, payments, to be made in 6., 12, 18 & 24 months. 350 dlls each making in all fourteen Hundred Dollars in New Orleans Currency the Carriage is therefore at you disposal Your Obt St. Edward Hall [Addressed] [Endorsed] Hia Excy Edwd Hall M. B. Lamar June 10. '39 Present No. 1328 18S9 June 10, DAVID PAUL BEOWN, PHILADELPHIA [PENN SYLVANIA], TO MIEABEAU [BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Handy's estate. A. L. S. 1 p. ^'A. N. S. 18 Texas State Libeaey No. 1329 1839 June 10, E. BUELESON, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] == Bastrop June 10, 1839 Genl M. B Lamare Dear Sir I have several tryals to procure by perchease a Good tract of Land for you near the site of Goverment I have maide an agreement with Capt Sims for a tract that you will be pleased -with I have no doubt from five hundred to one thousand Acres as you like its a bout four Miles from the Capitol however the Contract is not binding on my parte unless I shose I have to Give more then I, Expected I would have, to do when I Saw you at Houston his price is five dol lars per acre and Garentees a Good title that is in Good Mony or double that amount in the promisary Notes of the Goverment he will Not Eequire more then one half in hand and will Give Good time on the balance I Can only assure you that it is a first Eate tract of Land and leave it with you wheather it is too much or not and -wish answer as Early as posable as he will keep the Land till I hare from you ) your Friend and Serveat M. B Lamar ) Ewd Burleson ) [rubric] ps Judge waller is Getting on finely and I think will be fuly Eeddy for the Eeception of Congress E. B [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Edwd. Burleson Eccelency M, B, Lamar June 10. '39 per mister Houston Hevelston No. 1330 1839 June 10, M. HUNT, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] ^^ New Orleans 10th June 1839 My Dear General. I have just learned that Colo Bee's mission is at an end as Santa Anna demanded as the basis of any negotiation he might propose the re-union of Texas to Mexico. This of course he declined and I hope and have but little doubt with becoming spirit and dignity. I am, I had liked to have said I was glad of it I will say I am glad of it. We shall be fourced to treat the recreant tyrant in a Manner that will advance us in a National point of view and make us as a nation one of the most powerful in the world eventually. "My ¦voice is for war" and as Bustamaente has expressed his deter mination to invade us the sooner we are ready the better for our interests Please communicate to me your intentions. I should not be the '=A. L. S. '"A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 19 least surprised to hear of a Mexican Army on this side the Eio Grande I take the liberty of suggesting to you to look to the attain ment of the necessary means from the million bonds to furnish the necessary munitions of War &c I will see what can be done in Mi : Whince'*' I shall set out to-morrow. Please write to me often This is the third letter'^ I have had the honor to write you since my arrival her[e] all hurriedly. ;My respects to all the members of the Cabinet, and compliments most respectfully to your family. I have had some pecuniary trouble since I reached here but my excellent friend Mr Hodge brother of our very worthy consul of Philadelphia not only aided me to extricate myself but done it in such a way as was most gentlemanly. In great haste Y[ou]r friend M. Hunt [Endorsed] M. Hunt June 10. '39. No. 1331 18S9 June 10, J. T. LAMAE, MACON, [GEOEGIA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TBXAS^» Macon 10th June 1839. Dear Cousin I -wish to draw your attention to the repealing the law in Texas prohibiting the Slave trade — When that law was passed the people of Texas expected to be annexed to the United States and per haps it was then good policy to conform to the principles of our gov ernment as nearly as possible for the public good — But now when annexation is a Settled question, I cannot see the policy of compelling the people of Texas to pay 1200 to 1500 each for Slaves raised in the United States, when they may be obtained from Cuba & other places at 200 to 300$ each. — Although I may never re turn to Texas I hope to see the day when she will make her ports free to all nations — and whether it be a tariff on negro property, or on imported goods, the onus is the same — All I believe admit that slave labor is indispensable to Texas, and without it she cannot in a century rise in wealth and importance much beyond what she now is — and her fertile lands must remained [sic] unfilled and useless — The repeal of the law would as a matter of course be a popular meas ure with the Texians, and as the republic is already repudiated ife denoimced by the abolitionist in the United States & elsewhere as a Slave holding people, "Why not give to your Citizens the means to sup ply themselves with laborers to enrich the Country and themselves — • There is a strong and growing feeling in the South in favor of Texas and particularly in this State; and should you again have a formi- ''The sense here requires "whither" rather than "whence" ''The other two letters are nos. 1312 and 1322. »A. L. S. 20 Texas State Libeaey dable invasion, let me recommend to you three individuals in this State as commanders — Col William Cumming, Genl Charles Nelson & Genl Charles Floyd— the two last would go willingly— it is somewhat doubt ful if the first named Gentleman would accept— they can in the Event of an invasion, if the Money is furnished to pay expences to the coun try carry 10,000 Georgians' Nelson can of himself carry 5000 and if Col Cumming was to head them, the young men of this State would engage as ardently and as enthusiastically in the cause, as was done in times of yore by the cru saders to the conquest of the holy city— but they would be impelled by a better and a greater motive. — If you can find time to write me occasionally I would be more than pleased — Yours John T. Lamar [Addressed] Box 163 [Endorsed] Genl M. B. Lamar Thos. Lamar Houston — Texas Macon Geo June 1839 No. 1332 1839 June 11, ELISHA G. CEOPPEE, GALVESTON, TO M[IEA- BEAU] B[ONAPAETE] LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS] Application for the command of an artillery company to be raised in Matagorda. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1333 18S9 June 12, E [ICH AED] G. DUNLAP, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYLVANIA], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETB] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Introducing Mr. Freeman. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1334 1839 June 12, DAVID L. WOOD, EICHMOND, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] His own intention to give up his interest in the Richmond Telescope and his desire for Lamar's influence to help him secure the editorship of the National Intelligencer. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1335 18S9 June 12, ALLEN TEIMBLB, HILLSBOEO, OHIO, TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Inquiry regarding lands acquired by his brother. Lieutenant- Colonel W. A. Trimble, of the United States Army, and his associates, while stationed at Natchitoches after the War of 1812; abstract of seven conveyances. A. L. S. 4 p. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 21 No. 1336 1839 June 13, A[SA] BEIGHAM, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETB] LAMAE, GALVESTON ISLAND, [TEXAS] Applying for leave of absence; enclosing two deeds forwarded by Hammeken; hope for the restoration of Lamar's health. L. S. 1 p. No. 1337 18S9 June U, EO[BEET] PEEBLES, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABBAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS] Introducing P. M. Montgomery. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1338 1839 June Ih, THO [MA] S B. HULING, PHILADELPPIIA, [PENNSYLVANIA], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONA- PAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Suggesting James M. Allen as resident consul at Philadelphia; the high estimate of Lamar's administration there; Dr. Breckenridge. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1339 18S9 June 15, W. W. CULLEN, [COLUMBUS? GEOEGIA?], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETB] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Introducing Francis H. Dixon. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1340 1839 June 15, JO[H]N B. DAWSON, WYOMING, [KENTUCKY?], TO MIEABEAE [BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Introducing Mr. Andrews. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1341 18S9 June 15, CITIZEN'S MEETING, AEANSAS, [TEXAS]. PEOCEEDINGS AND EESOLUTIONS CONDEMNING THE EEMOVAL OF THB CUSTOM-HOUSE TO LAMAE.^" At a meeting of the citizens of the City of Aransas convened at the council House on Saturday Evening June 15 1839 pursuant to pub lick Notice to take into consideration the late removal of the Custom House from this place Col Henry L Kinney was called to the chair and S Parsons Griswold appointed Secy — After a brief statement of "D. S. of H. L. KinHey, President. Countersigned by S. Parsons Griswold, Secretary. 33 Texas State Libeaey the object of the meeting by the chair on motion of Geo W Fulton a committee of five was appointed to draft and report a series of reso lutions expressive of the sense of this meeting where upon Col James Power Geo W Fulton Edwar'd Fits Gerald Joel T. Case and E C Jackson were appointed said committee and on motion of Col J Power Col H L Kinney was added to said committee. The meeting was then ably addressed by several gentlemen after which on motion of Joel T. Case Esq the meeting adjourned to meet on Monday Evening the 17 Jun[e] inst at 8 O'clock— At 8 Oclock on Monday Evening the Meeting met pursuant to ad journment when Joel T Case Esqr from the Committee reported the following preamble and resolutions which were unanimously adopted "Whereas the Custom House for the Entry of Goods in the Bay of Aransas has been recently removed as it is understood by the authority of the present Executive from the City of Aransas on Live Oak Point to a place opposite called Lamar, a place unapproachable by Vessels drawing seven feet water within three quarters of a mile of the shore, and moreover affording an insecure anchorage to vessels during a stress of weather from any point of compass except the North to a place located on land previously titled to another person and entirely aside from the Natural channel of trade now about to be opened -with the Mexicans and setlers in the county and whereas for the last twelve, months the City of Aransas on Live Oak Point has been kno'wn and acknowledged as the port of entry on this Bay and as such many of us the oldest citizens and the Earliest setters of Texas have stood ready in times of threatened danger to defend it and the revenus of the of the [sic] country with our lives and our humble fortunes in our hands — And whereas this point has the advantage of an Excel- ent Harbour and anchorage sheltered from the force of the winds in Every direction, with seven feet water within one hundred yards of shore and the place having a direct communication mth the western portion of Texas and the Mexican frontier without the interposition of impassable streams, and comparatively secure from Molestation by the hostile Indians that range through the region of country between this Bay and the mountains — The place seeming to be destined by a natural train of events up to this time to become at no distant period the great commercial Emporium of western Texas without having re course to the miserable shifts of modern puffing and without calling to its aid the affiliation of dignataries or a lengthened vocabulary of agencies in foreign lands therefor — Eesolved that in our opinion the removal of the Custom House as aforesaid is in direst opposition to the wishes and interests of the country at large and to those the citi zens of Eefugio County in particular and is an arbitrary streach [stretch?.] of power and favoritism not to be borne tamely by the citi zens of a free Eepublick Eesolved that we deem it a duty we owe ourselves our fellow citizens and the country of our adoption to set this matter forth publickly in its true light that it may be seen to what a pass rulers may be brought Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 33 when biased by contracted and sinister views, and that such judge ment may be passed upon acts of its Kind as a free and independent people have a right to decide upon the deeds of their fellow servants. Eesolved that we can conceive of no reason for the removal afore said other than the fact that the acting Secretary of the Treasury was at the time an Alien and unacquainted perhaps with our Constitution and laws and with the general weal of the Country or through special favoritism to the place from its being called "Lamar" after the present President of this Eepublick as the place was never intended by Nature nor can it be made by art without the Expenditure of millions of dollars a town of any importance Eesolved that we view with deep and fearful concern this step of the Executive as making use of a power not granted him by the Con stitution or laws a power inimical to the best interest of the Country and subversion of the right and the freedom of this people Eesolved that a Copy of this proceedings of this meeting be signed by the Chairman an Secretary and forwarded to the President and also a copy to the Editor of the Houston Telegraph and one to the Editor of Civilian Galveston for publication with a request that other papers may republish the same — S. Parson Griswold. Secy H. L. Kinney Prest. [Addressed] Free [Endorsed] His Excellency M. B Lamar Eesolutions of the Houston Citizens of Eepb Texas Aransas, about Custom House &c June 1839 No. 1342 1839 June 17, W [ILLIAM] A. HOWAED, BEUNSWICK, GEOEGIA, TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Application for appointment as commander-in-chief of the Texas Navy. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1343 1839 June 17, W. EOBBETS, GALVESTON, TEXAS, TO M. B. LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS]" Custom house Galveston 17th June 1839 Your Excellency Dear Sir The wreck of the Steamer Cuba being the first that has happened in our waters since I came into office has been the occasion of my examining particularly into the laws in force in the U. S. (having none of our own) in relation to the appointment & duties of Commis sioners of Wrecks. Finding that in several of the States their Gov ernors respectively made these appointments, & that in some instances the Officers of the Customs were, ex officio wreck Commissioners, I «A. N. S. 24 Texas State Libeaey have, in the emergency of the case and in the absence of any regularly appointed officer, taken it upon myself to perform the duty of Com missioner untill your pleasure can be known. I therefore respectfully solicit your instructions in the case. Most respectfully Your Obt Servt. W. Eoberts. Col. P.G. President M. B. Lamar [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency W. Eoberts M. B. Lamar June 7 1839 President of Texas No. 1344 18S9 June 17, [M. B. LAMAE], GALVESTON, TEXAS, TO W. EOBEETS, GALVESTON, TEXAS^ Galveston 17th June 1839 To the Collector of Galveston Sir In reply to your note*^ of this day on the subject of appoint ing a commissioner of wrecks for this port, I will at some early day, when my health will admit of it, give the subject further attention and if necessary make out in due form a commission for some proper person to perform the duty of Wrecker; in the mean time, & untill otherwise ordered, you will continue to. act as Commissioner of Wrecks for the Port of (jalveston agreably to the laws & usages of the U. States. You will take care, after collecting the revenues paying all the incidental & necessary expenses attending the salvage of wrecked property, to pay over to "the treasury department the money arising from the sale thereof to be subject to the order of the rightful claimants. Eespectiully Dr W. Eoberts [M. B. I^amar] Collector at Galveston No. 1345 1839 June 18, E. W. CULLEN, SAN AUGUSTINE, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS" San-Augustine 18. June 1839, Dear Sir, I have sit [sic] down merely to give You a peep at the times here. — I told you when I left Houston, they were endeavouring to organ ize a Sam Houston party a.gainst you in the next Congress, — if I mis take not. Suffice it to say it is so. They are determined to run .Hous ton for a represen tati-\'e frohi this County; and I believe they will do it successfully. If I had let the bench alone, I could have been a colleague «A. Df. "No. 1343. "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 35 of His, and have watched his movements & kept him in check, by offsetting, if nothing else. As it is, it is hard to tell how matters will go. I can infiuence many for myself, that I can't for others — & then I have no man to stump — speali, who I can run against him — because, it will not do for me while holding the office,*" I do — bound to adjudicate upon mans' rights, & sit in judgement upon their property & even lives, & figure upon the political arena against any party or set of men, by Stump — speaking — it would be alike magnified, unbecoming & highly improper. So, you see my hands are in a great measure tied. — But by the proper execution & caution, Houston if elected, will be in a great measure powerless. Concentrate all the Western vote on you, by giving all the aid you can to their exposed frontier, and by sustaining the new Seat of Govt — Because II n will be against the present loca tion, & you know is strongly touched with the Indian, in his feelings, to say the least of him. This will throw around you 15 votes, & then so soon as the commissioners, you have appointed, make their report, sign Patents & have them issued instantly. This will concentrate on your administration all the landed interests of the East — Thereby, giving you an ascendancy in both Houses of Congress, & leaving Old Sam like the serpent without fangs — with the inclination without the power of doing injury. These remarks are not hastily made. I know that you are aware that my personal & political feelings are warm towards you — or I would not write in the plain & undisguised manner to you, which, I do.— Our Senator, I think, will be right — I am going to have Campbell run — Green will be as mad as hell with me for it — But if Green should be eie [c] ted he is half way right & therefore his being mad with me will be a matter of no consequence — and if G is elected he will be all the way right so you run the risk of being gainer, without any chance of losing. There is little or no local [news] I know too little about Indian affairs to say any thing. The prospects of plante [r]s is more fiattering this Season than I have known them since my residence in the country. And Emigrants are Constantly coming in notwithstanding it is too late for them to think of raising a crop. I remain as usual Your friend & obt. Sevt E. W. Cullen. [rubric] Genl. M. B. Lamar. Houston. — [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excy — M. B. Lamar. San Augustine Houston July 11 Mail. Texas. ,, E. W. Cullen ' > San Augustin 18th June 1839 ''Judge of the first judicial district. 26 Texas State Libeaey No. 1346 1839 June 20, G. S. OLDS, SAEATOGA SPEINGS, NEW YOEK, TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS*" Saratoga Springs, N. Y. June 20th. 1839. May it please your Excellency, it is in consequence of some correspondence which Dr. Joseph C. Field who may perhaps be known to you for the sliare he had in the war with Mexico that I am induced to trouble you at this time. I made inquiries of him, as a resident of some years in Texas, & presumed to be familiar with the present condition, prosperity & wishes of the community concerning the probability of success in an effort to establish a seminary of an elevated & comprehensive character. The proposition was designed to embrace eventually all that is usually included in this country, under the de nomination of a University, with a preparatory department, together with a normal school to fit persons to become instructors of Academies or common schools, for the requisite diffusion of knowledge through society. It may be necessary to state to you as a stranger, what is well knovm to him by the former acquaintance of our families, that I have been for some years a professor in the superior branches of Science, in the Colleges or Universities of the United States, as also occasionally an instructor in other departments of Literature. I was too for several years, the pastor of a church & congregation in Greenfield the County- town of Franklin County Massachusetts; & though in[?] consequence of a severe course of bilious fever, my health was for a time impaired it is now apparently re-established, & I am disposed to enter upon my accustomed pursuits, witli a view to the improvement of some portion of my fellow-men, as th[e] good providence of God shall appear 'to indi cate. I have thought of Texas as affording an opportunity to lay the foundation of an Institution to extend & perpetuate the influence of religion, virtue, science and literature among a recent, but enterprising & promising people. I believe I may venture to assure your Excellency, that if the prospect is in a tolerable degree favorable, I can procure a corps of assistants, well qualifled to sustain the several parts of an un dertaking of this magnitude & importance. Dr. Field was not prepared to give me information so definite as the occasion appears to demand. It is for this reason that I have presumed to make this application to your Excellency, to ascertain, if possible, whether public opinion in Texas will favour the enterprize; whether pupils would probably pre [sent] themselves; & whether the requisite resources can in any feasible way be provided? It is possible I have anticipated the time. "Cedunt arma togae". Your attention to the subject is respectfully requested as soon as your engagements will permit It is on many "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 37 accounts, important that I receive an answer, with as little delay as is practicable. AVith sentiments of high consideration, I am your Excellency's Most obedient and Humble Servant, Gamaliel S. Olds [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency ' G S Olds Mirabeau B. Le Marr Saratoga Sprgs President of the June 1839. Eepublic, Private Houston, Texas. Via New Orleans No. 1347 1830 June 20, W[ILLIS] EOBEETS, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Introducing Admiral Eibaud; Lamar's health. A. L. S. lp. No. 1348 1839 June 22, C. TOMPKINS, AVASHINGTON, TEXAS, TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS*' Washington Texas Jun 32d. 1839 Dear Sir I am now making arrangements to Send my agent who is Eesiding in Poughkeepsie New York on a Tour to England & France. To Negotiate & make Moneyed arrangements & to do commercial buisness between those Countries & Texas if you Can serve me with Letters to the govnt. Consul or diplomatic Agent residing in those Countryes. and A Letter To whom it may concern that I am responsible for all & Singular the Contracts I make at home & Abroad & am entitled. To all good faith & Credit as a Citizen & Merchant residing in this republic, the object I have in view in sending an agent to those Countrys is to Import all Kinds of goods. Bring them To this Country & Ship Cotton & Prod ucts of this Country Back in return. Open & Establish facilities for mechants To doe buisness in those Countries & have in the trade a Eegular Line of Packets so soon as the Trade Justifies. I purpose Importing 3 Steam Loco Motive Ploughs for Cultivating the pararies, [sic] also To Emigrate 500 firt [sic] rate grain growing farmers, To Setle in the Mountainous Country, to produce those products the Necesi- ties of this Country so much neads, & if possible to Establish a Company To develope the minral wealth of this most higly favoured Country. My Agent Mr. Peter L Carman, of Poughkeepsie, ¦will Embark for "A. L. S. 38 ' Texas State Libeaey England as soon as the missing papers Eeach him your Early attention will confer a faver on vour most ob EespectfuU Obt. Sevt. His Exv. M. B Lamar ' Caleb Tompkins Houston [rubric] Texas P S. Judge webb is w[e]ll know to me wh[e]n Eesiding in Clinton Georgia— [Addressed] ' [Endorsed] _ Washington 25, Caleb Tompkins July 3 1839 June 13. 39 His Exc. M B Lamar Houston Texas — No. 1349 1839 June 22, WILLIAMS, SAM[UE]L M. GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Sending a letter and a book from General Hamilton; his own inten tion to use his infiuence for harmony of feeling and action in publie matters. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1350 18.39 June 22, E. BACHE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] *^ (Private) Steam Ship Zavala Port of Galveston 33 June 1839. His Excellency, M. B. Lamar, President of Texas. Dear Sir, I have taken the liberty to write a confidential letter to you, with an assurance on my part, that should you think it worthy of answer, it shall 'be destroyed immediately after perusal, and that mortal eye or ear other than mine [sic] shall not see, or hear of its contents. I confess that I am prompted to 'write, for three reasons; one of them being personal but of the least importance: Friendship for you, interest on my own behalf, and a powerful and partiotic feeling for our adopted country, and her interests. It has been circulated at Galveston, that you were opposed to the necessary alteration of the Zavala, and also, that it was your determina tion to put the coming fieet in ordinary, and not send them upon active service. The latter intelligence has created the greatest sensation in the public mind; and has drawn upon you a general censure, by those who do not know you as well as I do, and have not that high esteem; rivetted by friendship, from our intimacy since "the Independence of the Country and acquaintance '\i'ith each other. Excuse me therefore "A. L. S. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 39 for speaking plainly — it is the part and duty of a friend. As for the Zavala; those who knoir her hest, believe, that at an expense inconsider able, in proportion to her capacity to protect the coast and annoy the enemy; that the alterations required to convirt her into a Man of war, ought not to be talcen into consideration, as the scale preponderates in favor of her conversion into an armed vessel, in a fourfold ratio at least, when compared to the trifiing sum that would be required for that pur pose. When her strength, her speed, hor power to move in a calm, her steadiness in sailing which would afford a battery as firm as tho' it was permanently placed on land; weighed in the balance, what enormous advantages do they not offer over an enemy in a light breeze, or calm; her hull light & frail, and tossed by the tempest iu such a manner as not to be able to make her guns bear, or if perchance they did, would not remain a sufficient time 'to enable them to take effect with any kind of accuracy, whilst she would prove a certain & fixed target for the purposes of the Zavala. These are briefly the leading, and as I con sider the over-powering arguments for refitting the Zavala, independent of the almost total loss of the prices paid for her, should she lie here in ordinary; and the disappointment of Congress in not finding her employed after their liberal provision for her purchase. The placeing of the new vessels into an inactive state, appears to excite universal ' disapprobation with the public, and I feel assured myself. that you must have a very solid public reason, (should the report be correct) for coming to such a conclusion, which it is deemed improper at present to divulge. I can find one myself. From all the intelligence from Col. Bee, which has been published, it appears that he left Vera Cruz after he had been requested to remain there until an answer was reed from the capital. That answer was, that it would require time for consideration; and thus I conclude from the Colonel's speedy de parture, that some arrangement was privately entered into, which would ¦enable Col. Bee to leave Vera Cruz by approbation of the Mexican Government, as it might have been supposed that m.uch time would be occupied by that Govt in the discussion of Yr Excellency's proposition, before a final detemination was arrived at; and that thev did not wish to keep Col. Bee confined to one point during that period; he on the ¦contrary preferring to visit other countries in the vicinity when he could more pleasantly & profitably employ his time and yet not be dis tant when the result of Mexican discussion should be disclosed to him. There may be others & I confess of a more influential character. Probably a wish to have all the vessels collected previous to their cruiz ing, and then to go as a fleet under one commander ; by which time the determination of the Mexn Govt may be communicated to you. Believe me that I wish not to pry into state secrets, but I should be most happy to hear from you "that your reasons for not employing the new vessels will be perfectly satisfactory to the public, when made known, which will be at a proper time and in due season." Should there be none more satisfactory than the expense, I fear that will never be sustained by the people; and should the new vessels, & this, be ordered to be placed in ordinary, on that account the most fatal blow will be given to the Navy ; our principal arm of defence, as -well as of annoyance to the enemy; that few, if any of the officers would remain; in fact, not one of any consideration; and that it would re- 30 Texas State Libeaey quire years before the Country could instil confldence in the public or naval community, as to enable them to engage either officers or seamen to man even a portion of the present small force. I could not withoid these ideas from you altho' I must confess I have hastily thrown them together & have not time to copy them before the Steam boat leaves. And now for a minor consideration. Should the Zavala- remain "in statu quo." I should like more active mental employment than she can offer or afford. Will you place me somewhere? I am perfectly satisfled were we actively engaged in cruising — ^but to be within a few yards of an uninteresting town, without employment, or even books to engage my mind, would never suit me. I could have remained in fhe U. S. upon the same terms, but do no feel old enough yet to surrender an active, for an inactive life. If you should appoint Mr Humphreys to take charge of one of the vessels whilst she is laid up, I will with pleasure return to my old station in the Navy Dept, should it meet the approbation of Col Cooke. I feel that the lessons I have learned on board ship, have considerably increased my faculties in several important branches of the Dept almost indispensable to be kno'wn. Practice on board, has impressed, indelibly, on my mind, the different officer's duties required to be performed, which I had not before seen the necessity of demanding. Shall I beg the favor, at least, of an answer to the last part of this communication & again ask pardon for my intrusion. With the highest esteem Yr devoted friend R, Bache No. 1351 1839 June 2^, JA[ME]S CAMACK[?], ATHENS, GEOEGIA, TO M[I.EABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Inquiry regarding the prospect of securing "exciting and profitable business" and the price of land in Texas. A. L. S. lp. No. 1353 1839 June 2^, G[EOEGB] EVBEETTE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] TO M[IEABEAU] B[U0NAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Application for Lamar's sanction and influence in connection with his own selection to attend to the sale of Austin lots; Lamar's health A N. S. lp. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 31 No. 1353 18S9 June 27, J. H. STAEE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]*' Treasury Department To _ City of Houston, 27th June 1839. His Excellency M. B. Lamar. President of the Eepublic. Eespected Sir. By a communication from the Hon. Secretary of State, I am informed that the sum pf Twenty Seven thousand dollars ($37000.00) will be required immediately to enable the Government to carry out its views relative to the Cherokee Indians — I therefore submit to your Excellency the accompanying drafts on the Merchants Bank at New Orleans for that amount. I have the honor to be Very EespectfuU y Your Obt. Servant Jas. H. Starr. [Endorsed] Secretarv of the Treasury Ja. H Starr " [Eubric] 37th June 18'39 Official No. 1354 18S9 June 29, JO[H]N S. EV[ANS], GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETB] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS A request for Lamar's approbation for his projected newspaper on Galveston Island, "the National [Intelligencer?] of Texas" (not the Houston Intelligencer)"; the exhaustion of his means in the publica tion of the Commercial Intelligencer "last year." A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1355 [1839 June], THO [MAS] F. SMITH, EED EIVEE COUNTY, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE LAMAE, HOUSTON Application for appointment as land attorney for Eed Eiver County; his acquaintance ¦with Lamar and their meeting at "the opening of Franklin College" [in 1819 ?] ; his nulliflcation opinions. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1356 [1839 9 June?], N[ATHANIEL AMOEY, HOUSTON? TEXAS], TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON] "Letters alluded to by Mr. Maillard"; Burnet's endorsement of Brennan. A. N. S. 1 p. "L. s. 32 Texas State Libeaey No. 1357 1839 July 3, W. B. TEOTTEE, CLAEK COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, TO M. B. LAMAE. HOUSTON, TEXAS"" Clark County Mississippi July 3rd 1839 To His Excellency, Meribeau. B. Lamar. Dear Sir. Eumors are abroad in this country. That the Indians and Mexicans are doing much Mischief in the Frontiers, of, Texas and that the President is author ised to raise eight hundred volunteers, to, go, against them For a period of six months service There is a Parsel of able boded active and dareing young men in this section of the country who are willing to Join the Texas army as volunteers for six months provided the in ducement offered by the government is sufficient to Justify them to go to Texas, now, sir if you will ans-ft'er this letter and let me know 'what will be the certainty of being received into the service of the government and what will be the Pay, For Cavalry & how much for infantry and how much land if any is allowed, extra of Wages if the inducement is sufficient I Feell , confident that I, can, be enabled to Furnish you with one or two companies by the 1st .of December. I have been long accustomed to the Indian mode of AA^arfare. I, was raised on the Frontiere, and commanded as Lieutenant, in the us. States service, in the late creek war and if I do not understand them it is not for the want of experience A company, of. Cavalry stationed about the three forks, of the Trinidad river, of, about two hundred by Frequent scouts would keep back the cherokees, caddoes and co- manchies From their encroachments, on the Frontier between the Brasos and sabine, and prevent, any inter course between those hostil Indians and the coonchatties alabamas, and muscogees, that live lower down and would, be a sure safeguard to, prevent the hostility of Those tribes that are now friendly, on the Trinidad river and other portions of eastern Texas, I, shall expect an answer, as soon as you receive this direct your letter to me at Chickesaw hay Post office Clark, County Mississippi I am sir verry respectfully your obedient servt. ) , Wm. B. Trotter M. . B. Lamar ) [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency W. B. Trotter Meribeau B. Lamar Presi- July 9. '39 dent of, Texas Houston Texas By way of New Orleans ™A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 33 No. 1358 1839 July 5, S. A. PLUMMEE, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS" Dear General, New Orleans — July 5th. 1839. — Since my arrival here — in the first instance I've made myself acquainted with the Law — so as to know how far to go in re cruiting men. — In the second instance to find out the best and most convenient stand for headquarters. I spoke to the Captn. of the Steamer Columbia who agrees to take them as fast as I recruit at ten Dollars per head. — on Schnr. &c I get them carried at the same price. — I shall _ tomorrow commence work, and from the number of flat boats and that kind of crowd in town — that are attatched to them I anticipate a short business of it., — The only trouble, I fear, is from the number of applicants from the emerald Isle. — In conversation with some of the U. S. Officers here — they are far from being preju diced against the Irish as common soldiers — in fact, they they [.sic] have produced quite a change in my mind, in their favor — as Infantry soldiers — they say they are first rate with muskets on a charge, espe cially. — and equally as easy kept in subordination. — a few companios of them at the present might not be amiss. — However, I shall await your decision. — I can arrainge it here so as to give immediato notice" to all who would wish to "Emigrate," on special conditions; and I think, several hundred applicants can be readily calculated upon. — Shall I promise them on their entering the service the bounty money usually paid to U. S. soldiers "good money" as they call it. — this is all important to start with. — In the next place would it not be advisable to procure each man two suits of corse summer clothing to be given him on his landing and enrolling his name at Galveston. — Shoes, Hat &c. — Upon those terms I would go it on a large figure — For the Army & Navy, if desirable — and an office here kept open would in a very short time fill up the whole military demand for the Texas army & Navy. — I shall await your answer in relation to the Beal 5000$ acceptance &c — ^but shall have all my plans and arraingments completed by return boat, — So that I can commence shipping immediately. The Eifles have not arrived; they shall not, however, detain me in the least. — The City is healthy — money scarce — Texas funds a little on the rise. — Coin. Bee is still sanguine about obtaining peace with Mexico. — Gen'l. Hamilton; last account, in New York. — English news still more gloomy. — Yr. fr. & vy. obt. sert. Sam'l. A. Plummer [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excley. M. B. Lamar — Sam A Plumber Prest. Eep. Texas. — N Orleans 5th. Houston Augt. 1839— ¦ Texas "A. L. s. 34 Texas State Libeaey No. 1359 1839 July 6, J. H. STAEE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] =^ Treasury Department To, • Houston, July 6th 1839. His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar President of the Eepublic of Texas. Sir. Having received a communication from the Hon. Secretary of State, calling for the sum of _ Twelve thousand four hundred and fifty five dollars in gold or silver,' it being the amount stipulated to be paid to the Government of the United States, on account of the seizure, capture and detention of the Brigs Pocket and Durango,^^ and there being no funds of this character in the Treasury, I have drawn on the Merchants Bank at New Orleans at sight for the amount, which draft in duplicate I herewith submit for your signature. I have the honor to be with the highest consideration and respect Your Obt. Servant Jas. H. Starr Secretary of the Treasury [rubric] No. 1360 1839 July 9, L. P. COOKE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO [M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS] =* Houston July the 9th. 1839. To the President ) Of the Eepublic of Texas ) Sir It is absolutely indispensable that some ar rangements should be made for the more equinomical [sic] subsistance of our Navy. There are now before this Department many requisi tions — necessary requisitions — for provisions and etc. [sic] which if procured here in our own country 'will cost this Govmt. some three or four hundred per cent dearer than they can be purchase [d] in New Orleans or elsewhere in the United States. I would therefore advise that you permit me to draw a draught upon the Secretary of the Treas ury in favour of Mr. Brannum our Naval Agent with orders to dis pose of it in the States at the best possible advantage for the benefit of the Navy "^L. S. ™For the official correspondence on the Pocket and the Duran.go see Garrison G. P., Diplomatic Correspondence of the Repiiblio of Texas, I, 271 275 328 332* 336, 342. ' . . , "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 35 Accompanying I send you an esti [mate] of the entire amount of provisions required for the whole Navy for the space of six months in order that you may form some idea of the extent of the requisitions now on file for the vessels actually in service I remain your obdt. servnt. Louis P. Cooke Secty Na'vy No. 1361 1839 July 9, S. A. EOBEETS, WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] ^^ ^^ Confidential Washington July 9th. 1839 Dear Genl. I have frequently had it in mind of late to write to you, as different subjects have presented themselves but, have uniformly been deter ed from it by the uncertainty attending the transmission of letters from the [this] section of country to Texas, and the fear that my letters from some casualty or inadvertance, might fall into other hands than yours and thereby bring before the public some things which had best be kept silent — This double apprehension will have its infiuence on me, and may at times involve my meaning in a little ob scurity — ^but as I promised you to write on all matters of moment I must not shrink from any idle fears — The despatches'^ which were forwarded by the Steamer New York to Genl. Dunlap found him in New York, from which place he ad dressed a communication ''' to the Secrtary of State at home, and also three different ones^' to Mr Forsyth here — These latter after recording, I took to the department myself, and, as Mr Forsyth was absent, I called on Mr Poinsett and informed him verbally of the contents of the one which, from its nature, would be sent to his department for his action — He informed me distinctly, & told me I might so assure you, that the Stipulations in the treaty of 1831 between the U S and Mexico should be strictly and rigidly enforced — that the Indians within the Teritory of the U. S. should be restrained not only by with holding their annuities but also by a sufficient military force, stationed at some convenient point or points on the frontier — In relation to the Indians from the U. S. who have gotten a foot hold in Texas, he said the U S could not interfere with them, — but that if it become necessary for you to make war upon them in order to expel them from the teritory of Texas, you might rest perfectly satisfied, that they should neither be joined nor assisted by any Indians from the U S "A. L. S. '"See Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Bepublio of Texas, I, 396-401. "Printed in' Garrison, op, cit., I, 406. ™One of these communications, dated June 26, 1839, is printed in Garri.5on, op, cit., I, 408. Another, dated June 29, 1839, is transcribed in the Records of the Department of State, (Texas), Book 41, p. 234. The third communication referred to is not on file iri the Texas Archives. 36 Texas State Libeaey teritory— Of the Caddoes, he informed me that they would be taken care of— that he was about purchasing a tract of country upon which they would be settled so as not to molest Texas— In fact every dis position was manifested to befriend us to the utmost of the power ot the U. S. so as not to go heyond their treaty obligations — In the course of conversation another topic was touched and altho not officially, yet freely discussed— Great interest is felt by the Gov ernment here in regard to the proposed treaty of amity between Texas & Mexico— We had first heard of Col Bee['s] departure from Vera Cruz which being mentioned gave Mr Poinsett an opportunity to go some what at length into the subject & as he expressed himself freely and as I thought very sensibly and in a statesman like manner I par ticularly noted what passed — As his views however differ some what from those embraced & acted on by the Government of Texas I must premise what follows by stating distinctly that this part of my letter is strictly confidential, — the conversation as I said before being an un official one He has in the first place condemned the policy of sending a public minister [to] Mexico at all — and gave as some of his reasons that Santa Anna or who ever might be at the head of the Govt, could not receive him in his puhlic capacity without flrst acknowledging the very thing which was the object of the mission Viz — The Independ ence of Texas — thereby concluding the Treaty before it was begun ! ! He htated also that the agent selected was rather too fussy, too fond of show, to conduct secretly a business of this magnitude & impor tance, — and I believe he knows him well — He seemed however to speak confldentally of the disposition of the ruling power in Mexico to treat on this subject, and either said he knew, or was well informed (the former was the impression left on my mind) that upon knovnng that Texas designed sending a public minister to Mexico, the latter Government immediatly dispatched a secret agent to New Orleane to prevent it if possible — It was also conjectured that possibly this agent might be invested with plenary powers to treat with Texas — It is Mr Poinsetts opinion that a secret agent might have affected the object of the mission & I cannot help thinking that Col Bee did wrong in not accepting the permission of the Government to land as a private Citizen which permission I understand was offered him — It strikes me that the Mexican Govt, adopted this delicate mode of geting over the difficulty of receiving the accredited minister from one of their revolted States, — Once having obtained a foot hold, I think he would have gotten on easily — I may be wrong both in my statement of facts & deduction of inferences, but if the former be correct, I would hazard much on the latter — You may perhaps recollect what you said to me the night before I left Houston on the subject of long wordy & flowery communications of a certain person You expressed your fears that he would over do, every thing in this way — The result has shown that j'ou judged him correctly — He cannot write & will not be altogether advised — I do something in the way of finishing, but it is impossible to give to rough granite the polish of marble — I regret this exceedingly for no man could be shrewder or more diligent in fixing the preliminaries — in talking the matter over, and in bring many interest to bear upon the Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 37 point he desires to carry — Yet when it comes to the execution, he fails entirely, and all the time seems to regard his communications as finished compositions — You will not misconstrue my motives from the Candour with which I have spoken I only mention to deplore it — He is in fact, so true a friend of yours & of your administration so open, candid, fearless & indefatigable in the service of the country, and withal so good a friend of mine, that I should deeply deplore a discontinuance of your confidence & favor — only another time employ him where he can act without being from his station required to write — Of course you 'will have heard before this that Genl. Hamilton sailed on the 6th. in the Steamer Liverpool — Mr Burnley having gone on the 25th. uito: — Genl. Dunlap is still in N. York where he went to sign a second set of Bonds — About the 1st. of June I wrote to two or three of my family, (as well as I can recollect, to Pa Sisters Olivia & Laura) — I also sent a copy of the Globe of about that date containing an Editorial on the subject of our Foreign relations prospects &c, which was written by me, but attributed by the Editor to Genl. Dunlap — he having procured the insertion of the article in the Editorial form — The same article in any other news paper, than the official organ of this Government, which is know[n] to exert so great an infiuence over the conduct of the President, would not be a matter of much consequence, but pub lished at the time it was, & in the paper it was, it created much con versation here and had a most happy effect upon the Eepresentatives of Foreign Nations residing here — I sent the paper to Pa, desiring them to have it republished in the Texas papers with suitable com ments — This was to help you at home — But from the time at which the Cuba was lost, I much fear that not only my letters but the paper also was lost as I understood the mail went over board This if it is so, is to be much regreted, and I think you had best direct your Secretary to look up the paper & send it to Mr Jewett desiring him to publish it with observations thereon — I think it is in the papers of the 1st. or 3d. of June — The second Schooner sailed for Galveston a few days ago, and a Brig I am told will be ready for sea in about two days more and all the o'Uiers will follow in quick succession — so that you will have it in your power very soon to act if you please on the offensive, at least at sea — How you may like the letter'* which Genl. Dunlap recently wrote to the Secretary of State, here, on this subject I know not — For myself I forbear an expression of opinion, upon the policy of Texas, (as therein stated) waiting the result of the offer of mediation on the part of the U States which I think it more than likely now will not be made, at least for the present as Texas has no Agent in Mexico, empowered to treat — I think it would have been better, not to have made any communication on the subject at all, or at least, not until instructions could have been re ceived from home, giving a full detail of what had really transpired — The letter refered to was written from New York, — I think he sent a copy of it to Mr Burnet — ¦ ^'Printed in Garrison, op. cit., I, 408. 38 Texas Staqie Eibeaey Cant you hurry the Post Mastef 'GeSl. 'with the arrangement about the mail? According to the present_aSTangement we have -to pay both ways here, and the postage isveigf heavy — Besides there is nro ; appropriation by Congress for any' of sth© incidental expenses "of -the Legation, such as Stationary Postage &c &c - ' ~ So you are determined the next Congress shall assemble at Austm^^ It serves them just right — Many of them thought you would Jake the responsibility of re-assembling them at Houston and in that rhan- ner, hoped to shift the burthen from their o'wn shoulders to yours-^ But how on earth are the people to live there next winter? Unless the roads are infinitely better than when I last passed over them, no wagon can be drawn over them They were then impassable Not even Jack assable as some one somewhere says about — something — I hope the necessi ties of the people will compel them to set at once about constructing Eail Eoads — Of course I can have no objection to ray fathers, reading this letter, and if you are so minded (is this a proper word?) you can show it to him — One of your cousins who lost so many children & I think his -wife in the Pulaskee, is here and rumor says is about to be married to a Miss Caznove — I have not seen him If you can find an idle hour some time I should be highly delighted to have a line from you, if it is only to know my letters reach you — How does Mr Jewett answer as an Editor? Your attached friend & obt servant Saml. A Eoberts Genl. M. B. Lamar Houston [Addressed] Charge 118 /?. A Roberts Confidential His Excellency. . Mirabeau B. Lamar President Eep: Texas Care Wm. Bryan ) Houston Texan Agent ) Texas New Orleans ) [Endorsed] Saml. A. Eoberts. Washington Cty. July 9th, 1839, ' Genl. news &c. &c. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 39 No. 1363 1839 July 9, M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO "THE CITI ZENS OF LIBEETY COUNTY, EESIDING NEAE THE CUSHATTA TOWNS AND VILLAGES""" Letter To the Citizens of Liberty County, residing near the Cushatta Towns and Villages: Fellow-Citizens — I have heard, with feelings of deep regret, of disturbances and conflicts"^ which have recently taken place between some of the citizens of Liberty County and the Cushatta Indians re siding in their vicinity. I regret it, because such disturbances are calculated to involve the country in an Indian war, which at this time should be avoided, if it cane be done without compromiting the rights of our citizens, or sacrificing our national dignity. The Cushatta In dians are in themselves; a weak and defenceless tribe, and as such not to be dreaded, but if they are treated with injustice, on account of their weakness, will they not fly for protection to more powerful tribes, and -will it not aford those tribes a pretext for hostility, and aggres sion, which they have already too anxiously sought? It is the settled pohcy and determination of the Government, to remove beyond our territorial limits, every Indian tribe that has no rightful claim to reside in Texas, and such is the state of our present Indian relations, that there exists a strong hope of our being able to do this 'without delay or bloodshed, provided they are not exasperated to hostilities by indiscreet acts on the part of our own citizens. When the emigrant tribes"^ shall have been removed, the few which claim the right to remain, will not have the means of giving us annoyance, and should they attempt it, there will be no difficulty in punishing them as they deserve, but it 'will be impossible to carry out the policy which has been adopted for the attainment of this most desirable end, if our own people, regardless of the dictates of prudence, shall upon every slight aggression make war upon such of the scattering tribes as shall be 'within their reach at the moment of excitement. I am well aware that there are vicious Indians in every tribe, and I have no doubt that you sometimes experience annoyances from such belonging to the Cushattas; but is it right, or in accordance with the Liberal ideas of justice entertained by the white man, to punish in discriminately the whole of a peaceful tribe for the misdeeds of a few bad men? it certainly is not, and especially when ample redress can be had by a different course. I have therefore felt it to be my duty ™Copy. In no. 361, p. 134. A duplicate of this letter signed by Lamar and the reply of the "Citizens of Liberty County" dated [Aug. 1, 1839], are in the Texas Archives, "Indian .Affairs." "See no. 1326. "'The Cushattas were not considered an emigrant tribe, having lived in Texas before the advent of the white settlers. See 'Wooten, D. G., History of Texas, I, pt. 2, p. 729, and Garrison, Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, I, 399. 40 Texas State Libeaey to issue my proclamation calling upon you to abstain from a course, which if persisted in, must lead to the most unpleasant consequences. both to you and the country. To prevent as far as possible, tuture difficulties of this kind I have appointed Joseph Lindley Esqr. an agent to superintend the affairs of these Indians, and to keep a strict watch over them so as to prevent encroachments on the white settle ments; and should they again trespass on your rights, or property, you will make it known to this agent who will be instructed to take the necessary and proper steps to have the offenders punished, either by their own chiefs or by reporting them to the Government. By pur suing this course instead of assuming to yourselves the right of mak ing war for every supposed, or actual injury, you -will not only have ample justice awarded to you, but you will avoid conflicts which must necessarily arise between yourselves and the constituted authorities of the country, which might produce the most disastrous results, and which as good citizens, and a law abiding people, I am satisfied you would regret. With my best wishes for your prosperity and welfare, I am with respect, Your fellow-citizen Mirabeau B. Lamar Houston July 9th. 1839. No. 1363 1839 July 11, E. WALLEE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] "^ City of Austin July 11, 1839 His Excellency M. B. Lamar Dear Sir Since my retum the erection of the public buildings has rapidly progressed. I shall have completed in a few days twenty eight rooms for offices the frame for your house is up and being inclosed, and it will without doubt be completed according to contract the 15th. of August. I have all the timbers got out for the Capitol and shall raise it in a short time. I have to pay very high for hands and every article that I purchase owing to the depreciation of our currency, it being reported here that our money is only worth twenty two cents on the dollar consequently have had to raise the wages for hands &c. I am getting short of money and shall not have enough to last until after the sales. I am very sorry to trouble you so often but am pre pared to show how all has been used, therefore as it will be impossible for me to go to Houston until the sales are over it will be necessary to send me some. Please send me $15,000"* by Judge Webb when he comes up to attend the sales or by some other safe convey. I sincerely hope that you have by this time recovered your health ™L. S. (by proxy). "See appended note of Lamar in no. 1368. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 41 and hope ere long to see you here as it will not now be long before your house will be ready for your reception. Considering it highly important that the streets should be named before the sales I hope that you will name them and would suggest the propriety of naming the streets running up from the river after the different rivers in our Eepublic commencing at the Sabine naming the principal street running up to Capitol square Colorado Avenue, and the cross streets 1st. 3nd. &c. Eespy. and Truly Your friend Edwin Waller [rubric] No. 1364 1839 July 11, SAM[UE]L M. WILLIAMS, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUS TON, TEXAS] Their interview on the 5th; his own hope for "a state of things bor dering on such as we both desire"; endorsing Ealph Kellogg for consul at Boston. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1365 1839 July IS, M. HUNT, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]''^ Jackson Mississippi 13th. July 1839 To His Excellency M. B. Lamar Prest. of Texas My Dear General, I have not yet had the pleasure of hearing from you since my arrival in Mississippi. Letters from your private Secre tary (Mr Eansom) and your physician (Dr Smith) has caused me much solicitude for your health; but I most earnestly hope it is entirely restored and that I shall in a day or two receive a letter from you. In the mean time, having just made an informal proposition to the Union Bank to purchase our million bonds, or a part of them, and received assurences from the President of great confidence in our ability to pay, the stability of our Government, &c. &c., but an inability on the part of the Bank to purchase, I avail myself of the earliest opportunity to communicate to you, the impossibility of obtaining any means here from this, or any other Banking institution in this State I have great apprehensions that we shall be invaded by the enemy in a short time; and from the private letters from Mexico and the tone of the public journals of that country, I should not be surprised if it occurs as early as the first of September. Without any means, except our Treasury issues to meet such an event, should the fource "A. L. S. 43 Texas State Libeaey of the enemy be very large, we shall, perhaps, be unable to act with that promptness and efficiency necessary to repulse them promptly. This induced me to feel a deep solicitude to obtain a pledge on the part of this Bank to furnish the Government, should you thinls: it neces sary, an adequate sum to meet the contemplated contingency. Hundreds of men are ready to volunteer their services from this State should the enemy cross the Eio del Norte, Colo. McClung, Genl Terril, and many other gentlemen of great chivalry, have requested me to notify them without delay should we need volunteers. General Houston was received with considerable attention at Co lumbus in this State, and on my reaching there, I was surprised to find how favorable an impression he had made. I do not think, how ever, when I left that place that my acquaintances continued to enter tain as favorable views of him; if they did, they ceased, at least, to express them. Only think how contemptible he acted, when I assure you that he mentioned the circumstances of the quarrel between him and myself, giving an unjust version to it, to a young Lady, who he knew I would shortly visit at that place, and requested her to make friends between us, and after saying farewell to her, impressed on her to make us friends. This is almost as ridiculous, as his having burned off his coat tail, while in a state of intoxication, immediately after making Temperance speeches. I am your Excellency's friend and obt svt Memuean Hunt P. S. Please let me hear from you immediately on the receipt of this and express your views relative to the contemplated invasion. M. H. [Addressed] [Endorsed] To/ M. Hunt His Excellency July 13 '39 M. B. Lamar, President of the Eepublic of Texas. Care of W. Bryan, Texian Consul, New Orleans No. 1366 1839 July IS, MEMUCAN HUNT, JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS His own love affair; the disposal of his estate in Madison County, [Miss.]; Houston's effort toward reconciliation -with Hunt; Brandon Springs; a personal negotiation for Lamar. A. L. S. 4 p "Confidential." No. 1367 1839 July IS, JO[H]N S. EVANS, GALVESTON, [TEXAS] TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Endorsing E. G. Cropper for discharge from the infantry recruiting service. A. L. S. 1 p. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 43 No. 1368 18S9 July 15, E. WALLEE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS" City of Austin July 15th. 1839 His Excellency M B Lamar Dear Sir In addition to reasons stated in my letter of the 11. Inst. I have contracted for the building of another house, to consist of six rooms, leaves me scarce of money I shall need fifteen thousand dollars for present uses — I hope you will send the amount soon as possible, please write me how many houses you think will be necessary for public offices — The Citizens of Austin are anxious to know when you will be here, as they are anxious to show you as much respect, as their circumstances will admit of Eespectfully & Truly Your friend Edwin Waller [rubric] [Note in Lamar's hand] Draft given for the above sum of $15000. to Jno. D. McLeod Agent of E. Waller & by him remitted to Mr. Waller Judge Webb — You will have to take the money required, to Judge Waller; I shall leave for Galveston to day & will sign the draft for the amt. before I go with orders to the Treasurer to hand it over to you MBL [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency, M. B. Lamar E. Waller Houston July 15, 1839 Texas Pavd. Mr. Johnson No. 1369 1839 July 16, S. BOOKBE. MEDICAL EEPOET" 16th. July 1839. Medical Eeport of Coll. E. Burleson's No, , Eank. Brigade Company's Names. Eemarks. 1. 2. 3. 4.5.6. 7. Captain Sergt.Corpl. JJ Privates JJJJ Compy. (c). S. W. Jordan. Compy. (D.) Parkerson. Compy. (C) Clements. D. Booker. Compy. (C). Young. D. Ball. " Cambell. Shot in the hip. Shot in the leg and thigh " in the shoulder " in the arm. Slightly grazed [ ] Shot in the eye. '=L. S. 44 Texas State Libeaey No. Bank. Company's Names. 8. Privates 9. 10. 1113. 1. Privt Lewis. Volun. P. 6 Eatcliff. T. M. Smith. Caskey. McLaughlin Ownsby's vol. Whelmein. Eemarks. Shot in the arm. Shot in the side. " " the shoulder. " " the arm Intermitt. f ever Killed on the 15th. July 1839. Compy. (C). Martin Tules. Shot through the breast. Compy. (D) John Day. " " the head. S. Booker Surer. ]st. Inf No. 1370 [1839 July 16?], , L. B. BEOWN. MEDICAL EEPOET«« Names Dead wounded Capts. Comps John Thacker wounded Eobt Smiths John Evnng mortally Harrisons Jno N Brimberry wounded Todds Jno G Thompson mortally H M Smiths H. M. Smith, Capt Wounded Wm Bell Do Todd Geo. Martin mortally Todd James Mcnelly wounded Tips James Wilehart Do Tips D. S. Kofman Do Eobt Smith David Eusk Do Ja.mes Carter, spy H W Augustin mortally H. B. McLeod ajut Genl slitely Staff F G Limans Todd J Gileland Todd G P Martin slitely L B Brown Surg. T. M. ' No. 1371 1839 July 16, L. P. COOKE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] "» Navy Department July the 16th. 1839 Gen. M. B. Lamar Sir I have been informed by JMr. Humphreys that you had requested to be advised by the Department when it was necessary to make the appointment of Naval store keeper. "D. S. "'A. D. S. "»L. S. Papees of Mieabe-Au Buonapaete Lamae 45 It is now requisite that this officer should be named, and if you have any person in view upon whom to confer it, please signify your wishes to the Department your obedeint servant [Endorsed] Secty of Navy Hon L P Cooke Louis P. Cooke. Augt 1st. 1839— No. 1373 1839 July 16, [K. H. DOUGLASS], CAMP CAETEE, [TEXAS], TO A. S. JOHNSTON, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^^ Hd. Quarters A. Sidney Johnston Camp Carter Sec of War 16th. July 1839 Sir On yesterday negotiation on the part of the Commis sioners having failed under your orders the whole force was put in motion towards the encampment of Bowls on the Neches. Col. Lan- drum crossed to the west side of the Neches and up the river — The regiments under Col. Burleson & Eusk moved directly to the camp upon reaching which it was found to be abandoned — Their trail was ascertained and rapid pursuit made. About six miles above their en campment, in the vicinity of the Delaware village at the head of a prairie they were discovered by the Spy company under Col. Jim Carter and a detachment of about twenty five from Capt Todd's company, lead by Genl. Eusk — The enemy displayed from the point of a hill — Genl. Eusk motioned to them come on — they advanced and fired four or five times, and immediately occupied a thicket and ravine — on the left as we advanced — the lines were immediately formed — and the action became general — the ravine was instantly charged and fianked ¦on the left by Col. Burleson with a part of his regiment — The rest were'^ led by Lieut Col. Worliff'^ thus instantly driving the enemy from the ravine and thicket leaving Eighteen dead on the field that have been found and carrying off as usual their wounded as was seen by many of our men. Our loss in the engagement were two killed — one wounded mortally, and five slightly to wit. Dr H. Eodgers'^ of Capt Tipps Com. John Crane of Harrisons, H. P. Crowson'* mortally ™A rough draft of James S. Mayfield. A revised copy of this draft entitled the "Report of Genl. K. H. Douglass of tlie engagement with Cherokees on the 15th July, 1839" is in' the Texas Archives, "Indian Affairs," under date of July 16, 1839. "For "The rest were . . ." the revised copy reads "the rest of Burleson's Eegt. was . . ." '^The revised copy has it "Woodlief" instead of "Worliff." From here on the revised copy reads "a portion of Genl Rusk's Regiment charging at the same time ; and another portion took a poaition on a point of a hill to the right, and drove a party -who attempted to flank us from that quarter, thus instantly -drivirig . . ." ™The revised copy reads "Rogers'' inatead of "Rodgers." See also the list of iilled and wounded in no. 1373. "The reviaed copy has it "Grouser" instead of "Crowson." 46 Texas State Libeaey wounded of do Com. Hooper H. M. Smith's Ball of Col. Burlesons comd. Jo. Anderson & of Capt Lewis company,^^ Solomon AlibngHt of Capt. Vansickle's Company— and Geo. T. Slaughter of Capt. Boxs Company slightly. Col. Landrum was not able having so much ±ur- ther to march to to [sic] participate in the engagement but lias been ordered to join this morning— All behaved so gallantly it would be invidious to particularize. The action commenced about half an hour of sun down, which prevented pursuit— Most of their baggage was captured five kegs of powder, & 350 lb. lead, many horses, cattle, corn and other property. No. 1373 1839 July 17, K. H. DOUGLASS, CAMP EUSK ON THE NECHES, [TEXAS], TO A. S. JOHNSTON, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]'' Head Quarters Camp Eusk on the Neches To,/ lYth. July 1839 A. Sidney Johnston Secretary of War. Sir On yesterday the two regiments imder Col. Burleson and Eusk moved from Camp Carter at about ten oclock. Col. Landrum 'with his command not having reached head quarters the eve ning before, was ordered to take up the line of march on the east bank of the Neches and join the main force on its march to Harris — ^the main body moving up on the west side. We had proceded on the march about four miles, when we were met by one of the spies, who had been despatched by Col. Carter to inform us that the enemy were discovered but a short distance in advance. The follo'wing disposition of the forces was immediately adopted. CoL Burleson 'with one Batal- lion of his command, was ordered to advance and sustain the spy com pany, in the event the enemy made battle; Genl. Eusk, ¦with one Batailion of his regiment advanced to sustain in like maimer Col. B. The enemy at first occupied an Indian hut, and corn field on the right.- They advanced to a thicket and branch and engaged the spy Co. and Col. Burleson who had about this time arrived upon the ground — a hill side that over looked their position — . Gen. Eusk 'with a rapid movement reached the point of attack about the same instant, when a brisk fire was made by the enemy and returned with ned -with [sic] great gallantry by the detachments named. In this position the position [sic] a heavy fire was kept up on both sides for some time — Eusk and Bur leson maintaining their respective positions with their usual spirit and coolness — Genl. B. occupying the right and Genl. Eusk the left. The second Batailion of Eusk's regiment under the command of Lieut Col. "For "Jo Anderson & of Capt. Lewis company, . . ." the revised copy reads "Jo Anderson of Capt. Le-wis' company, . . ." ™A. Df. of James S. Mayfield. Cf. this and the preceding document with an "Extract from the report of K. H. Douglass to Secretary of 'War relative to the late Cherokee Campaign'" in the Texas Archives, "Army Papers." This extract is dated "August, 1839" with no day. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 47 Ja. Smith speedily reinforced the left wing and behaved handsomely — The right under Burleson was in like manner sustained by the detach ment from his command under Lieut Col. Woodliff, when the enemy were charged, and driven from their strong hold — abandoning the whole ground — and retreating into a dense thicket and swamp in the Neches bottom, which was charged by the whole force. The enemy having made no stand — the force was called off and formed upon the high land. The force of the enemy must have consisted of about five hun dred, their line extending at one time a mile. The engagement lasted an hour and a half, and closed in the Neches bottom at the crossing to the Great Saline on the Sabine river, the ground they occupied. The loss of the enemy must have been considerable in killed and wounded signs of blood having been discovered on every part they occupied leaving amongst the slain Col. Bowl their arch chief. Our loss con sists of two killed, and twenty seven wounded, three mortally — Two killed and twelve wounded of Burleson's Comd. four mortally wounded, and twelve otherwise of Eusks Comd. Those supposed to be mortally wounded are Maj H. W. Augustine Jno S. Thompson of Capt H. W. Smith's Co. — & Jno Ewing of Harrisons Co. & & [sic] Geo. J. Martin 1 of Todds Co. I herewith enclose a copy of the reports''' of the re-' spective .surgeons of the killed and wounded. The Brig Genl. in clos ing this report cannot speak in too high terms of the bravery and de termination of officers & men in an action so vigourously contested, our effective force numbering not more than 335 — and returns his thanks for the promptness 'with which orders were delivered by the respective staff offiicers. Adjt Genl. McLeod Brigade Maj Snively volunteer aids Cols. Davis, and Mabbit, & Capts Millroy and Pillory as also to the staff officers of the respective regiments Important benefits were de rived from the exertions of the Sec of war and vice-President who were on the field. By order of K. H. Douglas Brig Genl Comg Ja. S. Mayfield Aide camp. A Lisf' of Persons Killed and wounded in the Battle with the Cherokee Indians on the 15th. of July 1839 — Names Killed Wounded Capt Comp. Dr H Eogers killed Tipps John Crane Do Harrisons H. P. Crowson Mortal Do Harper wounded H N Smiths Ball Do Col. B Lewis Jo Anderson Do Do. Lewis Solomon Allbright Do Vansickle Geo. T. Slaughter Do Box "Nos. 1369 and 1370. "Cf. this list with nos. 1369, 1370, and 1372. 48 Texas State Libeaey No. 1374 1839 July 19, 6. P. H. CEOCKETT, VISTA PLACE, YAZOO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]" Vista Place His Excellency, the July 18h. 1839. President of Texas; Sir: Permit me to premise the assurance, in the introduc tion of the subject of this note, that I am influenced, in its presenta tion to the enlightened executive of a chivalrous, intelligent, & mag nanimous people, by a disposition to promote the public weal and benefit our species. Accidents and diseases appear to be the lot of man in every place and under all circumstances ; — and altho' much of your country is some what exempt from the latter, it is as subject to the former as any other; and some parts of it will doubtless be found to be the hot bed of disease. — Has the Eepublic now, or will it in two or three years have, use for a few hundred physicians? — If so, may it not be well, in the morning of its days, to take measures for an intelligent & in structed medical corps — the guards & conservators of the health of the people & the country? rather than commit so important a trust to itenerant adventurers, of whose qualifications, — from the very na ture of the profession, the populace are incapable of judging. In view of the very greatly defective condition of medical education in the south — having to depend, for physicians, upon the north & northwest, who, of course, are unacquainted with the peculiarities of southern diseases, — I say, in view of this state of things, it has been proposed by a respectable number of the citizens of the south, that a medical school be established at some point in the great Mississippi valley, with professors of experience, as well as science, & whose success in practice has been such, as to promise a better course of medical in struction, than has hitherto fallen to the lot of southern physicians to receive, short of a long course of experience & close observation. And it is the more needed, for the following, among other reasons: 1st. The dieases of the south have peculiarities, and in some cases, a degree of virulence, unknown in the north, which require a corre spondent treatment. 3d. The knowledge thereof must be the result of a long course of experience & observation, — there being no treatise extant, to be depended upon, from which a correct knowledge of the pathology & treatment of southern diseases may be gathered. And, 3d. I believe it may be asserted, fearless of successful contradiction, that there is not a medical school in the U. S. with a professor of Theory and Practice who has been a very successful practitioner in the south.* "A. L. S. *Thia point, though important, seems to have been overlooked; and the c^eneral fatality of our diseases has been considered rather inevitable an'd a necessary consequence in the nature of things, than the -svant of a correct knowledo-e of their pathology & treatment, & the result of mal-practice, or no practice at all Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 49 The projectors of a medical school in the south have committed the task of getting it up to a very eminent practitioner of an adjoining county, and myself. — We have made some little effort towards it; and find an encouraging state of sentiment & feeling in relation thereto: — but such is the embarrassed condition of the country — of this state especially, at this time, & which it will take some time to recover from, that, altho' there may ultimately be a school, it cannot succeed for a few years. Eefiecting upon this condition of things, it occurred to me, that, possibly, with a proper inception and the genial influence & patronage of the government, a medical school might soon flou[r]ish in the Republic — be the means of stopping many of the casual outlets to life, — of strengthening its cords, — augmenting its days, — extracting its thorns, — & multiplying & enlarging its pleasures With this view of the subject, — without consulting any other person, I have thought proper to intrude this brief & hasty epistle upon your excellency's attention, request your consideration of its subject; & that you will be kind enough to oblige me with a communication of your views in relation thereto, as early as it may he convenient for you to do so. Should a medical school be established in the Eepublic, would it, or not, be best to be located at or near the seat of government? — or in a more private place ? — In the event of its establishment .it will, as you are aware, require legislative authority, & some endowment, legis lative or otherwise, for the erection of a suitable edifice, unless there be one of some description that will answer — & for the purchase of books & chemical apparatus. A school may be constituted an independent establishment in the hands of trustees for its perpetuity & government; or as a limb of the national or other university, college, or other incorporated literary in stitution. It may even be located at a distance from an institution of which it may be a limb; as in the case of Jefferson Med. School of Phila. which was at one time a limb of Canonsburg College in a dis tant County. — The number of professors might be left optional with the trustees, whose right it would be to appoint them. There cannot be less than three or four; & a good & full course of lectures in all the departments cannot be given with fewer than five. — Should it be determined to have a school at any time within a few years, it would be well to have an act of incorporation at an early period as it is a subject tardy in its approach to maturity. A school might commence with from ten to twenty students, provided there be a gradual increase for a few years. I believe that a sufficient number of scientific & ex perienced physicians might be obtained in the south, should the pros pects be such as to justify a school, or promise them a genteel support. Should the Eepublic determine for a medical institution, would it not This is 'going on the fifth year that I have practiced in the south, with a tolerably good practice all the time, & it has been n'ear three years since T lost a ease of fever of any kind. I had a similar success in the latter part of my practice in the west, — even in cholera, as I have both M. S. and printed testi monials to shew. [Note in document.] 50 Texas State Libeaey grant a contingent endowment to qualified medical gentlemen, in the event of the schools not affording a proper support? Should you conclude to give the subject a trial, it would be -well to commit it "to the management of some experienced medical gentie man, & let him plan it, select his colleagues, &c. Being a stranger to your excellency, it is fit I should inform you who & what I am. I was born in the state of Delaware— was an officer in the U. S. army about 3^ years during the late war with G. Britain — ^have spent 19 years in Kentucky & 4-^ in this state am a graduate of the medical department of Transylvania University, in 1833 — have been in practice ever since — am 44 years old — and have as good testimonials of my standing in Society & my profession as I wish to possess. I expect to sell my residence & leave this County this fall or winter, and have had some thought of moving to the Eepublic; & doubtless would, were I sure I could get into a situation, either in my profession or other wise, in which I could make a genteel support for myself & wife — My post office is Lincoln, Yazoo County, Mi, I am very respectfully Your excellencys humble servant G. P. H. Crockett [Addressed] [Endorsed] Paid 35 V. P. H. Crockett in Haste some obscure place His Excellency M. B. Lamar Yazoo Cty Miss. President of the Eepublic of Texas. 18th. Augst 1839 "No great things I specs" No. 1375 [1839 c. July 20] M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] L[AMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO [JAMES WEBB, HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^° Order to take Waller the money required for work in Austin; his own departure for Galveston. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1376 18S9 July 20, W. JAMES, CHAELESTON, SOUTH CAEOLINA, TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^^ Charleston South Carolina July soth. 1839. May it please Your Excellency The high interest that Texas commands now for Emigrants of all climes, but more so for those that reside at the extreme South of this Union, will certainly induce [a] great many people to start for this fine region. I am one that wants to go the ensuing fall, and I have been requested by many of my acquaintances, all mechanics, — to ascertain from the Person that is highest in honor, and highest in office in Texas, "Appended to no. 1368, Q. V. «A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 51 what prospects there are for intelligent mechanics, which places are the best to make a home and what wages may be expected for the different branches of Mechanic [s] such as : Painters & Glasiers Carpenters Cabinet Makers Brick makers Shoe & Boot makers Tailors Swiss Straw hat Manufacturers Butchers Masons Stone — (Is there lime stone at the City of Austin? Bricklayers &c &c.&. furthermore whether the City of Austin will be the spot to start for and what distance it is from Houston. I suppose we have to go for Houston or Galveston and then by land to the Headwaters of the Colo rado to the new site for the city of Austin ; and then we should be glad to be informed of the expence by land for the removal of our Tools from the sea Board to Austin City. — ¦ Myself and those for whom I make these interrogatories are all Germans ; but we have been in the U. S. for [a] great many years. We respectfully and humbly ask Your Excellency's pardon for troubling You with our little concern, and we would not have had the boldness to address these lines to your Excellency had we not been informed by a German Gentleman who travelled thro' the whole Union part of Texas that your Excellency's manners and habits are perfectly plain unassum ing and republican and as such Your Excellency cannot but feel a de light to see industrious Mechanics remove thither, to the Land of the Single Star, men that want to go ahead in time of peace and fight in time of war. Germans will never back out wherever the cause of Liberty and freedom requires their aid, and we delight to enlist under Texas Banners the more as its institutions and laws appear to be a perfect model to the rest of the world. May it then please your Excellency to favor me with a kind and affable answer, full of details if possible, — and we will thank Your Excellency for it personally whenever we reach Texas shore. I have the honor to be with the greatest regard Your Excellency's Most obedient humble servant William James House & Sign, Ship & fancy Painter, Gilder & Glazier [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Gilder & Glasier Mirabeau B. Lamar Charleston S Carolina President of the Eepublic of Texas 30th. July 1839— Houston Texas. Via Ne-w Orleans 53 Texas State Libeaey No. 1377 [1839 July 27], A. AV. BOYLE AND OTHEES [VICTOEIA, TEXAS]. PETITION^^ To His Excellency the President Or the Vice President of the Eepublic of Texas, &c. &c. &c. The Petition of the undersigned a Committe appointed at a Public meeting this day held in the Town of Victoria to consider upon the propriety of a Eepresentation to Government concerning the office of chief Justice of the County of San Patricio by the citizens of the sa[id] County. Humbly ShowethThat Col: A- Perguison the present chief Justice of the said County has as your committee fully believe from the information obtained by them adopted a course of conduct inconsistent with the duties of that office. That he has leagTied himself politically with certain persons whose course of procedure is inimical to the inter ests and the rights of San Patricio County and of the Eepublic. That he has received Horses and money from those persons to pro ceed to Austin to represent them in that city ! That at the Election for county officers lately held in San Patricio the said chief Justice was resident at the Eanch of Kenny & Austin at Corpus Christi and held no Election in that precinct although there were many citizens thero. That your committe have lost all confidence in Col: A Perguison as a public officer or as a private Gentleman and deem any representations that he might make at Head quarters as totally unworthy the credence or the notice of Government. And lastly your committe Humbly pray your Excellency that the said Col: A. Perguison be removed from the said office of chief Justice of the County of San Patricio and that Micheal Healy be appointed his successor. And your Committe as in duty bound will Ever pray. Andrew W Boyle Patrick Padden Thomas Sweney Committe [Addressed] [Endorsed] Victoria Petition Jnly 37 , A Boyle et al To His Excellency The President , City of Austin No. 1378 1839 July 30, GEOEGE K[NIGHT] TEULON, [I-IOUSTO^^ ? TEX AS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE ' [HOUSTON? TEXAS] Condolence upon the death of Lamar's [mother.] A. N. S. 1 p. '^D. S. by Andrew W. Boyle, Patrick Fadden, and Thomas Swon'ev. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 53 No. 1379 1839 July 30, J. SHAEP, VELASCO, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS'" Velasco July 30. 1839. Your Excellency Some time last spring I reed, from Hon. E. G. Dunlap thru Secy of the Treasury a commission for the location of the Custom House for the Port of the Brazos. I accordingly reported in favour of Velasco — ^not on account of its being in any way naturally a better harbour or having any advantages Quintana did not posses, but that in Velasco there was a great deal more business done than in Quintana, there being but one commercial house in the latter while here at that time there were twelve. My report"* was forwarded by mail addressed to Genl. Dunlap as Secy, of the Treasury, but the receipt of it never acknowledged. Within a few days I have learned that Col. W. T. Austin has received a similar commission; by which it would appear that my report has either not been received, or was not satisfactory. As this matter has created some little excitment here, I should feel gratified to be in formed on the subject. Eespectfully Your Obt. Servt. M. B. Lamar John Sharp Prest. &c [Addressed] , [Endorsed] Velasco ) John Sharp July 31 ) Valasco 30 July '39 His Excellency M. B. Lamar Houston, Texas No. 1380 1839 July, "ALAMO." TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS] Illegible. 3 p. No. 1381 1839 Aug, 1, JO[H]N A. FOED, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Endorsing Warner Spencer for appointment as midshipman. A. L. S. lp. No. 1383 1839 Aug, 2, J [AMES] MOEGAN, NEW WASHINGTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Description of a small tract fronting upon Galveston Bay suitable for purchase by Lamar. A. L. S. 1 p. "A. L. S. ^*This report is in the Texas Archives, ''Comptroller's Letters," under date of April 1, 1839. 54 Texas State Libeaey No. 1383 1839 Aug, h, CATHAEINE LEE, FEANKLIN, TENNESSEE, TO MIEABEAU [BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS A request for a transcript of the decree of divorce said to have been obtained in Houston by her husband. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1384 1839 Aug, 5, K. H. DOUGLASS, NACOGDOCHES, [TEXAS], TO CAPTAIN G. ENGLISH Nacogdoches 5th. August 1839 Capt George English Will take charge of the cattle driven in by Col. Landrum's regiment advertise and sell the same giving reasonable and public notice at Shelbyville of the terms and day of sale The funds arising from the sale of said Cattle will be held subject to the order of the Pay-Master Genl. who will be charged -with the distribution of the same under the law, to the troops entitled thereto. Those who purchase will be required to pay in Gold or silver or Texas promissory notes except soldiers who served in the late cam paign against the Cherokees the pay which they are entitled to -will be received in payment of any purchases they may make so far as it will go — Give notices in San-Augustine and Sabine By order of Ja. S. Mayfield K. H. Douglas Aidecamp Brig Genl Comg Copy"^ [Endorsed] Copies No. 1385 1839 Aug, 5, K. H. DOUGLASS, NACOGDOCHES, [TEXAS], TO COLONEL L. WILLIAMS"" Head Quarters Nacogdoches 5th. Augst 1839 Col. S. Williams Will forthwith call into the service from his regiment one Company to serve one month; and actively employ them in rang ing the Country beyond the frontier settlements. Those who furnish their own horses and equipage will be entitled to thirty dollars per month pay By order of K. H. Douglass Ja. S. Mayfield Brig Genl Aidecamp Comg "'By James S. Mayfield. "Copy by James S. Mayfield. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 55 No. 1386 1839 Aug. 5, K. H. DOUGLASS, NACOGDOCHES, [TEXAS]. BEIGADE OEDEE Head Quarters Nacogdoches August 5th. 1839 Brigade order A regimental Court Martial will convene, at Shelbyville on the 15th. Inst, for the trial of privates J. G. Hays, and A. H. Martin, composed of the following members W. H. Landrum Presi dent, Lieut Col. Moses P. Eoberts Maj. H. Thompson, Capts Haley, Juman, Garrison and McKim members. Lt. Col. Moses P Eoberts will act as Judge Advocate By order of K. H. Douglass Ja. S. Mayfield Brig Genl. Aidecamp Comg. Copy"' No. 1387 1839 Aug. 6, JOHN M. B. DAVIS, NEW OELEANS, [LOUIS IANA], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Application for a midshipman's warrant. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1388 1839 Aug. 6, W. H. HUNT, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS]"" City of Austin, August 6th. 1839 To His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar President of the Eepublic of Texas Dear Sir In obedience to your instructions of the 36th. of July"° I called upon the surveyor of Bastrop County and collected all the in formation necessary for me to survey the University reservation. The only difficulty I meet with is getting a sufficient guard, to render my operations certain, after I commence the survey, I could collect sixty or seventy men at any time provided I would allow them to locate lands during the time of their service, but should I make such an arrangement, I am well aware that as soon as they .could locate their own Lands, they would desert me before I 'could accomplish the surveys for the Government, Judge Waller is willing that Capt. Merril and his Company should go -with me, Capt. Merril and a majority of his Company are anxious «'By James S. Mayfield. "A. L. S. "These instructions are transcribed in the Records of the Department of State (Texas), Book 36, p. 119. 56 Texas State Libeaey to accompany me but some of them refuse to do so, and he will not order his company out on the expedition without their consent The time of their enhstment will expire on the 10th. of next month and they are not willing to leave the settlement without being satisfied that they will be paid for services rendered during the term of my expedition when I commence the survey I wish to be certain of success, and in order to be so, I must have the controul of about Pifty men who will be bound to remain with me until the surveys are completed — Judge Waller thinks that the Bangers will protect the place as effec tually with me, as they do at present. The survey will be worth about $3000— and with that sum it will be impossible for me to Employ a Guard, Should it meet your Excellency's views to inform Capt. Mer rill that his Company will receive pay for the time Over the time of their Enlistment and direct him to go with me the survey can be made without delay and with but a trifling additional expense; I shall leave this place for San Antonio, tomorrow to Collect the Necessary information required in my instructions. In the mean time my Agent in this place will be procuring men, Horses &c &c I meet with so much Expense in getting prepared for this Expedi tion that I shall require an advance of five or six hundred Dollars from the Government, Should Bonds be required for the performance of the duties required of me, I can give them on receipt of your Excel lency's answer. Judge Webb will be able to inform you more particularly on the above subjects Eespectfully your Excellency's Obdt servant Wm. H. Hunt [rubric] [Addressed] To His Excellency [Endorsed] Mirabeau B. Lamar . W. H. Hunt President of the Eepublic of Aug 6. '39 Favour'd by ) Texas Judge Webb ) Houston No. 1389 18S9 Aug. 6, HENEY MAILLAED, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO [DAVID G. BUENET,] HOUSTON, [TEXAS [ Eesigning as chief justice of Jefferson County; suggesting Thomas H. Brennan or William C. V. Dashiel as his successor. A. L. S. 1 p. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 57 No. 1390 1839 Aug, 7, J. B. EANSOM, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS]"" Executive Department ) Houston 7th. August 1839 ) Genl M B Lamar Dear Sir, In consequence of having reed, no instructions re specting your letters, & as some of them may possibly be of a private or confidential character, which you might not wish submitted to the inspection of any of the Departments, I have concluded to inclose to you by the hand of Mr Moreland all the Letters and Documents reed since your exit, & mail your advises as to the disposition of such as may come in future. Frequent inquiries have recently been made of me, whether or not you will order by Proclamation an Election for Maj'r Genl of Militia, I therefore respectfully beg leave to call the attention of your Excel lency to this subject. There is no news of interest or importance from the army, the fron tier, nor the City of Austin — Business in Houston is unusually dull, & although the place is in a great degree deserted, I still hear of may [many] cases of slight indisposition, & some that are conjestive, though not many deaths. I cannot close this communication without expressing the timely gratitude with which your extreme kindness & very friendly treatment have inspired me. And I trust you will not regard it as sycophancy, or an improper assumption in me, when I solicit your unlimited re liance on my faithfully executing any confidential, or personally re- sponsable dependence with which you may find it necessary to honor me, with a view to advance your official objects, or to promote your personal or private interest. Indeed, owing to my position, & the strong desire which I feel to offer some demonstration of my sincerity, I should be exceedingly mortified were you at any time to pass me. to find another who would go farther, or do more to serve you. With the highest consideration of Esteem, Very Eespectfully your obt svt J. B. Eansom To His Excellency M B Lamar President of Texas P. S. Mr Henry a gentleman of veracity from Miss has just arrived from Austin, & informs me that Doswell was the Auctioneer & that the first lot sold for $37,000. that many sold for from that amt to $3000— a large portion most of [them] at from $1000 to 15,000 & that "A. L. S. 58 Texas State Libeaey inferior lots sold for from 4 to 600 Dolls,— The sales were numerously attended, we [a] ther very dry — & provisions & water scarce. [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency, J B Eansom Genl. M. B. Lamar Private Secty Galveston, Houston 7 Augt Favr. 1839 Mr Moreland No. 1391 1839 Aug. 7, B. T. AECHEE, VELASCO, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [GALVESTON], TEXAS"^ Velasco Augst. 7th. 1839— My Dear Sir : The suffering condition, and heavy complaints, of our Northern, and Western, fellowcitizens, all charged as you know, (whether right or wrong,) To Executive neglect, or indifference; In duces me to address this private communication. From my general knowledge of the section of country to be pro tected from Indian aggression, combined with a tolerable accurate knowledge, of the character of those Indians tribes; by whose weekly incursions, our Northern and Western, Settlements, are desolated. I Take the liberty of suggesting (for your consideration and decision) a plan of operation, combineing economy with efficiency. In my judgment two hundred and fifty men, well officered arm'd and equipd. would be equal to the defence of our whole Northern and West ern frontier, (Between the Trinidad Eiver on the East, and Nueces on the West,) against all Indian enemies. The above number of troops, I would divide into companies of fifty (rank and file) with one Captain, and two Lieutenants to each; one Colonel to command the whole. By way of honorary distinction, I would style them, the 1st. Corps elite. They should be mounted men armd. with double barrel guns, and pistols, (one pistol to each man.) Each company of fifty, should be furnished, with one long Brass three pounder, mounted on light wheels, with a caseon for storeing ammunition. The double barrel guns should have fiint and steel locks, with spring bayonets, one barrel rifie bore, the other smooth. The pistols should be of -the same construction, with the exception of the bayonet. The Brass three pounder, should be on the Cockran or most improved cylinder plan; each cylinder con taining nine charges, and therefore able to give nine fires in rapid succession. This force, I would station as follows. One company, equi-distant between the Nueces, and San Antonio Elvers; a second, at the West fountain of the San Marcos; a thir[d], on the headwaters Honey Creek (a little East of Colorado Eiver) ; a fourth, at the mouth of Cow Creek, X)T the former Mexican Garriso[n] on the Brazos; and the fifth, on the Trinidad, about thirty iniles above the crossing of that Eiver, by the upper San Antonio road. At the points selected for the locations "A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 59 of the companies; I would advise a purchase, by the government, of one quarter league of Land at each point, on which to erect efficient Block-Houses, with convenient Barracks, for the accommodation of the officers and men. The troops would, for their amusement, and com fort inclose and cultivate, a sufficient number of acres, in vegetables, and corn, so as fb render them after the first year, independent for those articles. This small armament, would give effectual protection to our Settle ments, between the Trinidad, and Nueces Elvers : — And what is much more important, in a prospective view: — This protection given, would very greatly facilitate the settlement of the fertile lands, bordering on the upper waters, of the two mentioned; and intermediate Elvers. Subjoined, is an estimate of the cost of arming, -as proposed the two hundred and fifty troops — And first; The five long Brass three pounders, mounted and delivered ready for service; at one thousand each $5000 — • 00 Second; Two hundred and sixty six guns, at twenty five dollars each 6650 — 00 Third; same number of pistols, at ten dollars each 3660 — 00 Total 14310— 00 ¦ The pay of officers, men, and supply of Horses, the same as other mounted companies. Independent, of this being the most efficient armament, in waring with the wild prairie Indians; I regard it as the best force (in proportion to number;) that could be employed, in the event of a second Mexican invasion; Or the invasion of Mexico by this Eepublic. The care, and celerity of their movements, (the carriages being light, and drawn by four horses, each mounted, by a well armd. dragoon, and sustained by forty six, well armd. troopers) would enable them, at all times, des perately to annoy the vanguard, of a well organized army; And at will, to drive in their scouting parties. And as the chances of battle, should always be calculated with doubt, as to issue; and that the chances of occasional defeat should be antici pated; in such an event, this force, forms the most efficient reserve corps, kno-wn to me. Our discomforted forces, pursued as they would be, by the enemies cavalry; could be quickly met by the corps reserved, enabled to rally and form in the rear; while this corps, would open on the advance cavalry a fire so rapid and deadly; as nine times out of [ten] to turn the tide of success; after a proclamation [of] victory, by the enemy. The above hints, are most Eespectfully submited, by Your Friend & Svt. B. T. Archer Genl. M. B. Lamar [rubric] [Addressed] Private [Endorsed] To His Excl. Pr. M. B. Lamar B. T. Archer Houston— Aug. 7. /39 Texas — 60 Texas State L-ibeaey No. 1393 1839 Aug, 8, J. M. ALLEN, [GALVESTON, TEXAS], TO M[IEA- BEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS] Application for a navy appointment, preferably as post captain with permanent command of the station; a question regarding "the mur derer now in prison at New Orleans." A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1393 1839 Aug, 8, E. SMITH, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, GALVESTON ISLAND, [TEXAS] A plea for her father [Nathan Smith] 's appointment as naval store keeper. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1394 1839 Aug. 8, JA[ME]S H. STAEE, TEEASUEY DEPAETMENT, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS] Sending a letter from the Department to Hamilton and Burnley re garding the proposed changes in the bonds to be negotiated.*^ A. L. S. lp. No. 1395 1839 Aug. 9, LUCIANO NAVAEEO, BEXAE, [TEXAS], TO MIEA BEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS] Sending by Colonel Karnes a letter to Lamar and a letter"" from Jose Maria Carbajal. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1396 18S9 Aug, 9, JAMES BUEKE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M[IEA- BEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [GAL VESTON], TEXAS Application for appointinent as postmaster at Austin. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1397 1839 Aug, 10, W [ILLIAM] D. EEDD, COLUMBUS, GEOEGIA, TO , M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [GALVESTON,] TEXAS The need of money for successful recruiting; a request for recall or active service; Indian warfare in Texas; the hypocrisy of Dr. Moore, of the Telegraph, A. L. S. 3 p. °'For correspondence concerning the negotiation' of the loan and the sale of bonds see the Special Report of the Secretary of the Treasury in the Texas Archives, "Financial Affairs," under date of Nov. 15, 1839. ''This letter is no longer with the Lamar Papers. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 61 No. 1398 1839 Aug. 12, W [ILLIAM] JEPPEESON JONES, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON [GALVESTON,] TEXAS Endorsing the bearer, Mr. Prentiss, for a government appointment. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1399 1839 Aug, 12, JAMES HOGGATT, [JASPEE COUNTY? TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [GAL VESTON, TEXAS] Endorsing Colonel Martin Parmer for chief justice of Jasper County. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1400 1839 Aug, 12. W. E. SMITH, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [GALVESTON?], TEXAS" Houston August 13th. 1839— His Excy. M. B. Lamar My dr sir Learning that it is your determination not to be in Houston before the last of this, or the first of next month, I have to Tequest the favor of you to permit me to leave for Mobile by the next irip of the Columbia. My last letter informs me of my Lady's con tinued delicate state of health, and contain the most urgent request ihat I will not delay my return. Besides, my business is such as to make the postponment of its settlement almost destructive of my limited means. I have examined the condition of the Medical Department, and an inventory of the articles has been taken. As now organized and sup plied it can be of very little use to the Army. In the Surgical depart ment it is wholly deficient, there being not a single set of instruments of any kind; And there has never been a supply of hospital stores for the sick etc. When the Secretary of War returns I shall communicate io him fully the condition of things, and determine on what will be required, if any thing, for the immediate necessities of the Army. There has been no House ordered at Austin for the preservation of the Medicines, etc. — Under these circumstances they had better re main here until Congress acts in the matter. I can be at Austin at the Commencement of the Session, report on the state of the depart ment, making whatever suggestions may be necessary, and await their ¦decision. But of these things you will be the better judge. Dr. An derson has been detailed to remain at Houston,, as it is now and will likely continue to be a recruiting station. In my absence he can dis charge my duties, so that no inconvenience can result to the Army from my not being here. I have much to do in the U. States, and "A. L. s. 63 Texas State Libeaey the removal of my family requires time. If I reach Austin in time to make my report to Congress will that suit your views and wishes. As the Columbia leaves on the 30 or 33 of this month permit me to ask the favor of an early reply to this letter. Perhaps I may be of some service to the Medical department whilst in the States, if author ized to act. — You have my prayers for the speedy recovery of your daughter, and deeply do I sympathize with you on account of your severe family afflictions. With the highest considerations, and most friendly feelings I am, my Dr sir, your His Excy. Obt Servant M. B. Lamar Wm E. Smith [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excy— W E Smith Mirabeau B. Lamar. Sth. Augst 1839 Houston. — Privt. No. 1401 1839 Aug. 12, THO [MA] S J. GEEEN, VELASCO, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, FOET LOUIS, [TEXAS] Sending horses; "wishing you improved health and a pleasant ride to my house." A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1403 1839 Aug, 13, J. B. EANSOM, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS] "« Executive Dept ) Houston 13th. Augst 1839 ) Genl M B Lamar ) Dear Sir, ) I regret that Genl Foots Buggy has not been re turned by his friend Mr. Mitchell otherwise I should send it to you, the Hose however goes down on the Emblem to care of Dr. Eoberte. I have just seen Col. Cook from Austin, he visits the Island in a day or two to see you, on informing him of your in structions to have the Archives &c sent up on the 1st. Sept he sug gests the propriety of deferring their removal until about the 15 or 30 as by that period the buildings will be in a greater state of readiness, & may probably not be so sooner, — I imagine Judge Burnett will be glad to hear from you upon this subject before he makes any definite arrangements for their transportation, — I expect him today — All appear well pleased with the new city espe cially the Editor of the Picayune, who bought several lots — No news except that Pilie the Creole Surveyor, stole $3500 of Doswell, which "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 63 was found on him, when he was tried by a volunteer Jury — ^Whiting foreman, convicted, tied to the Liberty Pole, fiogd. & sent adrift — There is nothing of interest or excitement here, health getting better, fine rains & air cool — all well at your house, & every thing secure. I had almost forgotten to say that Mr. & Mrs. Winfield 'wish to purchase the Grove, & desire a reply from you as to terms price &c. If you will write me I can inform them. Maj'r. Jones starts up tomorrow when I will communicate your request to Judge Waller respecting the corn fodder &c, & his having your House ready for your reception as desired, I truly hope to hear of the better health of yourself, sister, & daughter. With high regard Eespectfully yrs &c Genl M B Lamar ) J. B. Eansom Galveston ) [Addressed] [Endorsed] Genl M. B. Lamar J B Eansom ) Care of Col. J Love ) 13th Augst 1839 ) Galveston ) Prvt Secty — ) No. 1403 1839 Aug. IS, E. EEAD, PAEIS, ILLINOIS, TO L. P. COOKE, HOUSTON, TEXAS"" Paris, Illinois. Honorable Louis P. Cooke August 13th 1839. Secretary of the Navy, Sir: I regret to inform you, that it will be impossible for me to be in Texas at the expiration of my leave of absence. I was called to this place on business and detained much longer than I had anticipated, and shall have to return by the way of Cincinnati, which "will increase my detention a few days. I hope my absence will not militate against the interest of the Service, or interfere with the arrangements of the Hon :, the Secretary of the Navy.I will not detain a moment unnecessarily. Should the Department wish to forward any communications to me, please direct to Cincin nati, 0., Care of Hon: N. C. Eead Accept Sir, my best wishes for your continued good health,- hoping that the branch of our national defence, over which you are so eminently qualified to preside, will soon giv[e] terror to our enemy, and honor and glory to our Country — I have the honor to be Your humble obed't Serv't Ezra Eead M. D. Surgeon Texas Navy Memo."^ The Columb. left Neworleans on the first ""A. L. S. "In hand of Louis P. Cook. With no. 1501, Q. V. 64 Texas State Libeaey of Septr. for Texas and again on the 18th Septr and Doct. Eead makes no effort to avail him self of either trip L. P. C. [Addressed] [Endorsed] Honorable Louis P. Cooke On Service Secretary of the J^^avy Letter from Houston City Ezra Eead. Paris Ilinois Texas. August 13th 1839 No. 1404 1839 Aug. U, T. J. GEEEN AND OTHEES, VELASCO, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [GALVESTON, TEXAS]"" LETTEE FEOM THE Citizens of Velasco. To His Excellency Velasco August 14th 1839. President M. B. Lamar. Dear Sir The undersigned, in behalf of the citizens of Velasco and vicinity, most respectfully and earnestly desire that your Excellency, if not incompatible with your health and private feelings, will signify some day at which time you will partake with them a public dinner. This the undersigned, as well in behalf of themselves as the citizens they represent, desire in testimony of your private character and public services. They will not dissemble the fact, that it has been -with pain they have heard from your enemies, since the organization of your administration, the most indiscriminate abuse of all your public acts as well as individual character. This however, in some measure was to be expected, and your Excellency ought to be flattered by this in discriminate virulence, when you recollect that the history of the whole world teaches' that those governments which, for the time, may have been most abused, were the most energetic, the most pointed, capable and wise. We have seen the wisest, purest and most capable men of Athens adored, expelled, recalled and re-adored by the same people, for the recommendation of measures the most wise and most con ducive to the public weal. We have seen in the history, (the United States of the North) that administration most abused, which was the most efficient in giving life, form and being to that great republican system; and we undertake to say without the fear of contradiction, that had your character have been of that negative kind — passive, sloth ful, unenergetic, such an one as could have set with folded arms and brute-like gratification for two years, and see a well organized army dissolved like a snow ball for the want of Goverment influence in furnishing it provisions to keep life together; a navy neglected and destroyed; your coast, time after time, blockaded with a solitary gun boat; your minister taken from your very door and carried into dis- °».Copy by Lamar. In no. 361, p. 232. Printed in the Telegraph and Texas Register, Oct. 2, 1839, vol. V, no. 11, p. 3. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 65 graceful and odious captivity, your flag of truce insulted, and its bearer incarcerated in a vile prison ship; your frontier exposed from Eed Eiver to Corpus Christi, to canibal ferocity; your men and chil dren scalped and murdered; your women violated, and carried into savage servitude; — and in the face of all this, for you to have been the constant advocate and panegyrist of its Indian authors, you could not have been more abused — for the short history of our country shows this black catalogue of treasonable neglects and treasonable violations, without the abuse you have received. Yea, you might have swelled this dark list of wrongs with an imperial tyranny unheard of in republican governments, to the striking from the army and navy rolls, officers of high character & merit, without the form of trial, and of confiscat ing their pay by closing the auditorial courts against the pitious cries of their wives and children for bread; you might have capped the climax of the most tyrannical insolence ever uttered in a free country, by pronouncing in the face of Congress the most exalted praise of the Cherokee Indians, and at the same time insulting the people of Texas by pronouncing them "a nation of beggars," To these, you might have added a wanton disregard of official duty by the most sottish indul gence; for these things we have seen and heard; and the most aston ishing of all, was the patient sufferance with which they wer[e] borne. As humble citizens of this republic, who claim to feel solicitude in its welfare second to none, we rejoice in your Adminis tration — because the reverse of these things have happened — because you have mastered the Gulf of Mexico with a Navy — because you have organized an army, efficient and well appointed — because you are giv ing protection and security to our vast frontier — and of all things else, because you have most gloriously expelled from the midst of us the Cherokee Indians, our most insidious and serpent like enemy. In this we rejoice more espicially, because you have most manfully de fended our national integrity, and the vested rights of a large portion of our citizens disgracefully compromitted by a violation of law, and a treasonable surrender to those vile wretches. We do not wish your Excellency to understand that in all the unimportant matters of your Administration, we would have done likewise, but we are bold to believe, that upon the whole, no man could have done better, and few indeed as well — for which you are entitled to the gratitude of your country and the homage of pos terity. With sentiments of high regard for you personally & politically, we subscribe ourselves your Excellency's Obedient humble Servants (signed) Thos. J. Green B. T. Archer Wm. T. Austin John Sharp L. H. McNeel Ambrose Crane G. M. Stone Edwd. Waller"" J. C. Hoskins — "•Edwin 'Waller. 66 Texas State Libeaey No. 1405 1839 Aug, U, T. J. GEEEN, VELASCO, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS]"" (Private) Velasco Augst. 15th 1839. My Dear Genl. I tgie the very good opertunity pr. Genl. Foot — , to enclose you the within letter^ of invitation to a public dinner at this place. As your friends, (I hope more seine [e] re than professional) Dr. Archer, and myself think it of the first import [ance] you should come to Velasco were the citizens have unanimously been with you at all times — It must be perfectly plain, that the time has arrived when you and your administration require vindication by responsible names — The with in I think will be the first effort that way, and I know the History of our young Country full well and know too these facts only want telling by the proper persons and in the proper way — Upon this Matter Let me refe[r] you more particularly to our friend Genl. Foote, with whom we have talked freely — I am no politician if the reaction does not com mence with this letter and your coming home to see your old friends here would be most favourable — Very Eespectfully Your friend & huml. Sert. Thos. J. Green. [rubric] His Excl.Pres. M. B. Lamar. Galveston City. [Addressed] [Endorsed] To Thos. J Green His Excellency Valasco, 15th Augst, Pres. M. B. Lamar, 1839 By Genl. Foote. Galveston City. No. 1406 1839 Aug, 15, S. A. PLUMMEE, NEW OELEANS, [LOUISIANA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS'^ New Orleans — 15th Augst. 1839.— Dear General, I most sincerely and deeply lament the sad affliction" which you have recently met with. Heaven grant you fortitude & resignation to bear up against so great a calamity. — Since I have been here the Yellow Fever has broken out with great virulence. — So far I have escaped. — I shall retire from here to morrow, and remain in the neighbourhood until I hear from the Govern ment. — »°A. L. S. ^The original of this letter has been lost. A copy by Lamar has been re printed as no. 1404 above. ^A. L. S. "Death of Lamar's mother. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 67 The first Compy. of men I raised have gone. — I have now been able to raise a Compy. of Creoles or acclimated men. — There never lias been a better Compy. taien to Texas. — I can raise two Companies & I should think they will be required for the S. W. Frontier. — I most urgently request you to attend to my situation. — I ask no more than what was promised me. — ¦ And as the time has expired by which the Govmt. could have drawn on Wm. M. Beal, I hope the Govmnt. will furnish me here with means out of the loan obtained & in the Bank here. — We are all ready at a minutes notice. — I have already made all my arraingments for saddles — supplies &C. and shall adopt the most econom ical & expeditious mode of arriving at the place of my Destination. — ¦ Mr. Engine Lacelles has assisted me greatly in raising the last Compy. — ¦ I should be happy to have him for my l.st Li[e]ut he is altogether quali fied & a most excellent young man. — He is well kno-wn to the Seer. at War. My Brother writes me the Comanches have been within 30 miles of City of Lamar committing murders &C. — Sincerely yr. fr. &C Sam'l. A. Plummer [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excley. — Saml. A. Plummer ' Prest. N Orleans 15th. Augst M. B. Lamar Houston, Texas — No. 1407 1839 Aug. 16, THO [MA] S W. GEAYSON, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Application for appointment as notary public. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1408 1839 Aug, 16, A. S. JOHNSTON, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO T. J. EUSK, [NACOGDOCHES ? TEXAS],* War Department 16th Augt. 1839 To Genl. T. J. Eusk Sir. Y''ours of the 7st Inst, has been reed. If the troops from Eed river can be retained in the service to make the expedition in conjunction with an additional force from the east which you pro pose to raise it will contribute much to the establishment of the security of our frontiers — ¦ The force employed would not be required to remain in service longer than necessary to effect the object of the expedition and they will be accepted in the service on that condition — ¦ Capt Sample thinks that the force from Eed Eiver will return to their homes as ^A. L. S. 68 Texas State Libeaey soon as they learn the flight of the Cherokees— No attempt should be made to raise the force in the east until it is known whether the co operation of the Eed river troops can be had, I presume this is known to you before this time — If their assistance can be relied on, the ex pedition has my entire approbation & I will use every exertion to con tribute to its success & speedy termination A call will be made tomorrow for such number of men from the adjoining counties here, as will, with the force that can be probably raised in Eobertson, Houston, Nacogdoches, &c constitute a regiment of six hundred men to make a campaign against the Indians on the Trinity & Brasos rivers — The Call will be for a portion of the first class of each company, tho' volunteers would be prefered & accepted — The detachments thus called out will be organised into companies in the counties from which they are raised respectively. These will con stitute the regiment at the rende [s] vous, where the regimental officers will be elected — This is the only method I can devise at present — The defects of the Militia law I hope will be remedied by legislative action — I hope to make all necessary arrangements & have the forces concentrated on the frontier — (& ready to move) at the most con venient point for the rendesvous in three weeks from this date — Publie notice will be given of the place selected to rendesvous at— A prompt response to the call of the Government will relieve our country in a few weeks from any raore Indian difficulties Very resply Yr obt. Sert A. Sidney Johnston Secretary of War No. 1409 1839 Aug, 17, EEPOET OF SUMS PAID BY THE TEEASUEEE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], DEC. 10, 1838-AUG. 17, 1839." Statement of the amt of Money paid Out by the Treasurer from the 10th. Deer. 1838 to the 17th. Augt 1839. Inclusive By Daniel White Spl Liabilities of Govt 408.00 "' T Toby & Brother Do " " 568.00 Indian Appropriation 10,463.78 Million Ditto 15,969.65 Ditto Ditto by Qr Master Gen 146,493.15 Ditto Ditto " Post Master 34,013.35 Ditto Ditto " Ordnance Dpt 13,084.06 Ditto Ditto " Com Genl subs 4,337.65 Ditto Ditto " Adjutant G^nl 1,300.00 Mihtary List 336,859.81 ' Civil List 371,905.30 Post Office Department 34.019.56 State Ditto 369.35 Duke McKinney Prize Agent 70.51 Pension Account by Mary Willsapt 100.00 °Copy[?]. By Special Appronl 5> Ditto JJ ^j Ditto JJ yy Ditto JJ ?> Ditto JJ >f Ditto JJ J) Ditto JJ » Ditto JJ ?> Ditto JJ » Ditto JJ » Ditto JJ !? Ditto JJ J} Ditto JJ >y Ditto JJ yy Ditto JJ Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 69 , for P. S. Wyatt 600.00 For L. P. Cooke 3,390.83 for W. H. Wharton 5,000.00 for T. J. Eusk 10,000.00 for H. A. Woods 3,257.00 for McKinney A W 3,473..44 for Jno Garnett 1,963.50 for C Smiths family 350.00 for Jas E. Cooke 514.41 for A. J. Gates 1,759.00 for A. P. Walden 100.00 Hoi Holland Coffee 661.00 for Heinz of A Ward 5,600.00 For L M Hitchcock 13,064.66 for Heir of Thomas 456.33 forward $ 816,650.13 forward $ 816,650.13 By the Presidents House 3,4.56.65 " Interest on funded Debt 61,348.00 " Corps of Cavalry 10,548.17 " War Department 1,533.73 " Appropriation for 350 men for the protection of frontier 30,000.00 " Exprss to General Eusk 59.00 " Cortinger T Expenses of Congress 4,766.48 " Special appr. for H Sanderson for Naval Supplies 10,783.87 " Executive Department 410.00 " Capt Worthingtons Comp of Eangers 3,936.00 " Interest % by Govt 609.88 " Eelief of E Collins 3,936,00 " Location of Land scrip , 733.07 " Contingent formal by order of President 5,339.00 " Supplies for the frontier 58,673.38 " Location of the seat of Govt 3,160.00 " Gonzales Eangers 1,751.39 " Admirl Walter Commr. of E Building's 53,000.00 " Leased of Capitol 3,750.00 " Naval Supplies for 1839 41,933.79 " Translation of laws of Texas into the Castilian language 1,000.00 " Printing Appropriation 13,561.96 " Wm. T Brinnom Out of the appr for 1839 7,000.00 " Appropriation for surveving Harbors 180.00 " Military by Auditorial Tribunal &c 56,848.33 " Eelief of E. C. Doom 3605.55 " Naval List 40,635.31 up $1,326,817.66 70 Texas State Libeaey Brot up $1,336,817..66 Eeed. from Henry Smith for Disbursment 36,000.00 " from E G Dunlap 193,696.00 " from J Webb 363,500.00 " from J H Straw 540,350.00 " Eeturned by A C Horton 1,000.00 $1,143,446.00 Cash on Hand 10th Deer. 157,789.33 Eeissued 37,813.89 Disbursed upon % Annexed $1,328 049.13 1,326 817.66 On hand $ 101,331.36 Treasurers Office Houston 17th. August 1839 No. 1410 1839 Aug. 17, J. P. HENDEESON, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]" Paris August 17th 1839 Excellent Sir Since my last to the Secretary of State^ I have had frequent discussions with the Marshal Duke Minister of Foreign Affairs & Mr Pontois upon the vai'ious points involved in the pending negotia tion. We have disposed of those which seem most difficult in a manner which I hope will be satisfactory to yourself & the People of Texas I have obtained their consent to reduce the duty on Texian cotton im ported into France in the vessels of the two Nations ^ cent per pound which will give us that advantage over the United States. In considera tion of that reduction I have agreed to reduce the duty now imposed upon the Silks & AVines of Prance imported in like manner into Texas. We have not yet agreed upon the amount that shall be taken off of these articles as I made to them two propositions that they may choose between them. The greatest reduction I have proposed is one half of the present duty imposed upon those two articles. They proposed that in that ease Texas should not reduce the duty on those articles when brought from other countries without making a corresponding reduction at the same time upon the French articles so as to keep up the same proportion which will exist between the duty imposed by this Treaty on the French & the duty collected under the Tariff' of 1837 on the articles of other countries. To that I objected because (in part) it would em- "A. L. S. 'Printed in Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 1265. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 71 barrass the negotiations with other countries and particularly so far as Silks are concerned it would prevent England from recognizing or treat ing with Texas. That; after much debate; seemed to reconcile them and they abandoned the claim to such an arrangment with regard to the Silks But still insisted upon the arrangment in favour of their wines, as that in their opinion would not embarrass our negotiations with any country which we are likely to treat with soon. There being much truth in that suggestion I could only get over the proposition by making another which seemed to alter it in only a small degree but which in fact will be so constructed as to defeat every advantage they expect to gain by the grant It is this — that if Texas* dose reduce the dutiees [sic] hereafter, before this treaty expires, on wines when imported from other countries either by Treaty or by an act of Congress then a cor responding reduction shall be made on the French wines provided it is made without a consideration and if it is made conditionally then France shall have a like reduction upon her wines by paying the same considera tion which shall have been paid by such other nation. You will readily see that a clause framed in this way will enable Texas to defeat intirely the object of France For instance. Supose Texas enters into a treaty with any of the German States which produces wines and which imports foreign sugar (having no colonial or domestic beet root to protect) she has only to get a small reduction upon her sugar imported into such state in consideration of the reduction she makes of the duty upon the wines of that country taken into Texas. And as Prance can never agree to pay such a price for the corresponding reduction (her protective beet root & colonial system forbiding it) she will loose [sic] all of the intended benefit of the arrangment — If they accede to this proposition (which Mr P ¦ seemed to think they would) the duty on French wines will be reduced two fifths and one third on Silks. The reduction of i prcent on our cotton is one fourth of the present duty but by ob taining that reduction on cotton we get the ivhole of our present exports into the French Markets at a reduced rate of duty & Prance will get only two out of her hundreds of articles that she exports. This I think is the only point that can cause any delay in the business and I do not anticipate much if any delay on that account from what seemed to be Mr P s impression. The arrangement with regard to tonage duties T think will be highly advantageous to Texian vessels I have no room to detail it in this letter. I have seen with much regret that some persons in Texas have been ' organizing a party against your Administration. Oppositions of that sort (which must be more personal than political) at this stage of our affairs is very unwise and tends to destroy confidence abroad, because the world has long since agreed that if we do fail it -will be on account of internal dissintions & not by Mexican power. I write this in great haste whilest Mr Prescott waits to convey it to N. York ; vou will therefore excuse its want of interest & accuracy Most truly &c Yours Henderson P. S. Mr Burnley is now in London and I expect to here [hear] this evening of Genl Hami [1] tons arrival there also. The State of the mon[e]y market now in England is de[s]parate and I expect he will 72 Texas State Libeaey soon come ove[r] here to endeavour to do something with the French Bankers— J. P. H. [Addressed] [Endorsed] To His Excellency Letter from Genl M. B. Lamar Mr Henderson Eepublic of Texas Paris August 17th 1839 Care of Wm Bryan Esq Texian Consul New Orleans La. Eeed. & forwarded by Sept 30th 1839 Y. 0. S. C H Forbes V. C. T N. Y. No. 1411 1839 Aug. 17, A. H. PEMBEETON, COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAEO LINA, TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETBI LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Eecent personal history; the South Carolinian; inquiry regarding the prospect for success of a young lawyer friend; recent State election news; the- attitude of South Carolina toward the Administration and the tariff; his hope that Houston shall not succeed Lamar. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1413 18S9 Aug. 18, H. THOMPSON, NEW YOEK, TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS" Astor House New York My dear General August 18th 1839 I send no's 1 & 3 of a series of Chapters" on Texas, they have taken very well, and are re-printed in the Balto, & N York papers, they are intended to be correct pictures of T The 3d no' is of more import than the rest which are rather preparatory chapters At a public meeting gotten up by some of the most respectable Gentn. of Phil. I was called on, and addressed the citizens in a two hours speech, (off hand of course) tho' I made it the day before! Mr Joye the Texan Consul at Phil, is a good appt. he is much esteemed at home, and is of an excelent caste. Texas is looking up under Genl. Lamars admn. Webb, has contributed much to its fame & character — "old Sam"^° may be popular in the toivn of Houston! but over the U. S. »A. L. S. "These chapters were printed in book form some time later in 1839, under the title Texas. Sketches of character; moral and poUtical condition of the republic; the judiciary, dc. Thompson states in' his preface that the sketches are taken "from the columns of the Herald d Sentiifiel of Philadelphia." The book was printed under the pseudonym of "Milam." "Sam Houston. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 73 whew ! no sort of standing as a man worthy to preside over a country ! Old Ex-Members of Congress, know him -from "A to Izard" In the West, through 'nhich I passed, and booked my name "Henry Thompson Houston Texas" I was called on by the restive, eratic's, whose organs of curiosity were well developed, "to know all about Texas" all about Genl. Lamar, &c &c here I told but one tale, that the country would have quite as numerous a population as it required for comfort, without much pressing of emigration. _ That it was all it was represented to be." I shall go home via So. Ca. and Alabama, the Mississippi rout, I came, is full of peril — and accident. As regards our currency it goes here at 40c sloAv — little or no operation in it — Our old "victim to Hyson" Judge Woodward, so I am informed by Mr. Geo Barclay (with whom I dined yesterday in company with Hon Joel. E. Poinsett.) is highly reputable in N. Y. — and so far as integrity goes he can benefit Texas — but considers the old Genl. (Woodward) "the other side of his prime" — a little of the second childhood — I take pride, and pleasure, always I believe, when I can speak from the heart in answering the various questions concerning the Prest. of Texas — who has the name, as Mr. Poinsett expresses it "of being a safe man at the head of the Texian Govt." . . . Gen Hamilton put off in fine sp[i]rit in the Gt West ern, and the English money market, just now will not warent much hope — for the Loan ! . . . I think for a man who always has, before God, designed to be honest, I have had the worst luck with copartners of any man extant. I shall lose 3 or 4000 Dollars by Major John H Peters, late my patr. in Ala. who has turneCd out to be after a life of much respect for 30 years — a damned scamp. He has sold my Library — collected 3850,00 of the Land Co which I worked for a.gainst the Columbui^ devils for 2 years, and has sworn that I sold a negro of his, & got him back — when I hnve bill of sale etc, & I have to refund the money till Peters returns to S. C. — I shall bring with me only 3 negros — ^both valuable servants saved from the -wreck by my good friend & atty Judge Lawson — who says Peters is an ingrained villian — "but what is this?" you may well say to you? [yourself?] — yet I cannot help telling you of my luck in hfe — Doran, is not I fear a jot better — I have done with him — tho' he is a cursed bitter .political enemy of yours, & old Sam Whitiny I under stand has "bragged" him out of 3000 of my Texas money — Mr. Doran must account for every debt & dollar when I come, or 111 make sasage meat of him — with one ¦pill; taken externally! Henceforth I shall paddle my own canoe, Hope Eusk will take Bowles, it will knock old Sam, out' of the next Presidency with the people if he does— any body but Sam Houston to turn over what you are doing for Texas — He'd have a second chaos in the Gvt., with his Irion, Hockly, and Sheppard!! & Co ! ! — No wonder Texas stood as she did under such a rum set. Old Henry Smith — of "floating incubus" in memory, also! — compare these men with Gen Johnston— Webb, in the U S. why they never was heard of— but goodbye ! If I never see you again— cant tell what may turn up— (tho I come out in Oct) may you have all you merit— is my prayer — Henry Thompson 74 Texas State Libeaey [Note, Page 3] The Boston papers have the chapters with quite a compliment to the author. [Note, Page 4] -v j. n "Dont leave this about— I dont wish Mr Eansom to be familiar at ali with my sentiments in Texas. &C" Burn it! No. 1413 1839 Aug. 19, M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO T. J. GEEEN AND OTHEES, VELASCO, TEXAS" Reply to the foregoing.'^" Houston 19th August 1839. Gentlemen, — Your letter of the 14th instant, ^'^ inviting me in behalf of the citizens of Velasco, to a public dinner, affects me most sensibly. It affects me by exciting emotions of gratitude for the personal kindness which it breathes; and it inspirits me to continued efforts and a more cheerful zeal in the discharge of my official duties by the approval which it be stows upon the leading policy of my administration, and my general character as a public functionary. To the feeling with which you have vindicated me against the asper sions of my enemies, I cannot respond in a spirit less decisive than your own. That I have not escaped the assaults which seem inseparable con comitants of offices is known to all; but but [sic] thit the abuse so lavishly bestowed has sprung from the dissapointed hopes of ambition and avarice, rather than from any evils which have flowed or are likely to result to the nation, is a truth. I believe, pretty generally under stood and appreciated by that portion of the community upon whose stability and morals the prosperity and happiness of the country will have to rest. The esteem of good and estimable men is my highest happiness in private life; and the approbation of my public acts by the patriotic and the wise is the only reward that I can enjoy or desire for the painful solicitude and perpetual toil of official station. When blest with these, I never can complain, whatever else betide. Give me the support of the brave, the virtuous and the enlightened portion of my fellow-citizens — let me have the confidence of those who love their countr}' — who are vigilant to guard her rights — and I heed not the malice of the 'wicked, nor all the slander which the profligate can pour upon me. The efforts which have been made, and are still making to blast my reputation as a man and to render my administration unacceptable and odious to the people, are rapidly recoiling upon the instigators, and cannot fail, sooner or later, to provoke the chastisement of public scorn. That a few of my official acts, unimportant in their nature, have been disap- probated by some of the good citizens of this Eepublic, is more than probable — at least it is natural that it should be so — but that I can "Copy. In no. 361, p. 237. Printed in the Telegraph and Texas Register, Oct 2, 1839, vol. V, no. 11, p. 3. "•¦'No. 1404. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 75 I ever share the confidence and affection of those whose feelings are selfish, and whose purposes are base, is utterly impossible. Such men cannot appreciate my character; nor can they cherish any attachment to my person; for 'they know that my abhorrence of their principles is in stinctive and unalterable, and that I cannot yield myself to their schemes of venahty and corruption. Eegarding me therefore, as an obstacle to their sordid and ambitious projects, they have been, and are still labouring to secure by their intrigues such an ascendancy in the ensuiug Congress, as will enable them to effectuate their ends inde pendently of the Executive. But if the people be true to their country and to themselves, these hopes 'will meet with no fruition. If by the continued and active co-operation of the virtuous portion of the com munity, I shall be enabled to frustrate the designs of selfishness, and preserve the government and its interests from the unhallowed grasp of cupidity, I shall feel that I have rendered the country a more perma nent and essential good, than in the chastisement of our border enemies or any other of my official acts. To that portion of your letter gentlemen, which makes allusions to the past, I feel some difficulty in making a reply. Situated as I am, it is not for me to sit in judgment upon those who have gone before. This is the appropriate work of the historian; and it is to be hoped that the day is not distant when the truth both as to men and measures, will be made known to the world. Heretofore the infant condition of the nation, and the stirring events of the times, giving rise to every variety of passion, rendered the development of political truths both difficult and dangerous ; and the fact that our people had been suddenly thrown into social and political combination without an adequate knowledge of each others character, yet mutually dependant on one another for protection and defence, contributed still farther to the suppression of personal investigations, and to the concealment of facts tha't could not be promulgated at the time, without public inconvenience and much individual discomfort. If under such a state of things, presumptuous profligacy has occasionally got the ascendancy of modest worth, and inordinate vanity has been invested with furtive laurels, it is only in accordance with the experience of other ages, and when exposed by the faithful historian, it can reflect no peculiar odium upon our young and rising country. But, gentlemen, the time has now arrived when it becomes the du-ty of every genuine patriot to draw the most rigid distinction between virtue and vice. Whatever may have made forbearance proper or prudent heretofore, these reasons exist no longer, and it is time now that we should speak of men as we know them and things as they are; not in the feeble voice of irresolution, but with the energy and integrity of freemen. The republic is now safe from ex ternal violence — her resources are rapidlv developing — many men of eminent worth and approved abilities are known to abide amongst us — and their is a deep and steady regard for virtue pervading our people, which renders the present a highly propitious season for such investiga tion of men and measures, as will protect the Country from the arts of the demagogue, and the machinations, of the selfish and . perfidious. These things may now be discussed with dignity and calmness — detected guilt may be repulsed 'with effect, and the tranquility of the nation preserved from the agitations of the lawless and vile. 76 Texas State Libeaey So far as my own administration is concerned, I feel that I have every reason to invite, rather than avoid such a scrutiny. Conscious of the ¦ rectitude of my own intentions, and of my infiexible determination to pursue the course of policy which I announced in coming into office, and confiding in the general intelligence and virtue of my fellow citizens to sustain me in my public endeavors, I can have no apprehension as to the results. I cannot bring myself to believe that the feeling which elevated me to the highest station 'within the gift of my countrymen, 'will be less active in supporting me in energetic efforts to carry out those principles and views which have been applauded abroad and approved at home. If with the aid of the good and wise, I shall suc ceed in placing our currency in a pure and healthful state — if I shall accomplish the great object of giving entire protection to our heretofore defenceless and suffering frontier — if I shall be able to make such a demonstration on the gulf, and on our western borders as to satisfy our enemies that we are no less prepared than willing to reciprocate their movements — if I shall succeed in procuring our nationl recognition from the enlightened powers of Europe, establish with them commercial treaties on equitable principles, and give to our infant nation a name and a character abroad, beyond what she has hitherto enjoyed, and if, added to all this, I shall be instrumental in laying the foundation of such a system of extended education as shall prove a lasting benefit to the country, I shall have done all that I most ardently desired; I shall feel that I have not been a useless drone in the political hive, and shall retire from public life with the consolation of having redeemed every pledge to those who placed me in office. Pleased with the compliment you propose to pay me, and proud of your opinion of my administration as it has thus far progressed, I should rejoice to accept your kind invitation, if it were not incompatible with the inaperious obligations that press upon me at the present time. The law requiring the removal of offices and archives of the government from this place to the City of Austin by the first of October, as well as other important duties which devolve upon me, will not permit me to be absent from my post even for the short period required for a visit to Velasco. I regret this the more sincerely, not because it may be my last opportunity whilst in office of enjoying your hospitality, but be cause I lose the occasion of expressing to you and my fellow citizens of your vicinity, more fully my views of the interesting topics embraced in your letter. I have the honor to be gentlemen not only your public servant, but private and devoted friend Mirabeau B Lamar [Addressed] To Mess. Thos J. Green B T Archer, and others Velasco. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 77 No. 1414 18S9 Aug, 20, J. WOODWAED, NEW YOEK, [NEW YOEK], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]" To his Excellency General Mirabeau B Lamar President of the Eepublic of Texas Sir Having found from observation that my humble representa tion of the Eepublic of Texas was not wholly useless in this quarter of the union and perhaps in Europe, in counteracting, and perhaps in a measure putting down, the calumnies against her; and in plain and multiform statements and publications of her true character and re- sourses, I had determined, altho' at great expense and cost and with out any renumeration, to hold the office until she were recognized by one of the cardinal powers of Europe, knowing that then the recog nition of the other powers would almost necessarily ensue. This aus picious event having happened in the recognition of France, the in formation of which was received at this consulate on the 19th instant and the despatches^* from Paris passed to the government of Texas, "which you have no doubt received, and the nationality of Texas thus firmly established, she can no longer need services such as mine, but may command talents of superior grade and more pre-eminent stand-' ing, I therefore hereby do myself the honor of most respectfully sig nifying my resignation as Consul General, with great thanks for the n[n] merited honor bestowed upon me and my best wishes for the rapid prosperity of our young and rising republic. I have the honor to be with cordial esteem and high con sideration Sir Your obedient Srvant John Woodward New York 30th. Augt. 1839. [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency. John Woodward General Mirabeau B Lamar. 1839-30 Augst N York President of the Eepublic of Texas. "A. L. S. "These despatches coraprised two letters from J. P. Henderson to the Sjcre- -tary of State, dated Paris, July 26, 1839, in v/hich he stated that France had agreed to reecognize the independence of Texas by a treaty of amity and com merce. The endorsement whieh is omitted in Garrison, reads: "Eeed. & forwd. by Y. 0. S. C. H. Forbes V. C. T. N. Y. August 19. 1839." Printed in' Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Corespondence of the Republic of Texas,. II. 1256-65. 78 Texas State Libeaey No. 1415 18S9 Aug, 20, J. WOODWAED, NEW YOEK, [NEW YOEK], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS^'' His Excellency General Lamar &c &c.- Dear Sir Permit me to salute you on the recognition of our republic by France, the information of which was forwarded to you in the despatches from- Paris and received at this consulate on the 19th. instant.^^ Before the arrival of this news I was about to address you for the sole purpose of renewing to you the assurances of my high est regard and to awaken rembrances of former and interesting asso ciations. When I last saw you my intentions were to be at Texas at the ensuing session, and I am somewhat greived to say that from some peculiar circumstances and considerations it may not be in my power to visit you as I wished and to avail myself personally of your kind offer and suggestions on the subject of my land claims in Texas, altho' I am aware that to a gentleman and friend of your feelings and order of mind presence or absence could make but little difference. The pur chase of these claims and other matters and circumstances connected with our young republic have very much tried me on many points unnecessary here to refer to. But had Texas given them a prompt and early adjustment or if she would do it at the ensuing session these difficulties would of course be obyiated. There can be no doubt of the legality and equity of these claims when correctly understood and I beg your indulgence in repeating my -wishes that you will afford to them that kind and enlightened attention to which your inclinations and mind would naturally lead you from what has already passed be tween us on this subject. Judge Webb is fully master of the circum stances. I most respectfully transmit you my resignation^^ of Consul General, prefixed by some remarks which may not be unacceptable to you, nor to the Senate, when the resignation is sent to that body. I should be very happy. General, to receive a letter from you as soon as your convenience may permit. Be pleased to present my best respects to the ladies of your household, and also to Mr. and Mrs. Stiff and her respected mother. .^ i ,i n , i -,, 1 have the honor to be -with assurances of sincere esteem and high consideration Your friend and obedient Servant. John Woodward New York 30t. Augt. 1839. [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency John Woodward General Mirabeau B Lamar N York 30 Augst President of the republic of Texas 1839 City of Houston. Eecognition by France &c ¦ Texas »A. L. S. "See note" to no. 1414. "No. 1414. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 79 No. 1416 1839 Aug. 21, ALGEENON P. THOMPSON, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUS TON, TEXAS] Application for appointment as first auditor, to succeed J. W. Moody, deceased. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1417 18S9 Aug. 22, CHAELES MASON, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] -Answering Lamar's note of [Aug. 32] ; his own preference to serve ad interim as chief clerk of the War Department, without compensa tion. A. N. S. 2 p. No. 1418 1839 Aug, 22, FEANCIS PEENTISS, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUS TON, TEXAS] Declining the appointment as chief clerk of the War Department recoinmended in Lamar's note to A. S. Johnston of [Aug. 22?] A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1419 18S9 Aug. 23, W. J. JONES, WASHINGTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS]" Washington Augt. 33d. 1839.' Dear Genl. I have been here for two days — rode out yesterday to see Dr. Hoxie,^" who is perfectly right in regard to Butler — He must & shall be beat, I have written some things for the Emigrant which will operate agt. him. The people are just beginning to find him out — Old Ben^" will be used up in Montgomery County — I send you a Chapter in the next Emigrant against the "old African." He has been abusing you but I think he will soon get his quietus. Look on the outside for it. It is styled "the book of Chronicles". I' shall remain here several days yet — Niles^'- is your friend & will lend you the aid of his paper — At any rate he has opened it to me. I shall use it for your advantage — If Butler and old Ben, the African, is beaten, you have «A. L..S. ¦"Dr. Asa Hoxey. ^Probably Benjamin Fort Smith, a warm supporter of Genl. Houston. "'J. W. J. Niles, editor of the Texas Emigrant, published in "Washington, Texas. 80 Texas State Libeaey nothing to fear from old Sam"— He will drink too much of the ardent to injure you — He will kill himself — Yr friend truly W: Jefferson Jones [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Ex. W Jeff Jones M. B. Lamar Washington, 23rd. Augst Houston 1839 ) Dr. Graves. ) ) No. 1420 1839 Aug. 25, A. BEIGHAM, WHITE SULPHUE SPEINGS, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] ^^ White Sulpher Springs His Excellency the President August 35th 1839 Eespected Sir, Permit me to address you on the :subject of removal of the public Officers to the City of Austin :— The .great responsibility which I am placed under to the Govmt. — ^produces a considerable anxiety in my mind on the subject. The Books and valuable papers belonging to the office together with all the receipts & vouchers (which are quite voluminous) that cannot be packed in the Iron Chest will have to be packed in a Box Water-tight, and placed in charge of a responsible Teamster, (which I presume you are aware cannot be found every day) ; under these cir cumstances I hope your Excellency will pardon me for soliciting some thing from under the hand of the Executive that I may be soon in formed at what time to be prepared for the journey: — If you should desire to make the communication confidentially it will be by me so Ibonore'd. — I have been here but a few days, find the Sulpher water to ;agree with me, wish to remain four weeks unless sooner needed at the :seat of Govmt. — Col. Garrity, the bearer of this will take any dispach back JOU may wish to forward. In the mean time please accept the renewed assurences of my best wishes for your Health, Happiness, and Prosperity. I have the Honour to be 'with the highest Consideration and Eespect Your Obt. Servt.- A. Brigham [rubric] ^Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar A Brigham City of Houston Sulphur Springs 35 Augst Politeness of 1839 — - Col. Garrity ""Sam Houston. '"A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 81 No. 1431 1839 Aug. 25, JOHN W. TAYLOE, NAVY YAED, [GALVESTON, TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Enclosing a deposition^* of his ship-mate naval officers in proof of official injustice to himself. L. S. 1 p. No. 1422 1839 Aug, 26, J. SMITH, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] 2^ Genl. M B Lamar — Stock Commissioners Office August 26th. 1839 Sir I hav[e] been instructed by the Secretary of the Treasury to allow interest on all the funded debt (arising from drafts issued subsequent to the first of sept. 1839) from the first of sep 1838 — so that all drafts which which [sic] have heretofore been issued or that might hereafter be issued shall bear interest from the first Sept 1838 The Law^" organising this Office prescribes that interest shall only be allowed from the date of funding the same without re gard to the dates of the several drafts — A subsequent law''' passed at the last session of congress authorising the secretary of the Treasury to reopen the books of the stock commissioner — Sec 1st 8th line — says that all certifficates of stock issued previous to the first of March next — 1839^-shall bear an interest from the 1st Sept 1838 — sec 3d of same law says that all claims that were issued previous to the first of sept 1839^* shall bear an interest from said date and all claims issued subsequent to the fi[r]st of sept 1839^^ and which may here after be funded shall bear interest from the fi[r]st of sept 1838 It appears to me very clear that the legislator [legislature] never intended that interest should^' on drafts with out regard to date from the first sept 1838 The question was raised last spring by Judge Birdsell-''" — whether he eould draw intererest from the first sept 1838 on a draft dated in Apr. 1839 — After an argument of the subject he accorded with me that it was only intended that interest should be paid accord ing to the dates of drafts — the question has been raised by Dr Ashbel Smith who wishes the stock commissioner to allow him interest on a draft dated first of April 1839— from the first sept 1838 No other citizen expecting or requiring more than interest according to the date of their several drafts — The inconsistency of such a law carries along ^This deposition is no longer with the Lamar Papers. ^A. L. S. ^-Aet of June 7, 1837. In Gammel, H. P. N., Laws of Texas, I, 1301. "Aet of Jan. 19, 1839. In Gammel, ibid., II, 51. ^Gammel's Laws give the date as 1837. ™Here Smith evidently omitted something. The words "be allowed" inserted after "should" would make the meaning plain. =»Birdsall. 82 Texas State Libeaey with it the reffutation that it was the intention of the Legislator [Leg islature] to confer such voluntary privalige — The principle when once established would involve the government already sinking under the weight of a great national debt with depreciated currency & credit almost in dispair — in a greater debt than miriads of successful Ad ministrations will be able to cancel — according to such construction the goverment would have to pay interest on all her debt that might here after be contracted 30 — or 100 — year hence from the first of Sept. 1838 — The argument that it was for the purpose of inducing holders of the goverment Liabilities to fund them falls to the ground when we refiect that the ten per cent per annum is inducement enough in al[l] conscience — and that no other person look for any more but Dr. Smith You are aware that such injustice should not be done to the goverment & that it is your province to obs[t]ruct the opperation of such Laws as would be oppressive alike to the people En-Mas and the goverment To you I have thought proper to make this final appeal. In accordance with your instructions will I act — I have differed with the Aty Gnl & secretary of the Treasury on this subject — but with due defference to thers [their] ability — & firmnes — ¦ I know they are gentlemen of more Experience than myself but feeling as I must do the injustice of sueh a Law & the evils that it is calculated to bring on the country I have thought proper to make this final appeal — to you — knowing that in you the people have a friend & the goverment — a director who will do Justice betwen the goverment & its subjects Yours. With high regard Jackson Smith [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Official M. B. Lamar Jackson Smith — President of Texas Augst 36th 1839 Mr. No. 1433 1839 Aug. 29, OLIVEE K. PEEEMAN, HOUSTON, TEXAS, TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Volunteering for "the ensuing campaign." A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1434 1839 Aug. 29, J. HAMILTON, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS" Paris Augst. 39t. 1839— (Private) My Dear Sir.— I did not write you by the return of the Great West ern because I was anxious to inform myself still more accurately of the State of the Money Market in England and the progress of Genl. Hendersons negociations with this Government. — "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 83 ¦ I believe you are fully aware that until the former was comiileated 1 did not intend to bring forward the negociation confided to Mr. Burnley & myself, — because I could not entertain any hope of success before this event. — But circumstances have supervened in re lation to the present financial condition of England which make it quite impolitic, to bring at present our Loan forward. This you can better understand, when I tell you, thfit Money is only [ ?] worth a change in London 10 pr. Cent, on the best english securi'ties. You may suppose it is not now to be borrowed on those of a foreign Nation scarcely at any price. — This extraordinary Eevulsion which has taken place in consequence of the very unfavorable Harvest of the last year having caused the export of about seven Million of Bullion, which with the consequent unfavorable exchanges against England has like- 'wise led to such an unpreeendented scarcity of Money that the Bank of England has had to borrow 3 Millions Sterling of the Bank of France. — I have no doubt however that the tide will turn by the middle of Sept, and things gradually become better. — Our friends who will have the negociation of the Loan at least think so, and that our Bonds may be sold between Oct & January — In the mean time we shall endeavour and I think" 'with success obtajn another advance on our Bonds through their instrumentality as will meet all the wants of your Government until the whole Loan is taken up. — Now a word in relation to Genl. Hendersons negociation. I was pained to find that before my arrival he was under an impression that my association with him resulted from some want of confidence in your Government in his ability to conduct the negociation but I have satisfied him to the contrary, and that my relation was to be a private one to his mission, & mainly with the view of aiding my own negociation — Indeed if I had had plenipotentiary powers rati fied by your Senate I would not in the state I found the negociation in would have precluded my official participation in it, — for Genl. Henderson has managed it with such ability & discretion, that there does not exist the smallest necessity for any puhlic interference of mine in the smallest degree. I am privately engaged in aiding his views in every possible manner in my power. Saligny has proved a stanch friend to Texas, and Mr. Pontois to whom Marshal Soult, has confided the negociation with Genl. Henderson, has expressed & I know enter tains the best dispositions for us. — There are only two or three points now to adjust & recognition and a Treaty of Commerce & Alli ance will be effected This event will I am sure be consummated by the first Sept or in a few Days after.'^ — I am moreover happy to add that Mr. Pontois has induced the Minister of Belgium here to say that his Government will recognize Texas the moment an agent is accredited to negociate a Treaty. — The Moment Genl. Henderson concludes his Treaty "we will both repair London & see what can be done with the Court of St. James. — If I see an immediate prospect of negociating our Loan I shall leave the negociation in the hands of our Bankers and after obtaining an advance on the Bonds I will re- "^Tliis treaty was concluded September 25, 1839. 84 Texas State Libeaey turn to the United States and forthwith repair to Texas and attend your Congress with the view of confering with your Government on all such measures of legislation as will strengthen your public credit, & if the Loan is not negociated, I will return to Europe immediately and not cross the Water until I succeed. My whole Fortune twice over is pledged for your good faith and I must succeed & I will if it does not please Heaven to visit your Country with some signal reverse. — Should Genl Hendersons Letter^^ to you miscarry I beg leave to assure you that since his Letter^* to Genl. Johnson & since my arrival my explanations have been so entirely satisfactory as to have removed every unpleasant impression from his Mind and we are now moving together with the most cordial sentiments of mutual con fidence & regard. — It moreover gives me the highest gratification to assure you that his feelings towards yourself are of the kindest & most respectful character. It will gratify you to know that he stands on the •most favorable footing here with the Government and is universally appreciated wherever he is known I remain my Dea[r] Sir 'with great esteem very faithfully & respecty. Yours His Excy. J Hamilton. — Presdt. Lamar. P. S. As soon as I return to London Mr. Burnley & mySeK 'wiU ad dress you by the next Steamer on official Despatch informing you of our progress & prospects.— [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Aug. 39. 1839 ^-Mirabeau. B. Lamar. — Houston — Texas. — With dispatch PubUc Service No. 1425 1839 Aug. 29, LIST OF OFPICEES OF EEGULAE AEMY OF TEXAS^= A List of the Officers of the Eegular Army of Texas, — Adjutant Generals Office Houston August 29. 1839. A List of the Officers of the Eegular Army of the Eepublic of Texas. Geo. W Hockley. Col of Ordnance. Edward Burleson Col 1st Eegt Infty. Lysander Wells Col 1st Eegt Cavalry Hugh McLeod Adjutant General Wm G. Cooke Comy Genl Sub P M. Bell Inspector General Wm S. Fisher Lt Col 1st Eegt Infty "Probably the letter which, according to Henderson's letter of September 1, no. 1433, was not sent "owing to the neglect of another person." "See no. 1433. =»Copy? Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae P. B. Dexter Jacob Snively P S. Wyatt B H. Johnson Pinckney Caldwell Benjamin Sturges John Forbes H Sanders Wm Henry Dangerfieid Y P. Anderson Shields Booker Edward Tucker Saml A. Plummer J H Millroy Eichard Cockrun — Wm E. Smith Joseph Lindley Lt Col 1st Eegt Cavly Pay Master General Major 1st Eegt Infty Asst Adjt General Quarter Master Pay Master Commissary of Sub of Purchases Surgeon Captain of Cavalry a Ci ic Asst Surgeon Surgeon Genl Indian Agt for Coshattes. Wm D. Eedd Adam Clendennin S W. Jordan G T. Howard John Holliday B Y. Gillen M B. Skerrett G H Lawrence G W. Morgan Wm H. Moore Wm T. Sadler J P. B. January Matthew Caldwell J P. C. Kenneymore P J. Pillans Wm Green Kerley James Goodall Samuel B. Carson Duncan C. Ogden Edward Thompson Wm N. Dannington J Wiehl E S. Neighbors Martin Moran D Y. Ackerman W D. Hougton J S. Sutton John Brown L H. Grush Daniel Lewis C C. Hornsby 1st Eegiment of Infantey Capt 1st Eegt Infty 1st Lt 1st Eegt Infty 2d Lt: 1st Eegt Infty 86 Texas State Libeaey J M. Alexander 2d Lt. 1st Eegt Infty Abram H. Scott " " " Br Mubryne Actg. Asst Qu Master A list of The Officers of the Eegular Army of Texas Aug. 39. /39 No. 1436 1839 Aug, SO, S. A. EOBEETS, WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO [M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^^ Confidential Washington August 30th 1839 Dear Genl I have indulged a faint hope, tho' I cannot say an expec tation, of receiving a few lines from you during the summer — As it has now however drawn to a close, I conclude that the hope will prove fallacious, — that you have had too much else to occupy your mind and time I regret this the more as I am not assured that my letters ever reach you — that they should be lost, would be no great matter, but that they should fall into other hands than yours, would be extremely em barrassing to me — tho' there is not a word in one of them that I would not, if required, justify at any hazard — I shall continue as heretofore, to write to you occasionally to keep you informed of all that comes before my observation which immediately or indirectly con cerns your self individually — G«nl Dunlap will of course keep the Goverment acquainted 'with all that concerns it — The object of this letter is to say something about the contemplated Treaty 'with Mexico and the bearing which it may have upon some of the prominent men in Texas — From a letter addressed to Genl Dunlap by Col Bee (private) which I have read, I learn that in all probability, the nego'tiation -will be transferred from Mexico to Washington — In this latter event Col Bee speaks in his letter as if he as a matter of course was to be charged with the sole and entire conduct of the negotiation, at least this is Genl Dunlap's understanding of the letter who wrote to me a few days ago from Saratoga concerning it — In commenting on Coll Bee's letter Genl D — says Col Bee will want new instructions and seems to re gard it as a matter of course that he (Genl D) 'nill at least be asso ciated with Col Bee, if not charged with the sole management of the business — for he says in his letter to me "I am willing to be associated with Col Bee" — I replied to Genl D — telling him you would prob ably wish to associate some one of your many friends in Texas, who had not yet received any thing from you, with Col Bee — that he had already received from you unequivocal marks of your high esteem and unbounded confidence, and ought not to be mortified at any course you might in this matter pursue to word him &c &c — A few days after I had written this letter I was looking over Genl D's instmctions" "A. L. S. "Printed in Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, I, 368-78. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 87 and commissions and found one^^ which I did not know of before expressly authorising and empowering him to treat with any fully authorised Mexican agent upon the subject of Peace, boundary. Com merce & — investing him in short 'with plenary powers over the sub ject — It immediately occured to me, that I must have misunder stood Col Bees letter, or that Col Bee, or that from his understanding of what is due to him in the conduct of the business, you would be likely to have some unpleasant difficulty -with him'^ — My fears it is true, may have run away with my j.udgment, and I hope it may be so, and that if the treaty is to be made here, then there will be no difficulty in arranging the preliminaries — I therefore only give you this to put you fully on your guard well knowing that if I am mis taken (and you will probably know all about it) It will*" infiuence you in the , least in your conduct towards these gentlemen, both of whom are your friends, and should be kept so which 'will not be diffi cult 1 am looking every day for Genl Dunlaps return, when I shall probably know more of the matter — Ever since I have been in the U S. I have watched with the greatest attention the feeling of the people of the U. S. as evinced through the public prints, and can safely say the confidence in the wisdom and integrity of your administration, is almost universal — There is hardly a talented Editor in this country who does not every now & then grace his paper with a crack article on the subject of Texas her Govt President &c of the most complimentary character Even Gales & Seaton, the great leaders of the party for a long time opposed to the interest of Texas have, since I have been in the city changed their tone and are now, from a ^ense of justice bestowing praise when they before vented their bitterest jeers & jibes They are, in this change I most conscientiously believe as they have been always, deeply impressed vsdth the Conviction that they owe it to justice to notice the improved state of affairs in Texas, and to be stow commendation upon the administration which has done so much in so short a time, for the establishment of law, order & morality, where before all was Confusion 1 have frequently talked with Mr. Gales upon this subject, and he has as frequently told me that he did not think a parallel to Texas (viewed in all her relations) could be found in the history of the whole world "Her destiny" he says in a late article "is in the hands of won derful men — I mention all this to show that whatever may be your trials and vexations at home, you are nevertheless fully understood and appreciated abroad — I do not express a hope that this sort of intel ligence 'will have the effect to strengthen your resolution to be guided in your measures only by a sense of right & justice, for this I feel fully convinced you would have done at all hazards, but it may serve to solace ^A draft of this commission, dated Mar. 13, 1839, is in the Texas archives "Diplomatic Correspondence, U. S. and Texas." '"Plummer's meaning is not at all clear here. He must have meant that he misunderstood either General Dunlap's or Colonel Bee's letter, but even if that is taken for granted, the last part of the sentence is obscure. "Here again the meaning of the sentence would be more in accord with that of the paragraph if the word "not" were inserted. 88 Texas State Libeaey you whenever one of your fits of blue devils surges upon you — For this I write it It is stated this morning as a fact, and is here credited, that France has agreed to acknowledge the Independence of Texas & that it will be published officially in a very few days— I fully believe it myself of I would not write it— Mons Pontois the French Minister to this Cpuntry now at Paris, it is said has taken a very active part in our behalf Besides this rumor the N York Express publishes a paragraph stat ing that the Editor had seen a letter from a gentleman of distinction in Paris to a friend in N. York confirming the report precisely as I have given it on the preceding page — If this be true as I doubt not it is, — the subject of a commercial Treaty will be one of the first things to occupy your attention — Genl Dunlap writes to me that Col White expects the appointment I do not think a better could be made not withstanding the Col is a little windy He is certainly a very shrewd, man[a]ging man, understands the language and is well acquainted in Paris — Dunlap does not like Col W and has no great affection for Genl Hamilton He thinks they have a greater regard for themselves than they have for the Country, in their desire to serve Texas — On this point I do'nt [sic] pre [t] end to express an opinion — I do not in fact know either of the gentlemen well enough to judge of their motives — I have rambled on to the end of my sheet without method or order, talking to you upon any subject just as it entered my head, & express ing opinions as they were formed, without however expecting or even wishing, that you should in the smallest degree be infiuenced by this — You must & will I know, judge for yourself upon all matters of fact I have written — I see by the papers you have pardoned Mrs. Mann This, I suppo:=e, is to repay her for warni[n]g you to exercise your calling in Brazoria alone, where she might have had half the — business — Do you com prehend ? — Sincerely Your friend & obt Servant Saml A Eoberts — I have heard from pretty good authority here, that both Anson Jones, & Sam Williams if elected will support your administration warmly — Doct [or] Moore certainly will — Can you forgive me for my agency in bringing. Major Cocke to Texas? the Bolingbroke the King-maker No. 1437 • 18S9 Aug. 30, W. HENEY H. JOHNSTON, TEEASUEEE'S OFFICE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UON- APAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Sending statements"^ of receipts and disbursements of the Treasurer, Dec. 10, 1838-Aug. 17, 1839. A. L. S. 1 p. "No. 1409. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 89" No. 1438 1839 Aug, 30, J. WEBB, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] *2 Attorney Genls Office Houston, Augt. 30. 1339. His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar President &c. Sir, in answer to your inquiry, whether the appointment of a County Surveyor to fill a vacancy occurring during the recess of Congress, devolves upon you as President, or upon the Commissioner of the Genl. Land Offiee, I have the honor to state, that the act of Congress approved Jany. 23d. 1839," entitled "An act giv ing to the President the power to fill vacancies," makes it his duty "to fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of Congress, in such Offices as are filled by joint vote of both houses of Congress," and as the law requires that County Surveyors "shall be elected by both houses of Congress," there can be no doubt that the appointment to fill a vacancy during the recess, devolves upon the President. It is true, that the 35th Sec: of the Act passed Deer. 14. 1837** entitled "An Act to reduce into one act, & to amend the several acts relating to the establishment of a General Land Office," prescribes, in the event of a vacancy occurring during the recess of Congress, that the Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office shall fill such vacancy upon the recommendation of the board of Land Commissioners of the County where the vacancy exists, but this section being in confiict with the provisions of the subsequent act of Jany. 23d. 1838,*^^ is as clearly repealed by that Act as though it had been so expressly declared. This opinion is too well fortified by the long and well estab lished rules for the Construction of Statutes, to require any additional argument from me to sustain it ; but if any were necessary, it is amply furnished by the Act of Jany. 26, 1839,*'' amending the Act of Deer. 14, 1837. By the Act of Deer. 1837 it is provided that the persons composing the board of Land Commissioners in each County shall be elected by a joint vote of both houses of Congress, & the 35. Section- before referd to, declares that Vacancies occuring in the board, during the recess, shall be filled by the Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office, in the same manner that vacancies occuring in the Office of County Surveyor are directed to be filled. But by the Act of Jany. 36, 1839, the board of Land Commissioners is now composed of the Chief & As sociate Justices of each County, and if the 35. Sec : of the Act of Deer. 1837 is yet in force, & it is the duty of the Commissioner of the Genl. Land Office to fill all vacancies, as is directed in that section, then it would follow, that if the Office of Chief Ju[sti]ce of a County becomes «A. D. S. "Printed in Gammel, H. P. N., Ixfms of Texas, ll, 82. ¦"Printed in Gammel, ibid., I, 1404. "'This date should be 1839. "Printed in Gammel, ibid., ll, 91. 90 Texas State Libeaey vacant, it will devolve upon the Commissioner to fill the va^can^y oy appointing a new Chief Justice upon the recommendation of the Board of Land Commissioners— and absurdity which Congress certainly never contemplated, and which is ahke opposed to reason, & all fair legal interpretation. The subject however is placed at rest, by the 5. Sec: of the Act of Jany. 26. 1839, which expressly repeals all laws and parts of laws conflicting with that Act, and as the 35. Sec of the Act of Deer. 1837 does confiict with the act of Jany. 1839, it is expressly repealed by it— I have the honor to be With great respect. Your obdt. Servt. James Webb Atty. Gen. [Endorsed] [rubric] Official Jas Webb soth. Augst 1839 Houston No. 1439 1839 Aug. 31, J. IKIN, LONDON, [ENGLAND], TO [J.] WOOD WAED, NEW YOEK, [NEW YOEK]*^ London 31st. Augst. 1839. 33 Threadneedle St. My Dear Judge. Notwithstanding your long and continued silence, I am not satisfied that our former friendly relations should be dis solved — and (as it would appear) by the icy hand of interest. They were not I can truly aver based, on my part, on such a principle, but on a loftier one; which I know is more congenial to both our natures. It was the respect I entertained for your eharacter and talents, which first led me to unite in your plans, and although they have not yet been found practicable, it will hereafter appear that the abandonment of them will be more prejudicial to others than to ourselves: and vision ary as they are called, they would have opened a vision of glory to the future destinies of Texas had they been rightly understood and timely appreciated. I was glad to hear from some of your friends lately arrived in this country that you were in health, and still a good friend to Texas. I should have been more gratified to have heard it from yourself, and to have had you on this side the water again or to have kno'wn that you intended to come. Although you are so staunch a Eepublican, if I have not greatly mistaken your character, you would find in 'this Queenly land more objects of interest to your mind and pursuits than your native country affords. The independence of Texas will be acknowledged in Europe shortly. ***»i= ******* "Copy. In no. 1711. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 91 A loan cannot be negociated in Texas during the present price and scarcity of Gold. Some money may be borrowed for her, under the expectation of effecting it by & bye. Our good friends in Paris talk of returning home soon. My wife, son, and family unite in good wishes for your health and hap piness with my dear Judge Your friend & Obt. Servt. The Honble. (Signed) Jon Ikin. Judge Woodward Texian Consulate New York. No. 1430 [1839 Aug., W. H. SANDUSKY, HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO [H. J. JEWETT, HOUSTON, TEXAS] *« Mr Editor I have just returned from the city of Austin, and being aware of the various reports as to its advantages, I feel it my duty to give to the Public a true statement of its location. Austin is situated on the east bank of the Colorado, 40 miles from Bastrop — and about three miles from the Colorado mountains and on a beautiful rich prairie about 40 feet above the level of the Eiver extending back one half mile to the "Bluff," and gradually ris ing to 60, or 70 feet, where is placed the Public Square (15 acres), with an avenue rising up from the river — of 130 feet 'wide, through a narrow valley which appears as if made by nature expressly for this noble purpose. The Lots are layd, streets & alleys wide, and the sev eral public squares, and lots for the Government Buildings, selected ¦with good taste, by the Agent Judge Waller, who is now engaged in putting up the necessary buildings for Congress &c. — Two beautiful streams of limestone water fiow through the upper and lower parts of the to'wn, taking their source in the hills from Springs which can by little expense be conducted to any part of the city. Stone for build ing purposes of various*" can be had in and near the city. Timber for building is rather scarce in the immediate vicinity (except on the op posite side of the river), but within six or eight miles there is an abun dance. The river averages from 60 to 70 yards wide of a deep but rapid current, and can be made navigable by removing a few shoals, for Steam Boats of medium size, to the falls five miles above the town. The Colorado mountains about 3 miles Nr. West, from Col lege Hill (in the rear of the town,) are covered with Scrubby live Oak, Cedar, and cliffs of rocks, which present a delightful appearance * * * Large fields of corn are growing in the vicinity, sufficient for the consumption of emigration this season. The country is settling very fast, aild families with their negroes are daily seen on their way to the "City of Austin," and the surrounding country — **Copy (extract). "Sandusky evidently omitted a, word here; probably "kinds"- 92 Texas State Libeaey No. 1431 [1839 Aug,], H. J. JEWETT, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO M[IEA- BEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Sending an extract^" from a description by Sandusky of Austin and vicinity; Sandusky's sketches of Austin from the Public Square; no issue this week because of trouble in the office. A. L. S. 1 p. Appended to no. 1430. No. 1433 [1839 Aug. ?], A. SMITH, [NEAE GALVESTON? TEXAS], TO [M. B.] LAMAE, [HOUSTON? TEXAS]^^ My dear General, I have determined to accompany Col Karnes against the Comanches, if by coming to Houston by the return of the Steamboat, I shall be in season to see Col Karnes, or to go out 'with any detach ment. — Two hours in Houston will suffice to make any preparations in Houston. — If Karnes will wait the return of the boat, I am sure to be in Houston ready to accompany him. — I will request my brother Georg [e] to call on you, and he will write to me. — I am 'writing on board the Steamboat, and have only a half sheet of paper. — The island is very healthy. — Col Love and Mrs. L. are become much attached to Eebecca; and wish her to spend the balance of the warm season with them on the island. — They desired me to join in recommending it as the best course for Eebecca's health — which I very cheerfully do. Mrs. L. is somewhat indisposed today. So she has not, I suppose written to you. — My respectful compliments to Miss Lauretta & Miss Eebecca. — Very sincerely your friend Ashbel Smith [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Ashbel Smith. General Lamar 1839, No. 1433 1839 Sept, 1, J, P. HENDEESON, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]" Paris Sept 1st 1839 My Dear Sir I wrote a letter to be forwarded to you by the British Queen Steam Boat after my first interview with Genl Hamilton upon his arrival in Paris but owing to the neglect of another person it was not sent. A few days before the arrival of Genl H — I learnd from him that he was comeing to Paris 'with authority from you to co-operate ™Na. 1430. "A. L. S. "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 93 'with me. Upon learning that fact for the first time from him I de- tei-mined to withdraw from the negotiation as soon as he arrived. Of that determination I informed Genl Johnston Secy of War and of which he may have informed your Excellency. I made the determina tion under the supposition that my Government had requested Genl H — to accept the appointment. But when I communicated my con clusion to that effect to him he assured me in the most positive man ner that he had (for reasons he explained) solicited some sort of au thority to act with me & also that my Govt had not given it either because they distrusted my fidelity or doubted my ability to discharge the duties of my Station. Upon that explanation being made I con sented to continue my efforts in the negotiation but said to Genl H — that inasmuch as the world could not Imow the circumstances under which he obtained his a [u] thority to act in the business and inasmuch as my friends and all that part of the world who judge properly in such cases would condemn me as either wanting in those honorable feelings which ought to characterize a gentleman or as being ignorant of what is due in such cases, if I had acted with him and permitted it to be published to the world — that I would then say to him that I could not consent to let it appear on the face of the proceedings that he held such authority — But that I would consult with him as I would have done if he had have come over without any such authoriiation — To all of which he most heartily agreed. I at the same time assured him that his explanation of the circumstances under which my Govern ment gave him the authority & the motives which indused him to request it was completely satisfactory and that he might so inform your Excellency Since the arrival in Paris of Mr. Saligny things have taken a much more unfavourable turn — Not that his report has been less favour able than was expected bu[t] he has persuaded Mr Pontois, who is conducting the negotiation on the part of France, that Texas is 'willing to grtat any and every favour which France in con[s]cience could ask — He tells him that he knows it is so because every officer in Texas with whom he conversed on the subject either told him so expressly or in timated as much — he also persuaded Mr P — that Texas regarded my success in Prance as more important than any privelege that she would be called upon to give for recognition — that the count [r]y is in a bank rupt state — that Genl Hamilton did not expect to succeed in negotiat ing the Texian bonds unless France first recognized Texas &c &c all of which in substance he urged upon me in the presence of Mr Pontois. I could only reply generally that my instructions must be my guide in the negotiation beyond which I could not look — that my Govt may have determined to grant particular favours to Prance but that I was not directed to carry out that determination. On the second occasion I met Mr P — upon this business he informed me that he had sub mitted my proposition to the Ministers of Finance & commerce & that they were satisfied with the reduction I proposed to make on silks & wines but that they also insisted on my consenting to reduse the duties on French brandies ready made clothing & various other articles which I without hesitation told him I could never consent to. He also then informed me that he had been mistaken in the quality of our cotton 94 Texas State Libeaey & that no reduction could be made on it. I could not see the sufficiency of his reason for changing his mind on that all important point and inasmuch as the whole of my propositions had been founded upon his to reduce the duty on Texian cotton I told him that we must com mence at the beginning & make entirely new propositions — to which he objected and insisted on holding me to my terms, even after he had refused to comply with those he had proposed; I told him -that that was impossible and that the negotiation must be broken off if he in sisted on such unequal concessions We then separated with the prom ise on his part that we shall meet again after he shall have commu nicated to his Govt our conversation. I am now persuaded that I shall be compelled (if we agree at all) ¦ to make reductions in the Tariff of Texas on some of the leading French articles vnthout receiving in re turn anything but recognition — Such would not have been the case if I could have finished the business previous to Mr Saligneys arrival. Since I have conversed with Genl H — I am prepared to yield more than I previously believed I could have consented to; but still I am determined to delay the business rather than make a Treaty that will embarrass Texas in her negotiations with either powers and even to break off the negotiation rather than make one that would be in the slightest degre[e] disreputable. I am in no very good spirits or humour and have delayed writing this letter until the last moment before the Packet mail starts in order to give you the latest news & therefore I write it in great haste I have the honour to remain your Most obdt & very humble sevt J Pinckney Henderson To His Excley Genl M B Lamar &c &c &c [Endorsed] J. Henderson Sep. 1. '39 No. 1434 1839 Sept, 2, H. HUMPHEEYS, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] =^ Monday morning Dear Sir Mess'rs Festus Doyle & Patrick McGlone have just called upon me requesting me to open a poll for San Patricio in a depopu lated County The only law" which [ ]°° however on the [ ]°' examination [ ]=" now give is on page 333 of the first vol ume of the acts, which provides that the President "he required to "order the polls to be opened for election of representatives for the de- "'A. L. S. "Act of June 5, 1837. Printed in Gammel, H. P. N., Lau^s of Texas, I, 1292. ™Words missing where manuscript is mutilated. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 95 "populated districts in any part of the Eepublic where the citizens of "said counties may be temporarily residing, until such times as the "citizens of said counties may be permitted to return with safety to "their homes." &C. They have requested me to give them this note to you, as I declined any action until better advised, under that law, both for the want of authority to me under it, and for the reason, that, by my construction of it, the polls should be opened in that part of the Eepublic where the most of the citizens of the depopulated County temporarily live, and I am only informed of the presence of the above two citizens of San Patricio in the County. Eespy His Exc'y H. Humphreys M. B. Lamar [rubric] President [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excy. M. B. Lamar Judge Humphreys Houston 3nd Sept 1839 No. 1435 1839 Sept. 2, M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO [J. WEBB, HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^« Honl. Attorney Genl. I wish you to examine the law on the subject above agitated^' and give me your opinion on the same — 3nd Septr 1839 M. B. Lamar No. 1436 [1839 Sept. 2], J. WEBB, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO [M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^« Honston 3d Sept 1839 At Home — His Excellency The President, Sir, The law°° which authorizes elections to be held for Eepresentatives of the "Depopulated districts" in parts of the Eepublic other than the proper Counties, evidently contemplated the existence of a state of things (hostihties) which precluded the Citizens of those Counties from remaining at home, and voting in the regular way pre scribed by law — At present, I know of no state of things which would drive any Citizen from his estabhshed domicile, or prevent him from exercising the right of suffrage in that County which he had chosen for his residence — Or in other words, I know at present, of no depoluted [depopulated] Counties within the meaning of the law, & cau perceive "'A. N. S. Appended to no. 1434. "See no. 1434. "'A. L. S. ™Act of June 5, 1837. Printed in Gammel, H. P. N., Laws of Texas, I, 1292. 96 Texas State Libeaey no propriety in ordering a poll to be opened for Eepresentatives of such Counties in distant parts of the Eepublic — If howevei:, the-re be such places as "Depopulated districts" (which means districts of Country previously settled & the settlers of which have been driven off & are now kept from their homes by Mexican hos tilities) an Election could not be held for them in other Counties, untill 3)revious notice had been given that polls for such districts would be ¦opened at a particular time & place and as no such previous notice has heen given in this County, I am decidedly of opinion that no election ¦can be held or any depopulated district on today — Should such a state of things exist as to render an election of that ¦sort proper in this County, in your opinion, you can order it at a future day by directing proper notice to be given — I have the Honor to be With great respect your obdt servt James Webb Atty. Genl, l^Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Official The President Jas Webb Houston 2nd Sept 1839 No. 1437 1839 Sept. 3, JA[ME]S H. STAEE, TEEASUEY DEPAETMENT, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Sending for endorsement a check upon the Bank of the United States in favor of [Louis P. Cooke.] L. S. 1 p. No. 1438 18S9 Sept. -4, S. [A. EOBEETS], WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO W. EOBEETS, GALVESTON, TEXAS*" Washington Sept 4th 1839 My Dear Father Your last kind letter was received near two days ago & was not answered immediately for the reason given in a letter of this date to Sister Oliva — Two days ago I wrote to Genl Lamar*' & informed him that it was r[e] ported and believed here that France had agreed to recognise the Independence of Texas Since my letter was sent I have had a letter from Genl Dunlap who tells me he has read a letter from Mr Henderson our Minister to France & England confirming the report — Mr H tells Genl D — that it will soon be made public— This to Texas is worth millions — for England will doubtless soon follow the lead of Prance which will amost insure "the Loan" on some reason able terms — and it strikes me that the immediate effect in N. Orleans »°A. L. S. 'With no. 1471. "This letter is no. 1426, but was written five days before (Aug. 30) instead of two. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 97 must be to cause the money of the Treasury to appreciate — That the loan will be effected on some terms I have little doubt, but I very much fear the coms will make a protracted discussion of it endeavoring to "beat down" the brokers — for the cheaper the vote of interest, the greater will be their perquisites — and there may be policy in this too — for the people cannot be made to understand that they are now actually paying from 65 to 75 pr ct for every dollar they use in New Orleans or any of the States — In fact for every paper dollar that is issued by the Treasury — and not understanding this they would think the Country irretrievably ruined if we give 15 or even 13 pr ct — It strikes me that a series of short popular articles (long ones are never read) on this subject might be made of eventual service in preparing the minds of the people for a higher rate of interest than it was at first thought we should have to give — The Bank of England is now taking 5% pr ct. — higher than it has been for forty years, and as we are new customers we may expect to pay for the first endorsement Cant you take up this subject — The argument simply is that the Treasury issued is a commodity with which we buy money pledging our selves to redeem it for three times as much as we ask or get for it when we put it in market — Thus we borrow from abroad at the rate of what ever is the discount, & instead [of] lodging the bonds of the Govt as security we lodge -what is equally sacred the Treasurs [Treasurer's] "promise to pay" — To make it popular you may use popular illus trations and exemplifications — Do take hold — Some one must write for Genl L — and this may be of vast service — A Loan at almost any rate is better than the present state of affairs and this is demonstrable — again I say do take it up — you can do it justice & I know do not lack the disposition — Genl L. friends dont work as they ought — Why on earth, when truth, justice, patriotism & talent too are all in his favour why I ask are there not more able and lucid articles in the papers — He seems to me to drag the whole load without even a friendly "god speed ye" to encourage him — It's well for him he has so much constitu tional fir [m] ness I am glad to hear we are likely [to] get patents for our land soon — It is [said] here that the City of Lamar is abandoned enti[rely.] Can this be so? — After all, I should, & do pref[er] property at Galveston and am really anxious 'to have some there — Cant you manage this for me in some way? — How is Baker — politically — & Williams & Mc Kinney — Tell me as near as you can get at it the relative strength of parties in the next Congress If I remain here in a different station I want Laura to come & live with me — I forgot to say to sister 0 I would attend to securing Dolph a place in Mr Harts school — I can ma[na]ge to get six months credit for the first payment — this I promise her & she may rely on — if this be the only obstacle in the way tell her to send him on at once to me I will open her letter to say so myself so that she may be sure to hear it — Should circumstances render it necessary I authorise you to tender my resignation I know not what Genl Dunlap will do when he gets back, — I look for him any day He is very sensative on the subject of rejection & once told me if he thought there was danger of it he would 98 Texas State Libeaey not stay here an hour, — I may intimate something on this head, but of course will be extremely cautious — Y-our affectionate Son Saml [Addressed] [Endorsed] Letter from Doct W. Eoberts Mr S Eoberts Collector of the Port Washington Care Texan agent ) Galveston September 4th New Orleans ) Texas ^839 No. 1439 1839 Sept. Jf, E. BUELESON, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS]*^ Bastrop September 4th. 1839 Hon M. B. Lamar Dear Sir I have bin Eequested by Major Wm Jefferson Jones to Inform you of his Conduct as an officer while under my Comand on the frontier I Say to you unhesitatingly that major Jones acted with as much energy and vigalence as any officer that has bin in the Service under my Comand, I Saw Some time Since an articul In the News paper, that Stated Major Jones was absent from his Comand at a perticular time wlien one of his men was accidentaly wounded, this Statement is utterly falls [false] I was in Major Joneses Camp at the time and the major was there and had bin there has bin something saide Eelative to his not Eendering any Service 'while on the frontier you are aprised that his men ware Not Mounted a parte of ther time, and was not in a Situation to Eender Verry afficient Sirvice not with standing I maide tow orders to that Comand to march and Scower the Country which was Obeyed with prompess [promptness] and I assert to you that during the time , Major Joneses' Comand Eenland [remained] on this frontier there was Not a Single depredation Commited and a mediately after I hft this parte of the Country with that Comand the Indians was in and have bin frequently sence and have stolen many horses from this parte of the Country, as to what has bin Said Eelative to the Late Scremishing [skirmishinff] with the Cherokees I feel no despotion [disposition] to make any Eemarks at presant and Shall decline doing so untill I See the official account of General duglass If he Should make one I have no wish to Eefiect any discreddit apon any officer or Soldier and more Especialy where it dose not be long I think I Shall be in houston a bout the soth of this Inst I feel ancious [anxious] to see you ) Your Verry Obidient ) Servent Hon ) Ewd. Burleson M. B. Lamare ) [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] "His Gen E Burleson— Eccelency M. B. Lamare Sept 4, 1839. presadent of Texas "A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 99 No. 1440 1839, Sept. 5, T. E. STIFF V. M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS.*'^ EEPUBLIC OF TEXAS,) DISTEICT COUET, COUNTY OF Harrisburg ) Fall term, 1839 TO THE SHEEiFF OF Said County GEEETING : YOU are hereby Commanded to Summon Mirabeau B Lamar if to be found in your County, to be and appear at the District Court, to be holden in and for the County aforesaid, at the couet i-iouse thereof, in the City of Houston on the first Monday in December next, then and there to answer the Petition of Thomas R Stiff exhibited against him, a copy of which is hereto annexed, HEEEiN fail not under the penalty of the Law, and have you then there this Writ. Witness, the Hon. H, W. Fontaine Judge, of the second Judicial District Issued the fifth day of September 1839 Given under my hand and Seal of the Court, at Office in the City of Houston this fifth day of September 18S9 (S S) James S Holman [Clerk] Dpy [Clk ] By John V Cowling D C H [C] I certify the foregoing is a true copy of the original by me Houston Sept Sth 1839 John H Moore Shff By Jas. K Brown** Dpy Shff [rubric] Eepublic of Texas ) To the Hon H. W Fontaine Judge of the County of liarrisburgh ) District Court in for the Second Judic(ial) District — — Your petitioner Thomas E Stiff of the County of Harrisbrgh, humbly complaining represe [nt] unto your Honor that one Mirabeau B Lamar, of the Co[unty] of Harrisburg is indebted to your petitioner in the su[m of] four Hundred and thirty five dollars besides inter [est.] For that whereas heretofore to wit on the tenth day of [ ,] in the year 1838 and at divers times thereafter peti tioner furnished and supplied the said M B La [mar] with board for himself and servants and others, also furnished and provided at sundry times the meats an[d] wines necessary for supplying Cabinet dinners all of which doth more fully and at large appear by particular account hereunto annexed. And your petitioner in fact saith that all these "Printed form fllled in. Copy. "A. S. 100 Texas State Libeaey things were done and performed and supplies furnished at the special instance and request of him the said M B Lamar, and did specially assume and promise to pav the sum of money aforesaid whenever there after requested. But notwithstanding the promise and obligation of him the said Lamar, he hath refused and still doth refuse to pay this Just de[bt.] . Wherefore petitioner prays your Honor after the [withm .''] Utation to defendant to appear at the next [session?] of this Honorable Court that petitioner may [bring?] Judgement for the amount oi his debt with intent, [ ] Costs of suit &c. and petitioner as m duty bound [will] ever prav &c ^ ¦ Moreland & Page pr Q. Copy of a/c M B Lamar To Thomas E Stifl : Dt 1837. Sept 10 Decbm To 2 months Board a $20 " l|. " " For- Francisco $30 $40 30 1838. " 15 days for Mr Broeker Private To dinner given to Cabinet " Do Do Senators " Do Do Eepresentatives " Levey " Extra meals Sety 15 100 135 250 7550 $685.00 1836 Cr. By 1 sorrel Horse Balance due. 250 $435.00 Eepublic of Texas ) Before me John Shea a Justice of the Peace County of Harrisbrgh ) in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Thos E Stiff Avho being sworn says that the charges and items of the written account vs M B Lamar amounting to four Hundred & Thirty five dollars are correct and true, and that no part of the same has been paid — Sworn to and subscribed, Houston August 7, 1839. John Shea J. P. H. C. Thomas E Stiff. [rubric] I do certify that the foregoing is a correct copy of the original now on file in this office James S Holman Clerk By John V Cowling."* Dpy Clk JCHC [rubric] "*A. 8. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 101 I owe Stiff no such an account and besides he is largely indebted to me. Mirabeau B Lamar [Endorsed] "= 138 District Court Fall Term 1839 Thomas E Stiff ) vs ) assumpit ) Mirabeau B Lamar No. 1441 Copy 1839 Sept. 5, H. THOMPSON, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS"" United States Hotel Phila 5 Sepr 1839 My dear General Enclosed is a little scrap from the "Virginia Southern Literary Messenger,""^ Observing it in a Phila paper I cut it out for you. You can devine the author I imagine . . . Genr Dunlap. Doct Eichardson — Maj — Dangerfieid, Mr Calquon & others are here. Texas at the head of the long table is pretty well represented, we happen to be all Lamar men here in our coterie. The sudden demise of your venerable mother, has been a severe visitation, but we neither of us will stay as long. Poor Birdsall too ! I shall leave for South Ca, & Ala — next week for Texas — I have been at Niagra — Montral & Quebec, up thro' Maine &c; and have seen many Texans. Dangerfieid & Wells began to think that the Secy of War, has for gotten they are at the North — I have had a Stilleto of an improved shape made for M. B. L. by a German cutler her[e] of celebrity. Sweet has met with some difficulties in N York from some one — in arrest &c Dunlap happend to be there & bailed him. I shall bring with me Library — Bed Bedding etc etc — and not come to the states again in some time. Abolition — Sectional jealosy — "cotton circular doctrine of the South" general scarcity of money, etc are the ordinary lounge sub jects of conversation on 'the tapis here. Eev Brackenridge has done your administration much good — Mr Wm Kennedy — ¦ who was at Hous ton, stands very high in the North, he is a man of most superior attainments, and talents, and in the first society in N York, especially °'This endorsement is written across the account. ™A. L. S. "This enclosure is no longer with the Lamar Papers. 102 Texas State Libeaey with the literati. Gen Dunlap, represents Texas very gentlemanly in deed — is popular here — there are some at Houston he dont fancy — but you eant find much cloth "wool died" just now a days — The only misfortune about .many of the leading men of Texas is, they are not smart enough, to know that they are not smart. Hous [ton] City is a famous place, I soon discovered — for phamtom fame — and if there were more misters, and less titles, it would not be so ludicrous. A Lady asked me "if the Gentm of Texas were not Generals generally?" I told her the Major part of them were quite Captains in their own way — I, Judge, she would think so, if she was in at a party, at Congress time at Houston — Mr Joy the Consul is a scholar a graduate — and a gentle men, and is a good Consul — Good night Yours truly H. Tliompson David Paul Brown, an eminent legal man and leader of Abolition — brother inlaw — of E B Handy goes out to Texas next week on a visit. [Addressed] [Endorsed] Letter from His Excellency H Thompson M. B. Lamar Philadelphia Scho. Lord Houston 5th Sept 1839 to N. Orleans. Texas No. 1442 1839 Sept 6, EOBEET HENEY GLENN, NOEFOLK, VIEGINIA, TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE LAMAE], HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Application for appointment as lieutenant of marines. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1443 1839 Sept 6, I. N. MOEBLAND, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] "« Houston Sept. 6th 1839— To/ / His. Ex. Mirabeau. B. Lamar, Sir Your note of this morning is before me, by which I am informed that a report has gone abroad, that you at tempted to supplant me, who was then the oldest officer in rank of the Artillery for duty, at the Battle of San Jacinto — This I deny so far as any knowledge of your conduct about that time came to me — In like manner I am also informed that upon the attempt reported to have been made to supplant me some altercation ensued between us ? To this part of the assertion I give the most unqualified denial — For so far from any thing of the kind having occurred I am proud to say that the only time I recolect of having spoken to you on that day was — after you were mounted to join the Cavalry on that occasion and up on the «'A. N. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 103 very eve of Battle at which time we met, as I hope we ever shall, upon the most friendly terms and spoke of the probable success of the attack we were about to make — And the character of the weapons you Could best use &c. &c. — And the idea of your having attempted to supplant me never once entered my head. — Most, Eespectfully Yours I N Moreland [rubric] [Addressed] To His. Ex. M. B. Lamar politeness of ) ) Present Mr Mason ) No. 1444 1839 Sept 8, W. T. HEAED, FAYETTEVILLE, AEKANSAS, TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, [TEXAS] "^ Faytt Vill Arkensaw Sept-8th 1839 Gen. M. B. Lamar Presedent of Texas Sir Wee a part of the Creek Nation have this day arived From Exploring a smawl part of texis lying On the Head waters of the CoUarado and Bases [Brazos] Elvers Which wee find to bee in habited by Different Wild tribes of Indans which all appear hostile Our object for Exploring this cuntry was to see If wee eood find a Home further — ^wes for Wee have bin driven by Our leaders till Wee have no Home — we There fore prepare To Texas to bring five Hundrid famlys in that part of the Cuntry and Drive back the Hostile tribs and become Citisons wee wish to with Draw from the united stats if wee can git that Part of the Cuntry you will pleas doo us The kindness if you think that ther will bee any probbibillity of Our suckseeding at your next Congras to drop us a few lins directed to Wm. T. Heard at Fort Towsan Cocktow [sic] nation if ther is any Possibility of suckseeding wee -will send a Dellegation to make the treate no more yours with Eespect — Wm. T. Heard— [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] Gin M. B. Lamar W. T. Heard Presedent of Texas at Sep. 8. 1839 Houston ) via ) ) Natchitoches 50 San Augustine Nov 14 ™A. L. S. 104 Texas State Libeaey No. 1445 1839 Sept. 8, J. HAMILTON, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO M. [SOULT, DUC DE DALMATIE, PAEIS, FEANCE]" (Private & Confidential) Paris Sept. Sth 1839— Monsieur le Marechal, I cannout leave Paris, even for a few weeks, without ex^ pressing my deep sense of gratitude to your Excellency, not alone, for the very kind and distinguished personal attentions you have shown me, but for your favorable dispositions towards the new Eepublic of Texas in the Fortunes of which I have taken and feel so deep an interest— Altho' Genl Henderson, acting with a wise precaution, has been unable to stipulate for greater advantages for the commerce of France than tho[s]e which appear in the face of the Treaty, and altho" my relation towards the negotiation has been of a private character (notwithstanding my public credentials which, out of delicacy to Genl Henderson, I have forborne to present) nevertheless on my arrival in Texas, which will be during the ensuing session of the Congress, I shall endeavour to have all the duties most essentially reduced on those articles of import in whieh the Industry of France will be essentially benefited & wliich I am sure will greatly augment the friendly relations destined to subsist between the two Countries, whilst the immediate interests of Texas will not be the less promoted. — As the President of Texas, Genl Lamar, is a decided ad vocate of Free Trade, I feel well assured that I shall be able, privately, to accomplish more than Genl Henderson has been able to grant by Treaty and Stipulations. — Your Excellency has been so kind as to say that the Government, would aid me, in France, in the negotiation of the Loan whieh the Eepublic of Texas has entrusted to me, by their good word and patronage — when my colleague and myself shall be ready to briag forward this measure I shall be quite happy to avail myself of your friendly offer — I have only to assure you that your Government by bringing forward this security in France will be rendering a very profitable benefit to your o'wn Citizens, as the Eepublic of Texas can afford to pay a high rate of interest, whilst the immense mine of national wealth, which that government possesses, in its publie domain, gives the most perfect security for the certain redemption of any ob ligations she may contract — In conclusion allow me to assure you of the pride & gratification it will afford to the People of Texas that their recognition should have been made by your wise and illustrious King, under the administration of a Minister of Foreign affairs whose private worth and great public renown are known to the people of North America — I have the honor to remain. Monsieur le Marechal, with great [Endorsed] consideration — Your obt Sert — J. Hamilton J. Hamilton Sep. 8. '39 ™L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 105 No. 1446 1839 Sept. 12, M. SOULT, DUC DE DALMATIE, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO [J.] HAMILTON, LONDON, [ENGLAND]" Translation — ¦ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cabinet. — Paris September 12th 1839. — General — I have received the confidential letter^^ which you did me the honor of addressing me on the 8th of this month, at the moment of your departure for London. — The promise, that you are good enough to make me, to employ, on your return to Texas, your good offices and your credit in obtain ing for the French commerce, more considerable advantages than those which have been stipulated for, in the Treaty of Commerce which I am upon the eve of signing with General Henderson, is particularly agreeable to me. — I am convinced as well as you. General, that measures of this sort, would be as profitable to the Texian interests as to ours, and if I have not more insisted with General Henderson that they should be for mally stipulated for in our treaty of Commerce, it is from a feeling of courtesy and moderation which, I hope will be appreciated by the Texian Government, and which ought to be, I tliink, a conclusive motive to grant us willingly all the advantages which depend upon it. — You have been able to convince yourself, General, of the goodwill of the King's Government, with regard to the new Eepublic of Texas, and you may depend, as I have had the honor of personally assuring you, it will facilitate, if necessary, the negociation for the Loan which you are charged to make in the name of this Eepublic. — Pray receive. General, the assurance of the very distinguished consideration, with which I have the honor to be. Your very humble and very obedient sert — Me. duke of Dalmatia Gen. Hamilton London — [Endorsed] Duke of Dalmatia Sep. 12. 1839 "English translation. '-^No. 1445. 106 Texas State Libeaey No. 1447 1839 Sept. IS, J. BEOWNE, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, TO A. S. JOHNSTON, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] '^ San Antonio Sept 13th /39 Post Bexar To the Hon A Sidney Johnston Secy of War Sir I have been requested by a number of citizens of Carlo's [sic] Eancho Goliad and San Antonio to make a report of their condition to the Government I now comply with their request because I conceive it to be my duty under the circumstances When I arrived in Victoria I found it filled with a set of men who have given themselves the title of a band of Brothers I soon found that what they said was Law they are all in the cow stealing business and are scattered all over this frontier they pretend to say that they only steal from the enemy but I am convinced to the con trary that they steal from the Texians as well as Mexicans, I think it well to mention the names of some of the promonent [sic] persons en gaged in order that the Government may be better acquainted -svith the character of some of its officers; Mr Hughes the Custom House Officer for Copono headed a party not long since and drove in four hundred head of cattle a Mr. Price formerly a Lieut in the Army also heads a party Mr. Van Ness says he thinks Judge Allen at Carlos Eancho is silently connected with them I have been told that they drove off from Carlos Eancho a Caballarda belonging to Alderetta and Seguin that the owners know well where their property is but dare not proceed to recover it also that the cow stealers when on the New Aces [Nueces] the other day (some of them badly mounted) took from a party of Mexican traders all their property and killed eight of them — While I was in Goliad one of the Gang asked me in a com manding way if I belonged to Eoss' company or if I was a commis sioner sent to enquire into the state of the frontier, to this I said that I did not belong to Eoss nor was I a commissioner but that I was on my way to San Antonio at the same time acquainting myself with the frontier and then report to the Government he then said that he was one of the hand of Brothers and wished me to understand that they could defend themselves against any force the Government could send to oppose them to this I said I would acquaint the Government of their indipendence and save him the trouble of setting the Nation at defiance publicly — The Government can have no idea of the deplorable condition of the citizens on the San Antonio Eiver the constant dred of being murdered obliges them to receive the Eober as a friend they dare not say a word in their defence — while I was in Goliad about twenty of this band assembled in front of a public house and declared that in ™L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 107 three days they would visit Carlos Eancho burn it down kill all the Mexicans belonging to it and as they said make a clean turn of every kind of cattle on the perarie by this time they may have accomplished their object. — When I arrived at Carlo's Eancho the citizens had a rumor amongst them that I was sent as a commissioner to enquire into the situation of the frontier and to learn the whole matter connected vsdth the cow stealing party, they received me with open arms imploring me at the same time to make a fair statement of their grievences to Executive I told them I would certainly comply 'with their 'wishes but that I did not hold the office of commissioner this mistake arose from the suspicions of the Eobers — I am convinced that there is not less than three or four hundred men ingaged in this business directly and indirectly — there are several persons of standing ingaged in it silently and now about two hundred actively ingaged scattered 'west of the San Antonio Eiver, one of them told me they had their expresses better regulated than any Eegular Army that has ever been in the country there is some ten or a dozen now on the Atuscosa gathering up a drove of cattle from among those belonging to the citizens of this place, if I thought my proceedings would be sanctioned I would put them do-svn, the Mexican Citizens her[e] say it will not do for them to take up arms against the Americans no matter how agrivated the circumstances may be but that they will leave it to the Government to redress their wrongs; a Gentleman upon whos[e] word I can safely rely states that Majr Eoman intends makeing a descent upon the Eio Grande and take Matamores his object is plunder he intends the cow drivers shall be his Troops but has no idea that his intentions are yet kno's\Ti — I have been informed that sixty mule loads of Powder has been delivered to the Comanchee Indians by the Mexicans high up on the Eio Grande — I see by the Telegraph of the 4th Inst that Majr Eoss has Eeported to the War Department frdm San .Aatonio if so I must deny the correct ness of his report by saying that he has not yet arrived in San Antonio a report has just reached here that he is still in Gonzales and half of his horses are lost I would not have said a word on this subject, had I not known that the Government was directly opposed to persons driving in cattle from the Eio Grande — With the highest respect I remain Your Most Obt Servt Jno Browne 3nd Leut & Asst Qr Mr [Addressed] To Hush McLeod Adjt Gen'l On Seevice 108 Texas State Libeaet No. 1448 1839 Sept. IS, E. W. CULLEN, SAN AUGUSTINE, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Introducing Plenry Baznet[?] A. L. S. 1 p. .Ee-addressed by Lamar: "To Honbl Louis P. Cook Seer, of the Navy." No. 1449 1839 Sept, 15, H. S. FOOTE, NEW LA BAHIA, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS'* (Private) New La Bahia, Septr. 15th. 1839. My dear Sir: I embrace the opportunity of addressing to you a com munication bavin [g] reference to matters of great delicacy, and con cerning which I shall write with freedom and boldness; because the crisis -which instigate [s] me to write is a pressing and imperious one, and because I have not forgotten, and never can forget the zealous professions of personal confidence and kindness with which you have honored me, under circumstances of privacy and with demonstrations of affection, which make it wholly impossible that those professions can ever pass from my recollection. = My very dear Sir: Let rae premise, that I recognize, and delight to recognize you, as one of the few men with whom I have encountered in this unfortunate world, in whose bosom the sentiments of justice and benevolence have perma nent residence. I do verily believe, and I have delighted to make known, in conjunction with our Roman friend Dr Archer, that you would delight, as President of the Eepublic, in making kno'wn to the people of Texas, & the civilized world, that your acts would be con stantly regulated by justice and all those high moral virtues without which Government is a cruel mockery and laws a mere trap of destruc tion. ^On arriving in this Country, a few days since, we found a state of things prevailing deeply mortifying to our feelings, and ren dering the most awful consequences to the Eepublic. The business of cattle stealing, the robbery of private property, has become an extensive and crying evil not confined to the enemies of Texas, but going on, openly in the face of day, to the injury of many of the best citizens of the Eepublic; and going on under circumstances of violence and even bloodshed, which make it certain that if not staid in its progress, the whole Southwestern part of Texas must be utterly broken up and ruined. The Comanches are, as you have heard are [sic] doing much havoc, and have already infiicted the most cruel destruction of private property. But, alas ! I am sorry to declare it ; I am grieved to be constrained, upon unquestionable evidences to state the fact, that there is a strange combination of marauders along the whole western frontier, composed in part of Mexicans, in part of Comanches [?] and in part "A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 109 of men, claiming to be Texian citizens, who are allied, in order to plunder and devastate indiscriminently [sic] the private property of a good citizen as any in Texas, men who have served you in war and have served you in peace, and who are heart and soul devoted to the best interests of the Eepublic, & who would willingly die for the true glory of the nation. Such a state of things, my dear Sir, as I have witnessed here, I confess I have never witnessed before, and I was not prepared to find universal confusion and alarm prevail through this afflicted region. The most valuable tract which the Eepublic pos-; sesses, is almolst [sic] entirely extirpated. Distress has fallen upon men, women, and children, and the whole population here is speaking seriously of abandoning the country, and abandoning it forever — The tide of emigration is checked completely, and can never begin to fiow again until some-thing is done by the Government. I know, my dear Sir, the trials to which your Administration has been subject. You have had to contend with enemies without, and enemies 'within the Eepublic; with a barbarous foreign foe, and a band of domestic conspirators against the public peace and happiness; with daring calumny, and knavish peculations; with the Mexicans & the Cherokees; the Comanches profiigate murder worse than Comanches. Tou have done every thi[n]g that could have been expected; every- th[in]g that wisdom & virtue, & untiring energy could accomplish. In "under all your troubles, you have been paralyzed by a want of money, a want of men, and peculiar domestic calamities. All these facts, we have not failed to advert to here, and we have been happy at finding that your friends, although suffering deeply, were willing to make full allowance. =You will learn, in a few days, that nothing has been yet done by the force under Cdgn Eoss for the protection of the frontier. I make no imputation upon this respectable officer. I know not all the cir cumstances by which he has been surrounded. I do not doubt that they have been particularly embarassing. And yet it is a fact, that nothing has yet been done. The Camanches are hourly expected; the white Cattle Eobbers are threatening a savage still more deleterious. They pray therefore, that you will do something, for the protection of the region without delay. I am sure that there are particulars con nected with the transaction to which I have referred, which make it necessary that some man should be given authority here, whose weight of character, whose solid discretion, & Eoman firmness will give full ¦efficiency to his efforts. I know your sentiments towards Dr. Archer; I know your unlimited confidence in his valor, his wisdom, and his patriotism. His friends here, (myself among the number) have per suaded him so warmly to accept of a commission for quieting this region, that he has consented to do so. I know you will be gratified -at receivin[g] this inttelligence, and will act accordingly. :=With this communication, you will receive a memorial which I beg you to read attentively, and examine with care. Whatever you do, I know will be judicious & patriotic, and I confidently hope will result in the promotion of the happiness and true glory of this infant nation. =:Porgive this hasty epistle, from one who loves and honors you, and is ready to devote both mind & body in any way to your service; 110 Texas State Libeaey from one who you know well is no oy^ce-seeker ; no speculator, no parante of present cheer, but a Jove by virtue and virtuous men, and the untiring upholder of your glory and happiness. I -write to you, not as a partisan; but as a friend to Texas, and still more devotedly if possible, your personal, your devoted friend. May Heaven grant you long life, ample opportunities of suppressing evil, & advancing good, & the just meed of patriotism; the admiration and love of all men, in all ages, & nations, where civilized men may abide. In great haste, your friend & fellow citizen Henry S. Foote P. S. It will not fail to be discovered, that the statements made abov [e] ; are of a general nature, not descending to particulars, and avoiding those discriminations as to persons, which actual observation alone can authorize. The accusations reciprocally engaged in here; I, of course, have nothing to do with. The general fact of robbery & violence is that which I vouch for; & that is undoubted, H. S. Foote [Addressed] [Endorsed] Texana ) H. S. Foote Sept 36th. 1839 ) Sep. 15. /39 His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar President of Texas Houston Texas .^-^ , ,^„ No. 1450' 1839 Sept, 15, W[ILLIA]M VICTOE WALSH, NOEFOLK, VIE GINIA, TO [MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, ' HOUSTON, TEXAS Application for a lieutenant's commission. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1451 1839 Sept, 16, A. HEN[EY], CINCINNATI, [OHIO], TO MIEA BEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS On a patent desired for a lot on Galveston Island presented by the writer to his niece, Elizabeth Mansfield McGuffey, daughter of Dr. D[aniel] Drake, one of the comraittee that sent the "Twin Sisters," used at the Battle of San Jacinto. No. 1452 1839 Sept. 17, L. HAEPEE, POISSY, FEANCE, TO MIEABEAU BUONAPAETE LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS'^ Mr. President, I address you in the name of a number of French families who wish "A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 111 to settle in your beautiful country and who have chosen me as the head of their colony. I have leamed that each family settling in Texas receives from that republic six hundifed and forty acres of land. It is said that the German colony, Teutonia, which arrived in Texas in May, 1839, received this same amount of land for each of its male members, even those without families. I ask, Mr. President, the same donations for a French colony which '" to grow, if it prospers under '" aus picious conditions. In addition, and in the name of my companions, who are all honest, honorable, and very polished men, I take the liberty to ask you for 1. Land of the first class 3. A location favorable for commerce, and also as close as possible to the Teutonia colony to which it may have recourse, if necessary. 3. Finally, a sufficient amount of land to compensate the employees. I have full confidence in the favor which these requests will receive from you, but I should like to be able to give my colony, in your name, the formal assurance that they will be granted. Therefore, Mr. Presi dent, I make bold to ask that you will kindly reply before the month of Pebruary, 1840, the date fixed for departure. In the meantime, I write to your agents here in France and endeavor to co-operate with them. Oui- colony will arrive in Texas about the beginning of the month of next April (1840). May you be pleased, Monsieur, to prepare a favor able reception for it. I am Mr. President with profound respect Your very humble and very obedient servant Dr: phil: L: Harper. {chez Mon,?: Cleaux rue de I'a/rhre du bourg) Poissy (Peine e) near Paris, Prance September 17, 1839. [Endorsed] L. Harper French Octo. '39 No. 1453 1839 Sept. IS, J. HAMILTON, LONDON, [ENGLAND], TO [H. J. TEMPLE], VISCOUNT PALMEESTON, [LONDON, ENGLAND]" London Sept. 18th. 1839. My Lord — As I am authorised by the President of the Eepublic of Texas and deputed by Genl Henderson its diplomatic agent to the Courts both of "Several words are missing where the document is mutilated. "L. S. 112 Texas State Libeaey Great Britain and France to communicate with your Government in relation to its recognition of the Independence o'f Texas — I beg leave to address myself directly to your Lordship. — I am charged to convey to you the sincere desire, -svhich the President of Texas feels, to establish between the respective 'Countries the most friendly relations — which, when established, cannot fail to result in an intercourse highly beneficial to both Nations. If, therefore, her Majesty is prepared to recognise the Independence •of Texas Genl Henderson will be here in the course of a few Days pre pared to open a negociation for a Treaty of Amity & Commerce between the two Countries — The claim which Texas prefers for this usual act ¦of Amity and Justice between Nations, on the part of your gracious Sovereign, is founded on the following facts of which we are ready to •offer authentic evidence. 1st— That the Eepublic of Texas has achieved her Inde pendence. 3dly — That she has the power of maintaining it — Sdly — That she is in possession de facto of a stable Government capable in Peace of contracting Treaties of friendly alliance and in War of pro tecting her territory from successful invasion. — 4thly — That whilst the Government of Texas, is thus clothed with all the external habiliments of sovereignty, she has established those internal institutions political, civil, judicial & social which have secured her the recognition of the Government of the United States & Prance & entitle her to the confidence of the rest of the civilised World — I therefore request your Lordship to inform rae whether you are pre pared to enter upon the desired negociation that I may forthwith com municate this gratifying fact to Genl Henderson and to his Government [at] home — I have the honor to remain [with] sentiments of the highest personal respect — your Lordship's Most Obt. Sert.— J. Hamilton The Eight Honble Viset Plamerston [sic] [Endorsed] James Hamilton Sept 18, 1839 No. 1454 1839 Sept. 19, H. THOMPSON, PHILADELPHIA, [PENNSYL VANIA], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] '^ Phila Sep 19. 1839 My dear Genl. Mr Consul Joy's Office— My fri[e]nd Mr Joy — a gentleman of fine reputation & association here, feels a little desirous to have the Govt understand that he has accepted the appt. and has seen Gen Dunlap & is now in hi's official chair — He is doing much for Texas The Vessel that brings this is from him — Hand & Co a rich shipping house, has a Brig up — and are about Establishing a line. I am publishing a Utile work on Texas "A. L. S. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 113 small — with a map, chapters &c — it will be out in one month.'" Our Money! is yet low 35c to 30 sale yesterday $1000— which I bot[.iic] of course — and I have left $1000 US money with Mr Joy for one at $25 or two it should not depreciate had I the means. The System of Bonding at the Customs has been ruinous of our cur- ency — No demand now, but would have been for eny vessel going out, for from 1 to 2000 passengers & for Duty — Now, nobody wants it — Mr. Joy desires me to tender to the President Genl Lamar, his regards & acknowledgments — Never has Phila & New York known in the worst of times such a state of things in the Money market — Fai]ur[e]s — U. S. Bank 101— from 130 99^ in New York 50c below par 2 & 3 pr ct pr mo — for money here- [Addressed] His Excellency M. B Laraar Galveston Texas Fa[re]w[e]ll Your most H. Thompson [rubric] [Endorsed] Letter from Mr H ThorapsonPhiladelphia 19th Sept 1839 No. 1455 1839 Sept. 19, JACKSON SMITH, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO [MIE.4.BEAU BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Eesignation as stock commissioner. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1456 1839 Sept. 20, W. KENNEDY, LONDON, [ENGLAND], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] ^" Private and Confidential 17 Tavistock Square London Septr. 20th 1839 Dear General, I arrived in England about a month ago, and have since my arrival been chiefiy occupied in arranging private affairs, which had become somewhat entangled during an absence of eighteen inonths. On landing at Liverpool, I had the pleasure of raeeting General Hamilton, who leaves London today for the U. S. and Texas, & who, of course, will communicate all the European news that may be of interest to your Eepublic. General H. has been pleased to express his approba tion of the letter, a copy'^ of which is enclosed, together with the pro duction that called it forth — I trust it will also be as well received, as it was kindly Meant [?], among my friends in Texas. Matters have been placed in such a train that the representatives of "See note" to no. 1412. "A. L. S. "Perhaps the newspaper letter to which he refers later on in his letter. This letter and the "production that called it forth" are no longer with the Lamar Papers. 114 Texas State Libeaey Texas may advantageously refer to me in their negotiations with our Foreign Minister. There cannot be a doubt that the feeling of our government is favourable to Texas, but, in the present nicely balanced state of parties, they will doubtless be apprehensive of taking any step that might endanger their majority in the House of Commons. When General Henderson reaches London, I shall lend all the aid in my power towards pressing the question of early recognition. I shall asert myself strenuously to bring out my intended work on Texas*^ before the meeting of Parliament in Febuary, & the work itself will form a defence of .Ministers, if they should have the courage and foresight to establish friendly relations with a people whose interests must always be coinci dent with our own. I shall have the pleasure of forwarding to you copies of the book so soon as it appears. Parties under the narae of Adamson & Co. have advertised themselves in London as authorized by the Texan Government & assign land and act as emigration agents — All such persons should be forraally dis- contenenced as their proceedings may create a prejudice against the Country. The sooner, however, a Land Office, properly organized & accredited, is established in London the better for Texas — An abun dant supply of funds would soon follow a well-regulated sale of Public Lands. In consequence of ray newspaper letter (which was copied into all the infiuential Journals) numbers of respectable persons applied to me for inforraation, & expressed their readiness to emigrate on my representations — I have no doubt that a prudent arrangement here, would secure you an ample supply of settlers from the flower of our people. I am exceedingly obliged by your introductory note to Doctor Porter of New York — He is a noble fellow & your true friend — and I antici pate all the luxury of high-minded fellowship from the alliance which you have enabled me to form with him. When I can get a fitting opportunity, I shall have the pleasure of transmitting some trifiing creations of my fancy for your acceptance — Your mind is, I laiow, not of an order to resign itself to the thraldom of party drudgery, or sordid interests. — You are active that you raay be useful — iraaginative that you may be happy. I trust that you are restored to health — not more for your own sake than for the welfare of the Eepublic — The principles laid do-svn in your message to Congress have been duly appreciated by persons whose approbation is of value, to whom I have submitted the docuraent in question — Do me the favour to present my Kindest Eemembrances to Dr Eoberts and his araiable family & to the gentlemen of the Cabinet with whom I have the pleasure of being acquainted — and, -with sincerest wishes for your personal happiness, and the prosperity of Texas, I have Honor to Eemain, His Excellency Dear General, Genl. M. B. Lamar, Very Truly Yours &c &c &c Will. Kennedy P. S. I should like to be favoured with a letter from you — & to learn ^Texas: the Rise, Progress, and Prospects of the Republic of Texas, in two volumes, was published in London in 1841. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 115 the progress of your affairs — If I can b'e of any service command me — My address is 17 Tavistock Square London. W.K. [Addressed] [Endorsed] Priixite Wm Kennedy His Excellency Sep 20. '39 General Mirabeau B. Lamar President of Texas Care of William Bryan Esq Texas Consul New Orleans Louisiana United States Per Liverpool Steamer — via Liverpool. No. 1457 1839 Sept, 20, W. PINCKNEY HILL, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Invitation to stay at the writer's house while in Bastrop. A. L. S. lp. No. 1458 1839 Sept, 2^, S. A. EOBEETS, WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO M. B. LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS«^ Strict[ly] Confidential Washington Sept 24th 1839 Dear Genl Por some time past an Editor of one of the leading Journals in New York, has been urging me to write something for his paper, either in regard to the actual State of the Country at this time, its political history &c or which he prefers anecdotes of the principal & leading men of the Country particularly of those who fought her battles — This latter style of writing I would much prefer and hav[e] even attempted to lick into shape some few anecdotes I recollect to have heard related by different individuals — I have found however in every instance in which I have made the attempt to write from memory, that something has escaped, some raaterial link has been accidentally lost which I could only supply from ray o-wa forge, and which would [at] once be recognised as spurious raetal by all who might chance to read it and who are acquainted with the facts — In refiecting how I may remove this diffieulty it has occured to me that I could hit upon no better device than to apply to you for a few short notes which I can afterward spin out at my leisure — I wish particularly that you should put me in pos session of all the facts in regard to the meeting** or duel as it might be termed which you had with the Mexican officer on horse back, on the »»A. L. S. "An account of this meeting of Lamar with three Mexicans on horseback on the day before the battle of San Jacinto, in -which Lamar saved the life of Genl. Thomas J. Eusk, is printed in the Colorado Tribune of Nov. 12, 1849, p. 1, an'd is noted as being an extract from The Lives of Texian Heroes. 116 Texas State Libeaey day previous to, or perhaps the day of the Battle of San Jacinto Your dress, horse, arms, &c the Mexican dittos— The eyes rf every body here now are wide open at the doings at the Scottish Earls Tourna ment which has just corae off— and I should like to furnish a sketch of a tilt for mortal life, which from the description I have had of it comes nearer the feats of the Nights [sic] of old than any thing recorded in modern times— I have heard vou relate other "scapes by flood & field" of the days of the Eevolution which are deeply interesting & ought to be preserved unless you reduce them to writing now they v?ill soon be forgotten even [ ?] by you, & like the baseless fabric of a -vision will vanish from the v/orld— In making this request of you, I am aware that I am treading upon delicate ground — and that to comply to say the least of it will be very embarrassing But when you consider that these things should and do belong to the history of the Country, I am in hopes you will not refuse me — All I want are a few facts that may be relied on The communications to me if any will of course be consid ered sacred & nothing shall ever induce me to place you in the least awkward attitude — 'Every thing in relation to Texas is read with the utmost eagerness [and] while this is the rage I am anxious to do something in my small way for you & the Country — I have heard of Genl Hamiltons safe arrival in London, but nothing more of him I have also learned from undoubted authority that he had notified Genl Henderson that he had been associated with 'hira (Hender son) in the Commission to treat with Prance & England and that Henderson had been deeply mortified at it, especially as he had had not the slightest intimation of it from his Govt. He has farther decided to leave the business just as it is entirely & exclus^ively to G«nl Hamilton and to return horae, for under all the circumstances (the manner of appointment, his not being informed of it, the tirae &c,) he looks upon himself as having been superceded — ^^ He will consequently soon be al home — He will hotvever still be your friend & a supporter of your administration — I much fear Hamilton is yet to give you raore -trouble than all your enemies — The purchase of the Zavalla, his fruitless mission to Europe for money, (for I have not the least idea he will succeed) and his being sent to superceed Henderson, for so Hendersons return will make it appear, will all be se[i]zed upon by your enemies & particularly by the warra friends of Henderson — If I might be per mitted now to make a suggestion it would be that the Secretary of State be instructed to correspond more frequently with our foreign Legations— aud that nothing be done affecting the situation of the foreign representa tives with"" their being immediately a[dvis]ed of it — The neglect of this has already deeply wounded the pride of both Jones & Henderson — but for Gods sake keep all this to yourself — I am [no]t at liberty to say how I learned this [informatio |n of Henderson — But it is never- th[eless] true e[very] irord of it — He is anxious it sha[ll] not re[a]cb your eneinies, particularly as coming from him — He had not seen Ham ilton nor his instructions — and I very much hope they may not be what he supposes they 'are — He had certainly nearly completed a very good treaty, take it all in all but that little busy body Saligny ha? "See no. 1433. ""The sense here plainly requires "without" rather than "-with". Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 117 been endeavoring to knock it all in the head, asserting before Hamiltons arrival, that he was coming & that he had power to grant hetter terms to France than those about being concluded on by Henderson — that the President (you) told him so — I knew this must be false, but I much fear his intermedling will prove a serious injury — Genl Dunlap I think will be back soon — I shall urge him to write immediately to you — Hoping to hear from you in reply, I remain Your friend & obt Sirvt Saml A Eoberts More than four months ago — I [a] proposition to regulate the inter change of mails" was sent by Genl Dunlap from the P M Genl here to the P. M General in Texas The communication must have miscarried or else there has been great remissness on the part of our P. M Genl in not replying — He can & ought either to accept or reject it — and in either event we ought in comraon courtesy to reply to the P M Genl of the U S particularly as the proposition originated with us The arrangement is an excellent one for Texas and ought to be adopted — SAE [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Letter from M. B. Lamar Samuel A Eoberts Houston Washington Sept 4th 1839 Care Texan Agint Texas New Orleans Confidential No. 1459 1839 Sept. 25, J. M. DOE, GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS, DEPOSITION Eepublic of Texas ) Copy — ) County of Galveston ) personally appeared before me Jaraes McKnight a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and in in [sic] the absence of the chief Justice acting notary Public, this 25th day of Sept A D 1839 — John M Dor a citizen of the county aforesaid who upon oath deposeth & saith that sometime in the latter part of feby or beginning of march 1838 in the town & county of Nacogdoches he was* requested by Simeon -wise of said town and county in as much as deponent was well acquainted with his Excellency the president Sam Houston, also at that time in said town to represent to his Excellency that he the said iSiraeon Wise had received, undoubted information that there were Between two or three hundred Indians and Mexicans col lected somewhere about the forks of the Trinity Eiver, and who were keeping a Eegular Correspondence between matamoras and the dis affected Mexicans of the District of Nacogdoches, of whom Vincenti^' *'The correspondence between the Post Master General of the United States and Genl. Dunlap relative to the proposition for regulating the interchange of mails is printed in Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Correspondence of the RepubUc of Texas, I, 388, 390-94. '^'Vicente. 118 Texas State Libeaey Cordova was the Eing Leader, and in his name to offer his Services to the president, as a spy provided he the president would Grant, him the said Wise full authority so to do, and provided also that his family should Eemain ignorant of said mission, and further that the said Weiss told him that his object, in soliciting such authority was to detect this correspondence in order that our Goverment might be aware of their operations, all of which was stated by deponent to his Excellency, who in answer, told deponent that by granting the above Eequest. it might be of sorae benefit to the Country, but that he would Consider further on the subject and deponent further states that a iew days after he conversed with his Excellency on the Same Subject and also was present two or th[ree] days afterward, when the said S Weiss broached the same Subject personally to his Excellency Sworn & Subscribed John M Dor before rae this dav & date before written Copied from the James McKnight origmal by^ a Justice of the peace S H Everitt and in the absence of the chief Justice acting notary Eepublic [sic] [Endorsed] Deposition of J M Dor. in relation to Cordova & Gen Sam Houston. No. 1460 1839 Sept. 26, J. P. HENDEESON, PAEIS, [FEANCE], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] «» Paris Septr 26th 1839 My Dear Sir On yesterday I concluded the long pending Treaty"" with the French Government. Marshal Sault^^ the Minister of Foreign Affairs and myself signed the Treaty in the morning of that day and as the King was to leave today for Fontanbleau I was presented to hira at St. Cloud last night. His Majesty received me with many kind expressions. He said that he had heard from his Ministers much of me and that he was glad that circumstances at last allowed him to re ceive one who had made so favourable an impression on the different officers of his Govt with whom he had come in contact — together with many other flatering expressions addressed to me personally. He then spoke of my country and said that he had had many flatering reports of its richness of soil natural advantages & prosperity. He asked me several questions which convinced me that he has a better knowledge of Texas than any European I have met with, I acknowledged in a proper way my sense of his kind expressions in favour of ray country and myself individually and in a short speech, which is usual on such occassions, I told him of the distinction I felt in being the first of my country to have the honour to be presented to him &c &c &c and assured ™A. L. S. ""Treaty of commerce and navigation. "'Soult. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 119 him that as he was the first sovereign of Europe who had consented to Treat with Texas as an independent nation I hoped he would be the last who would regret it &c &c. I have been thus particular in relat ing some things that passed between the King & myself in order to show in what consideration Texas & her representative is held here and I attribute all his flatering expressions to me personally to the respect which Texas as a Nation commands. I will forward by the first op portunity the copy of the Treaty which I have. It cannot be very well sent on by mail nor can I consent to trust it by that conveyance. I will at all events so manage as to have it delivered to your Excellency as early in the session of Congress as possible. I have not space in this letter to explain the provisions of the Treaty. It is not as favour able as I thihk Texas had a right to expect of Ftance and is certainly not as just a Treaty as I once had fair prospects of concluding"^ But I can assure your Excellency of one thing that it is the best I could make under present circumstances. Genl Hamilton who I hope will be 'with you soon will explain all as he has seen all the important articles which are addopted [sic] in the Treaty. I leave in three days for London where I shall urge Lord Palmerston to give me a decisive answer. I will, if I find him disposed or determined to delay the busi ness, return to Paris about the 20th of October and introduce Mr Mcintosh to Marshall Sault as Charge de' Affairs and return to Lon don in time to sail for America on the 1st of Nov in the British Queen Steamer , My health is very much impaired from the severity of the climate & I feel already severely the approach of winter. My physi[c]ians advise me to spend the comeuing winter in a warm climate. I have the honour To His Excy to remain Yours Truly Genl Lamar J Pinckney Henderson PS. I could not very well tell you in the body of this letter, which is semi official, that I am about to be married which you may be sur prized to he[a]r considering my bad health. But do not be surprized at the announcent that one of your constituents is about to be mar ried in Paris because it is not to be to a French or even an European Lady but one of our ovsm country a native of Philadelphia who, has been in Europe for 8 or ten years. I will be in N. Y. about the 15 or 16 of Nov and in Texas as soon there after as I can travvel [sic] thereto J. P. H. [Addressed] [Endorsed] To His Excy J P Henderson Genl M. B. Lamar Sept. 1839 Care of Eepublic of Texas. Tom Bryan Esq. Eeed. via Baltimore Jan 22 — 1840 Texian Consul and forwd. same date New Orleans C. H. Forbes La. V. C. T. N. Y. °^See no. 1433. 120 Texas State Libeaey No. 1461 1839 Sept, 27, J. EOBINSON, LONDON, [ENGLAND], TO [MIEA BEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, [FOE- WAEDED TO] AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Inquiry regarding the procedure necessary to secure a patent. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1462 1839 Sept. 28, SAM[UE]L A[LEXANDEE] EOBEETS, WASH INGTON, [D. C], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, HOUSTON, TEXAS Introducing W. D. Wallach, civil engineer, contributor to the Mata gorda Bulletin in support of the Administration. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1463 [18S9 Sept.], H. W. FONTAINE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Eesigning as judge of the Second Judicial District. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1464 1839 Sept., E[ICHAED] G. DUNLAP, PHILADELPHIA [PENN SYLVANIA], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS] Introducing Mr. Kintzing. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1465 1839 Oct, 2, "MYSELF," LA GEANGE, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [HOUSTON? TEXAS]"^ Page 1. His Excellency M. B. Lamar, President of the Eepublic of Texas, "Error of opinion may be tolerated, when reason is left free to Sir, combat it." From the above quotation, are respectfully submitted the following opinions respecting some of the measures which have been carried out, since the organization of our Government. — and, fiest, — To sub serve the purposes of party speculation, the Island of Galveston was basely sacrificed, and, secondly. The seat of Government was tempo rarily located at Houst[on to] promote individual Speculation: When, if Puhlic Good had been the paramount consideration, with the "pow ers that were," a judiciary location, by Government, for 3 or 4 years, might have produced a revenue of 500.000 dollars. Thiedly, — An entire unwillingness, on the part of' the late Executive, to protect the "'Anonymous. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 121 defenceless frontiers, maugre his excuses to the contrary. And fourthly, — The pitiful exercise of a Veto, to prevent the permanent loca tion of the seat of government at La Grange, by which the government has lost a revenue of, at least, 1.000.000 dollars, and this too, for no reason that I can see, but to give the proprietors of Houston sufficient tirae to dispose of their unsold lots ! and Fifthly, The enactment of a tariff statute, in Texas !— A Tariff in Texas ? Yes ! I defy the in genuity of raan, to draw a parallel! Will the advocates refer us to England, or to the United States for exaraple? — They most certainly cannot. The British Parliament, it is true, laid tariff duties on manu factured articles, imported from the Continent; but then, their object was, not to raise a revenue, but, to peoi-iibit entirely such importa tions ; and thereby, to throw her o'svn subjects upon their own resourses ; to maintain the balance of trade in her own favour, and, if possible, enrich the nation, as it were from necessity. Else, why did that Gov ernment lay a duty of "7 dollars per yd. on superfine broad cloths," imported? At the time those statutes were enacted, England had a barren soil, and a superabundant population, (the very reverse of Texas,) and in no way perhaps, could this population be so fitly em ployed as in manufacturing [thus] thought parliament, and acted ac cordingly, in creating her tariffs. Again, — previous to the late war between the U. States and England, the U. States were accustomed to derive their supplies of manufactured stuffs for clothing mostly from abroad; and, when war commenced in 1812, commerce was entirely restricted. In this state of affairs, the army and the people were to be clothed; and how was this to be done? Only by capitalists. Patri otic Capitalists, making large investments in manufacturing estab lishments: and this was done. Many of them, if not all were in the "full tide of successful experiment" when peace occured in 1815. At this period commerce revived, and the United States were fiooded with European manufactures, which had been accumulating, for 3 years, in their respective manufactories & dusty ware-houses. These goods must be disposed of, at any prices; and the owners could well afford to UNDERSELL the American Manufacturers. And provided these latter were not shielded from European compet[it]ion by a tariff, as it was CONTENDED and aegued in Congeess; they must be crashed in overwhelming ruin! These, then, were the moti'ves and objects of THAT tariff: as I have ever understood them. Now let us divine a motive for the Sublime Taeifp of Texas ! And here again, as by intuition, our mind's eye is directed to where it faiely and plumply sticks out — of Speculation. In every legislature we have had some wise ones, and some simple [ones] which latter sometimes think, that whatever the former say and do, must be eight. Now these wise ones might have said to themselves, "AYe'll manage those simple ones." And say to them, that "By the immutable principles of reason and morality, every nation is firmly bound to defray the expenses of its own government. And it appertains to us all to prescribe the best mode in which it shall be done." And then all say "Amen." — Now these wise ones, possessing perhaps, from 50 to 300 leagues of land each, "argue, most forcibly the propriety of paying towards the sup- 122 Texas State Libeaey port of government a direct tax of one half per cent advalorem on real estate!" (i^Keep dark, says a ivise one to a another all this while) And all, again, cry— "Amen"! (Here again the wise ones caucus, and select from Ecclesiasticus, chap 13th, verse 19th, for their Motto:— "As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness: so the rich eat up the poor." "But Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely necessary to keep up the currency. And, to do this, we must have recourse to the successful expedient of a Tariff. We were boen in the land of Taeiffs ! Every member pres ent, knows its principle, and the Modus operandi! Lord Sir, let us have only a Tariff, and it requires not the spirit of prophecy to argue how, the LAND will fiourish!" (The simple ones, all this while, listen ing with PEO FOUND attention,) and then, onxe more, all cry aloud "Amen."— And lo ! and behold ! a Tariff "is born" in Texas ! !— The wise ones, no doubt, being well aware, that such law could not, by any possibility, be made to operate justly on all the good people of Texas; particularly on the inhabitants of the Eastern part, which is bounded by from 6 to 8 hun [dred] miles of the Eed and Sabine rivers. Where from the very nature of things, it is impossible to enforce a due col lection of duties. While the Southern and Western parts, which bore the brunt of invansion [sic] and Wae, and which stand in need of "^'much importations, brought by Vessels into port, are made to pay; for, in these cases, there can be no evasions by smuggling. And in this way is Western Texas paying raore than her just quota: she pay ing, not one half per cent only dieect, but from 10 to 25 per cent, INDIRECT tax ! And all these too, forsooth, to save the large land holder the payment of his just proportion of expense. And is this to be continued, until, by time and circumstances, these large unoccupied landed estates shall have gro'wn Valuable ? Pshaw ! Let this system of things cease : and, the sooner, the better. In lieu therof I hope to see a wholesome direct land tax of from one to 1 and half per cent. Then will these enormous landholders probably soon disgorge them selves of their surfeit. Then will these lands likely be occupied by the actual improvers who constitute the stamina of all countries — And if we can have, at the same time, a free commercial intercourse, not trammelled by restrictions, impositions and prohibition, we may expect soon to see a happy and prosperous condition of Texas. Much, I hear, has been lately said of removing the permanent loca tion of the seat of government; and, that likely an attempt will be made in the coming session to this effect. Whether there will be mem bers there, so lost to all sense of propriety, as to advocate such measure remain to be seen. Certain I am, that it would be most impolitic & unjust: because, it would, in the first place, tend to destroy all con fidence and cordiality, which ought, above all things, to [be fost] ered and cherished among the Citizens of Texas; and secondly, it would annihilate every principle of Public Faith; and consequently, present our Government in the Aspect of derision and scorn amongst the Nations of the earth. Ouly a passing word with respect to present affairs, and I close. — I am well pleased with the course which' has been lately pursued in relation to the Indians. I think it is such a Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 123 one as merits the approbation of all virtuous good men certainly mine: because, without deceit, and plan, honest, dignified and energetic. And Sir, If an honest expression of individual approbation of youe pub lic measuees be acceptable you are entitled to from all good men not only in public, but also in private life; And, from this latter class, I have the honor to be, most respectfully. Your Excellency's Most Obe dient, Hurable Servant, (fictitiously) "Myself." La Grange, Oct. 2nd, 1839. [Addressed] [Endorsed] To His Excellency Anonymous Mirabeau B. Lamar, President of the from Lagrange Eepublic of Texas. No. 1466 [1839 Oct. 2], S[TEPHEN H.] EVEEITT, BEAUMONT, [TEXAS], TO MflEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS The resignation of E. C. Doom as collector of the port of Sabine; suggestions regarding the appointment. A. L. S. 1 p. Mutilated and partly illegible. No. 1467 [1839?] Oct, 3, K. DOUGLASS, NACOGDOCHES. [TEXAS], TO W. H. LANDEUM'* Head Quarters Nacogdoches 3 Oct [1839?] To Col Willis H Landrum cmanding the 3 Brigad[e] in the 3d Eegment of T M. You are commanded to raise one Hundred mounted men for a three month [s] campaign you will accept into service only such as can mount & equip themselves properly for the campaign and Eendesvouse [sic] at Nacogdoches on the 12th of Oct. By order of the Maj Genl of the T. M. K H Douglass Brig Gnl 3d Brig T M No. 1468 [1839] Oct. [3], AUSTIN, TEXAS, CITIZENS' COMMITTEE TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, BASTEOP, [TEXAS] Invitation to a public dinner at Austin, Tuesday, [Oct.] 8 ; arrange ments for his reception and escort. L. S. 1 p. "*A. D. s. 134 Texas State Libeaey No. 1469 1839 Oct. -4, CHA[ELE]S S. [?] TAYLOE, NACOGDOCHES, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Accepting appointment as district attorney for the Fifth Judicial District, tendered in Lamar's letter of [Sept.] 19. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1470 1839 Oct. Jf, M. B. WILLIAMS, WETUMPKA, ALABAMA, TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Inquiry regarding Texas. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1471 1839 Oct. 7, W. EOBEETS, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] »^ Galveston 7th Oct. 1839 Your Excellency Dear Sir Mr Jackson arived here on the second day of the month and proceeded forth with to the examination of my accts He is now nearly through and I have the satisfaction to tell you that we are fully prepared to render a satisfactory statement of our affairs & pay up all our dues to the Governraent. I received today a letter,'" from Sam in which he instructs, if circumstances render it necessary to tender his resignation, & beheving it necessary I do hereby tender to your Excellency his resignation of the office he now holds, and shall apprise him forth with accordingly. I inclose to you his letter. We are all well Yours sincerely W. Eoberts His Excellency Genl M B Laraar P. S. Alexander will remain at Washington till he hears from you [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Letter from M B Lamar W Eoberts Austin Galveston 7th Oct 1839 By ) Mr. Branham ) "''A. L. S. "•No. 1438. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 135 No. 1473 1839 Oct, 9, JOHN W. PITKIN, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEA BEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Eeporting his disposal of Emily, a servant. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1473 1839 Oct, 10, V. GOMEZ FAEIAS, MEXICO, [MEXICO], TO M. B. LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS]" Mexico October 10, 1839 Most respected Sir, Mirabeau B. Lamar, I received your letter of the 18th of last ApriP* in the latter part of last month, for which reason I reply with such great delay. The mission of Colonel Bernardo Bee, who was appointed [emissary] by you to this Government for the purpose of opening negotiation.* in regard to the recognition of Texas independence, was unsuccessful, for 'General Santa Anna, having determined, in agreement with the coun cil, not to hear the proposals which he was coming to make. Colonel ^ee was not even able to leave Vera Cruz. If he had come to this •capital, I would have taken the greatest pleasure in serving him; first, because I wished to accommodate you in accordance with your recom mendation; and second, because reason advises that peaceful measures should not be rejected, [and] adjustment of great dissentions between nations should be brought about by this means, in order to avoid the serious consequences which pride, carelessness, or imprudence has brought upon many nations. I therefore did not wait upon Mr. Bee, there being no opportunity to do so ; but you may count on my willing ness to use my infiuence in order that the disagreements promoted for the purpose of dismembering Texas may terminate in a manner which may prove peaceful, honorable, and beneficial to both parties. Sir, I appreciate the expressions with which you honor me, and it is my pleasure to be indebted for this good opinion to a man distin- ,guislied for his republican virtues. J\Iy sufferings continue, but my inflexible soul will not submit to my infamous persecutors. The testi mony of my conscience keeps me tranquil, and I do not yet despair of the salvation of my country. With the highest esteem, I am Your servant, [Endorsed] Valentin Gomez Fbrias. Senor Gomez Fariar [rubric] Oct. 10, ISJfO, written in Spanish, »'A. L. S. Spanish. "'Two letters introducing Col. Bee, one to Jos6 Antonio Mexia, dated Apr. 18, J839, and the other to "Valentin GOmez Farias, dated Apr. 29, 1839, are in the Eecords of the Department of State (Texas), Book 39, pp. 75-77. The above mentioned date corresponds to that of Lamar's, letter to Genl. Mexia, but no. 1473 above appears to be Farias' reply to Lamar's letter to him of Apr. 29. 126 Texas State Libeaey No. 1474 1839 Oct, 11, J. WEBB, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, EUTEESVILLE, [TEXAS] »» Bastrop llth Oct 1839 My [dear] General, In consequence of the extreme illness of my Son Charles, I have been compelled to leave my family at Mr Hills, 15 miles below Bastrop on the Bast side of the Eiver, and must beg the favor of you to take them under your charge & protection from that place to Austin — As ray waggons have gone a head, I am compel'd to go on to meet them in Austin, otherwise I would remain "with my fainily until Charles had recovered sufficiently to proceed on the journey — The Indians are said to be on the road between this^"° & Austin, & it is not considered safe to travel without a party of some strength, I therefore think it will be better for you to send word to Austin at what time you will come on, & I will meet you at Barker's five miles above Bastrop with a party of 15 or 20 men to guard you through — You 'will no doubt travel slowly & by sending a man a head you can give us information in time to meet you below the dangerous part of the rout — Don't think of coming through alone, as no one here deems it safe for a family to travel without some efficient protection — Your friend sincerely James Webb [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Letter from Mirabeau B. Lamar Mr. James Webb Expected at ' Bastrop llth Oct 183* Rutersville No. 1475 1839 Oct. 11, J. HAMILTON, NEW YOEK, [NEW YOEK], TO M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] ^ New- York October llth 1839— (Private and unofficial) My dear Sir I arrived here yesterday in the Steamer Liverpool after a long & boisterous passage of i9 days I had the honor of addressing you from Paris about the 27th of August^ last communicating the progress of Gen Henderson's negotiation — I continued about 14 days after the date of my letter in that Capital, and fortunately occupied such a posi tion, as mediator between Gen Henderson & Mr Pontois, as enabled me to aid our cause very essentially — The French of course contended for as many coraraercial advantages as they saw any prospect of obtain ing. Some very serious difficulties grew up, and the negotiations were »»A. L. S. ™Webb evidently omitted a word here; probably "place." ^Signature and postscript only in Hamilton's hand. Trobably Hamilton's letter of Aug. 29, 1839, no. 1424. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 137 upon the eve of being broken off — ^ With however the assistance of Saligny who was perfectly faithful & devoted to us throout [sic] these difficulties were corapromised and after 14 days of unceasing labor, I had the happiness to exchange between Mr Pontois & Gen Henderson the proj[e]ct & protocol of a Treaty in both languages which I regard as decidedly advantageous to the Eepubhc of Texas, indeed quite as much so as the Treaty of France with the United States — It was to be regretted that the King should have been absent from Paris at that time, as he decidedly favoured the recognition of Texas; but that gallant and noble old veteran Marshal Soult cherished towards our object the most friendly dispositions. I should therefore bat for the absence of the King have witnessed the formal execution &c of the Treaty before I left Paris — The Marshal was however under the necessity of subscribing the Treaty to the Minis ter of Commerce after my departure, who in that narrow spirit oi monopoly which belongs to the older countries of Europe, took some exception to certain provisions which he regarded as too advantageous to the Commerce of Texas, and some little delay took place m conse quence of it — I received however a letter from Saligny the day I left London to embark, informing me that such was the inclination of Marshal Soult to make the recognition that Gen. Henderson & Mr Pontois had agreed upon an adjustment of this difficulty, and that no doubt that the Treaty, upon the direct authority of the King, would be signed the next day. After we had agreed upon the basis of the Treaty and just prior to my leaving Paris, I practised rayself a very pardonable piece of diploraacy. Not satisfied with bringing the 11 Presses of Paris to bear in favour of the recognition of Texas, I thought it likewise due to Marshal Soult that I should address him a letter of thanks for his favourable regards for Texas and his distinguished attentions to rayself, and at the same time to assure hira my good offices would be exerted with the Eepublic of Texas to place the Coraraerce of France on a more favourable footing, than those Treaty stipulations which Gen Hender son and rayself had felt ourselves at liberty to concede. I beg leave to inclose you now a Copy of my Letter to the Marshal &. his reply — * in the latter you will perceive very distinctly his determina tion to sign the Treaty. On my arrival in England with the entire approbation of Gen. Hen derson I sought an interview with Lord Palmerston, which was politely- granted — I told him that Gen. Henderson was ready iraraediately as; the Treaty was signed with Prance to come over to England, and to write with me in an application for the recognition of Texas by the Government of Great Britain. As the American Minister and almost every person in England with whom I confered, were of a opinion that. this effort was altogether unavailing in conseouence of the Slave Ques tion, and the implacable hostility of 0 Connell to the Infant Eepublic,. you raay very well suppose how surprised I was to receive the following reply from his lordship — ¦ He informed me that the British Govern ment for some time had been satisfied that Texas had achieved her inde- "Cf. Henderson's account in no. 1433. "Nos. 1445 and 1446. 138 Texas State Libeaey pendence and that even Mexico ought to regard, as hopeless any ex pectation of her re-conquest — That Great Britain was prepared to recognise and conclude a Treaty, but in consequence of Great Britain being mediator between Mexico & Texas he thought that it was best not to impair her influence by an immediate act of recognition — That Mr Packinghara had been instructed to offer the raediation of Great Britain, he therefore thought that the negotiation had better not be immediately opened but to wait for .Mr Packingham's reply — If it was not received very soon they would at once recognise. He assured me there would be no diffieulty as to the Institution of Slavery, as this was a matter of internal regulation which belonged to your own Gov ernment — I informed bim that I was coming immediately to the United States and that Gen Henderson would continue the negotiations — He re quested me to make an application, in writing that it might be placed on file, for recognition and Treaty, that it might be taken up when the appropriate raoraent arrived — a Copy^ of which I do myself the honour of trans-mitting you — I hope I may be excused from raaking an official communication on this subject to the D'epartment of State as I do not wish to interfere in the slightest degree with the credit to which Gen Henderson is so justly entitled for the ultiraate suceess of these negotiations — It is high tirae now that I should touch upon the most important 'topic of all, the money — I wrote you from Paris of what a dreadful :state of things existed in England, when I informed you, as I believe I 'did in that Letter," that the rate of interest on the best British securities was from 7 to 10 per cent — you may judge how unfavourable the auspices were, when added to this the best American securities were wholly unsaleable — Such however was the very tempting character of the sinking Fund 13ond, a Copy^ of which I transmitted you by my Son, whieh you are 'aware was arranged by Mr Shaw & myself previous to my going out to England, that we deterrained to try it on Change, and I am very happy to inforra you that they took beyond our most sanguine expectations — and but from the extraordinary derangement of the times we should have had no difficulty, whatever in making our negtiations — We opened a negotiation with a Scotch Banking House in London, the Messrs Boyds, the Agents of several of the Banks in Scotland— The higbest offer that they made us was at 80. subject however to the condition that they should have the exdusive right of taking the whole Loan at that price, provided we -avould give them 14 days to go down to Scotland to form a combination among the Scotish Banks '& Bankers to absorb the Loan, and were willing to pay down an earnest of £10,000, to be held in case the Contract was closed, in case it was not closed 'the raoney to be returned — for which services thoy stipuated for 10 per cent commission for themselves, as our price was par for the Bonds "No. 1453. "No. 1424. 'This copy, together with letters from Shaw to Hamilton, and Hamilton and Burnley to Lamar relative to the Sinking Fund Bonds are in the Texas archives, "Comptroller's Letters" under date of June 22, 1839. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 139 we declined this offer — We were induced to do so for other considera tions besides inadequacy of price — That morning Mr Shaw had opened a negotiation with an opulent Jew Banker by the name of Goldsmith from whora I expected we would probably obtain better terms — This occurred the morning & evening of the night when I left London for Liverpool to embark. I therefore left the negotiation with Mr Burnley & Mr Shaw — To get better terms from the Boyds, or to close a more advantageous negotia tion with Goldsmith if practicable. If the agency of the Bank of the U. States has been able' to sustain itself in London during this awful crisis, of which I have little doubt, it will be able to, at least until tho return of the Liverpool, I think an advance on the Bonds, has been closed. — Immediately after my arrival in England it was deemed absolutely necessary that either Mr Burnley or myself should come Home, to explain to the Congress of Texas, the provisions & objects of the Safety Fund Act, in the Passage of which our ultimate success entirely de pends — Upon full conference it was thought best that this duty should devolve on me, and in consequence I have returned for this pur pose, and leave this City on the 13th inst, to repair 'with all possible despatch to Texas — I shall have to stop a couple of days at Macon, and as many on my plantation on the Chatahoochie — I will however make it a point to be in New Orleans from 1st to the 5th of November to take passage in the Steamer Neptune, which leaves this port for New Orleans in a few days — I hope therefore to be with you a few days prior to the Meeting of your Congress.. You will permit me with great defference to suggest, that beyond the mention in your annual Message that the Loan was in a course promis ing & prompt success, and that an advance had been obtained on the Bonds, without stating where and from whom — as it is very iraportant that the Bank of the U. States should be kept out of -view, for reasons which I will explain to you when I have the pleasure of seeing you — This Institution has got into difficulties which I believe may in the end tnrn out to be merely temporary — The result of its noble and extraordinary efforts to sustain the currency exchanges, and public improvements of the Country — I can never forget her liberality and confidence, in the integrity & good faith of your Government. On my way thro' Philadelphia I will see Mr Dunlap the President 6f the Bank, and make such arrangements as will insure that the post notes & checks you received, shall be equivalent to available funds at par, should anv remain on hand. I forgot to mention that if Mr Shaw & Mr Burnley do not succeed in obtaining an advance upon the Bonds in London, they will im mediately go to France and avail themselves of the promised good offices of the French Govemment— for which purpose Mr Shaw & myself had already opened a correspondence with an excellent Banker in Paris — I beg you not for a moment to suppose that the negotiation bas suffered any prejudice from my absence Mr Shaw & Mr Burnley are most abundantlv able to conduct it— If it is not concluded, the moment I return with the safety Fund Act in my hand, I will make 130 Texas State Libeaey my arrangements to retum to England with as much expedition as possible, audio remain, there until it is successfully closed — I think however I may proniise you that if the entire Loan is not taken up, that Mr Burnley & Mr Shaw will obtain an advance on the Bonds, for the immediate exegencies of your Eepublic — , I can not close this letter without bearing testimony to the ability & unfiinching fidelity of Gen Henderson to the interests of your Govern ment — If he wrote to Gen. Johnson a little dissatisfied at my ap pointment it was because he believed in the first instance that I was to supercede him, rather than to be his auxiliary. As i wrote you, the moment this matter was explained that he was perfectly satisfied with your friendly dispositions towards hira, and the true character of my association with hira. — He is desirous after he has completed his negotiation with Lord Palmerstom, to retum Horae on leave of ab sence — for a few months & then to return to his embass-y as resident Minister at Paris — I hope my dear Sir there will be no difficulty in gratifying Gen Henderson in this particular as he really has deserved it — from the charaeter of his services, and the decidedly favourable im pression he has raade on the French Government and the soeiety in Paris — He is an honor to your republic abroad — In proof of which I beg leave to inclose you a letter^ from Gen Cass, the American I think it is high time now to close this long communication, witb the hope of soon having the gratification of taking you by the Hand, and of assuring you of the distinguished consideration and esteera with which I am your obedt Servt J. Hamilton [rubric] His Excellency M. B. Laraar President of the Eepublic of Texas — PS. I will make for another communication at a raoment of greater leisure of what passed between myself the British Govt, myself & the Mexican Bond Holders out of which I think a definitive peace with Mexico & the negociation of the whole Loan may follow in a few Months. — [Addressed] [Endorsed] Important J. Hamilton His Excellency— • Octo 11 '39 — Mirabeau. B. Lamar — President — of the Eepublic Public — of Texas. — Service City of Austin — Minister at Paris — _ 'This letter is no longer with the Lamar Papers. A copy of it is printed in Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Correspondence of the Republic of Texas, II, 1265. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 131 No. 1476 1839 Oct. 12, S. [A. EOBEETS], WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO W. EOBEETS, GALVESTON, TEXAS" Washington Oct 13th 1839 My Dear Father Two days ago the news reached this place of the suspension of specie paj-ments by the Banks of Philadelphia & Baltimore, and yesterday the Banks of this City stoped also— To day we learned from New York that t!iere the banks ¦will not stop as long as they have a cent in their vaults — there are various and contradictory opinions here & hereabouts of the abihty of the N. York Banks to 'keep up— It seeins to me imposs-ible for thera to do, unless they can manage to pay the debt of the whole U States, for the dirdn must be enormous— Upon the back of this news came the British Steamer Liverpool with most gloomy and disastrous intelligence— The agents of the U S Bank in Paris had refused the dfts of the Bank to the araon [n]t of 7.000 000 francs (over a raillion of dollars) which had however been provided for instantly by Mr Tandon (who went to Paris for the pur pose) thro the House of the Eothchilds — The wheat & corn Crop of England has been cut very short by the heavy rains — this will compel them (the English) to look abrod for their bread stuffs and the estimate is that £10.000.000 will be required to raake up the deficiency, which -snll have to go out in specie, for it is said they canno [t] now hope to make their manufactured articles supply its place — To raeet this heavy drain of specie the Bank of England has only a little over £3 000,000 in vault — Thus it is confidently predicted that the Bank of England will follow the lead of the U S Bank & other Araerican banks — This as may be supposed has rendered money more scarce than ever and as I confidently predicted in my last letter^"- Genl Ham ilton has returned without a cent — He is yet in New York but will be here on monday — AVe learn frora a letter that he was offered a Million just before leaving, in London, but declined taking it, thinking he could make better terms — (what the terms proposed were I have not heard) — He also states says our informant, Mr Treat, that he has left things en train, and that as soon as things get a little better the wliole amnt will he taken and perhaps even before — I give you all this for what is is worth — For my part I look upon the negotia tion as a positive failure, and only what I expected and predicted, tho I have even now no doubt that a portion of the amount wanted, might be obtained by paying heavily[?] for it which I think ought to be done — It is wrong, however to judge & more especially to speak of these things with the limited information I possess, and therfore }'ou will see the propriety of keeping all this to yourself. (Genl Lamar of course excepted) — "A. L. s. "Eoberts may have meant his last lettei to Lamar, no. 1458, or a letter to his father which is not in the Lamar Papers. The last letter to his father that is in the Lamar Papers, no. 1438, contains no prediction concerning Hamilton's success. 133 Texas State Libeaey France has recognised the Independence of Tsajos— The treaty bas been concluded and only waits for the signature of the King who was not at Paris— I have heard nothing more of the particulars than I gave in mv last letter— Genl Henderson will go immediately to Lon don & trv''England again, I hardlv think however he will do any thing there just now tho : we have the best advices of the favourable disposi tion of England— The reason why I think she will not act at this time is, that she has instructed her Minister at- Mexico, Mr Packenham, to interpose in some way, I know not exactly how, in order to bring about a settlement of our difficulties, and she will in aU probabihty decline doing any thing more until she hears from her Minister — You may calculate however upon on[e] thing certain — We will either have a definite treaty of peace with Mexico befor[e] the expiration of six months (at the outside) or a truce of three years — I am not at liberty to say how or even hy whom this is to be effected, but I believe it most firmly & in any important raatter would act upon it as almost certain- It will not even be necessary to Blockade their coast I think — — Our Govt will be iraraediately advised of the steps that have been taken to effect all this — Mr Henderson will soon return from Europe & then appointments will be to be [sic] made I think the best plan would be to follow the precedent set by the U States — They sent as you well recollect a commission of three (Mr Adaras Mr Jay & Doct Franklin) if I recollect ar[ight] 'with general powers to all the coun [tries] of Europe — The advantage of this was manifo[ld — ] it sav[ed] expense, insured the talent & vigilance of three experienced raen, allowed one or two to visit different courts when necessary & kept one always at head quarters (near Paris I think tho' I 'write only from memory) In this manner Commercial Treaties with nearly every important power were formed in a very short time — If the Goverment will do this I think Genl Dunlap would be one good appointment — He cant write well it is true, but has knowledge of men & how thev are to be managed 1 see displayed every day — & besides he would willinfflv be rid of the pen — He would willingly accept it too — I wish you would immediately write to Genl L — giving him your news — Belgium Eussia Prussia & other govts represented here, have intimated very broadly that they would act immediately if applied to — It is all important & should not be delayed — I would viTite to him ("Genl Laraar) if I felt certain of my letters ever reaching him — I have alreadv 'jvriten four or five times & am yet uninformed whether anv one has ever reached its destination — I am in excellent health and lead a very qui[e]t and I may even say, studious life — I go to church once or twjce every sunday, confining rayself to no particular sect — tomorrow I go to the Presby terian — I wish particularly to recollect on[e] thing Under no cir- custance is Genl D — to be disobliged for me — I know not if such a thing is intended or not, but it must not be — I know his httle 'faults as well as any one, but I know also his sterhng good qualities; and his disinterested attachment to Lamar — Among his fri[e]nds Genl L Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 133 has many able writers I well know, but not one who is a better man ager— My sheet is full— Love to all— affeetionally Saml Be sure to write at once to Genl L by some safe messenger [Addressed] Doct. Wilhs Eoberts Collector of Customs Galveston Care T[e]xan agent ) ) Texas New. Orleans ) No. 1477 .1839 Oct. 12 FEANCIS PEENTISS, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Application for a government appointment; suggestion regarding the stock commissionership. A. N. S. 1 p. See no. 1478. No. 1478 [18S9 c. Oct. 12], MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUS TIN, TEXAS], TO A[LBEET] S[IDNEY] JOHNSTON, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Eecomm ending [Francis] Prentiss for chief clerk of the War De partment. A. N. S. 1 p. With no. 1477. No. 1479 1839 Oct, [1]3, E. C. DOOM, POET OF SABINE, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Eesignation as collector of the port of Sabine. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1480 1839 Oct. U, S. WOLFENBEEGEE, H. CEOCHEEON AND A. A. ANDEESON, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, BASTEOP, TEXAS" Bastrop Oct. 14th /39 His Excellency Mirabeau B. Lamar Sir, The undersigned a committee on be half of the citizens of the town of Bastrop and its vicinity tender to you the hospitality of their town, and respectfully invite you to par take of a public dinner. Besides a desire to welcome you as the Chief Magistrate of the nation, upon your arrival on the Banks of the Colorado river on your "L. s. 134 Texas State Libeaey way to the new seat of government, they feel that you have strong claims on their gratitude and friendship. Their regard for you as a private citizen would induce them to show you the respect due to a distinguished individual. The measures of your administration, the energy that has been exerted to sustain the laws at home and to advance our interests and standing abroad, have met with their entire approval. You have rid the East of a trouble some and dangerous foe, and the West feels doubly safe in having the new seat of government established on the extrerae frontier Tc your perseverance in strictly carrying out the provisions of the law after the location of the new seat of government was raade, against the most bitter and strenuous opposition, & they consider themselves indebted for their security; and your private and official acts during the last winter and spring to rescue their homes from the cruel and merciless massacre of Indian warfare are yet fresh in their recollection; and they would erabrace this opportunity to give expression to their feelings. Your obedient servants. ( A. A. Anderson Com. of Arrangements s Samuel Wolfenberger ( Henry Crocheron [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency Letter from Mirabeau B. Lamar Mr. A A Anderson Bastrop Bastrop 14th Oct 1839 Texas. No. 1481 1839 Oct. U, PALMEE C[OLUMBUS] TEMPLE, [POET CADDO? TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU [BUONAPAETE] LAMAE, [BASTEOP? TEXAS] Approbation of Houston's and Lamar's administration; his own in terest in Texas. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1483 1839 Oct. 15, E. E. WILKINS, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS^^ Houston 15th. October 1839 Dear friend; Having an opportunity of sending a letter to you, — and thinking you would like to hear how we were getting along — I embraced it — Houston at present is very sickly and we have already lost some of our best citizens viz Major Barr Judge Humphreys, Doctor Anderson he who tended on you during your sickness, there is scarcely a day passes that we have not six or eight funerals — the doctors have come to the conclusion that we have the Yellow fever here — also at Galveston — Business is very dull and the citizens appear to be very much frightened, the weather is much cooler this morning than it has been, ^^A. L. s. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 135 which is said to be favorable — Emily has conducted herself well since your departure — she is now living with a Mr Perkins — Mr Pilkins is dangerously ill this morning — We are all well, iirs W — wishes to be remembered to you and hopes you are better than you were when you left here — If you ean spare time we would be glad to hear from You Sincerely Your friend Eichd E. Wilkins [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] To His Excellency Letter from M. B. Lamar E E Wilkins City of Austin Houston, 15th Oct 1839 Politeness of ) Texas Mr Jones ) No. 1483 1839 Oct, 16, J[OH]N S. EVANS, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS The suggestion regarding an appointment for himself; his own pref erence for that of secretary of legation at Washington, to succeed Eob erts; his purpose to establish a newspaper in Texas. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1484 1839 Oct, 17, BENJ[AMIN] P. HANNA, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Application for appointment as chief justice of Harrisburgh County, to succeed the late H. Humphreys. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1485 1839 Oct. 17, A. A. ANDEESON, BASTEOP, [TEXAS], TO [WIL LIAM] JEPPEESON JONES, AUSTIN, -TEXAS Enclosing the invitation of [Oct. 14] for Lamar's attendance at a public dinner at Bastrop, for delivery to Laraar and for publication with his reply in the Austin City Gazette. A. L. S. 1 p. No. 1486 1839 Oct, 18, W[ILLIAM] JEPPEESON JONES, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], to M[IEABEAU] B[U0NAPAETE1 LAMAE, ' AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Eecommending [Sarauel] Pulkington for stock commissioner. A L. S. 3 p. No. 1487 1839 Oct. 18, N[ATHANIEL] AMOEY, DEPAETMENT OF STATE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UON- APAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS] Sending letters from Henderson and Col. P. B. Dexter. A. N. S. 1 p. 136 Texas State Libeaey No. 1488 1839 Oct. 18, G, W. HOCKLEY, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO A. S. JOHNSTON, [AUSTIN, TEXAS]" Ordnance Department ¦ 18th October 1839 To The Honorable A. Sidney Johnson Secretary of War Sir In presenting You with the usual reports, from this Department, I must ask Your indulgence in taking a review of the past, as well as recommend the course of action for the future. — The operations of the mechanical part of the Ordnance commenced in the early part of the Year 1838, in a common Blacksmith shop within the precincts of the City of Houston; with the materials only, of such arms as had been taken from the enemy — and others thrown aside as useless, and turned over by men whose term of service had expired. — The Governraent not having men to spare from the line, the arti ficers were hired from amongst the Citizens, which course has neces sarily been continued — this is therefore, one great cause of the ap parent large amounts required for this Department— another difficulty has impeded the operations of the workmen, which was the total want of machinery, until a few weeks past, when we were enabled to procure sufficient to use the polishing wheels by the application of horse power. — The character of the persons employed frequently retarded our prog ress, as they would exercise their right of leaving their employment at will, and by that raeans almost stop intirely the operations of the shops — one link removed from the chain renders it useless, — & a weak substitute cannot restore the lost strength. — At the time above alluded to, in which the repairs upon muskets &c were made at, the depot in this City, the rented buildings, (the best that could be pro cured) were in such a delapidated state, that upon the occurrence of snow storms, or during winter weather, the arms were almost intirely exposed to injury. — indeed, all those that had been recovered from apparent loss, (about six hundred in number) were again rendered intirely unfit for service. — The present buildings occupied as the ar senal, and originally intended for the use of the Quarter Master Gen eral, were turned over to the Ordnance Department, the number in jured by the exposure alluded to, were then again put in good order, including which upwards of Eight hundred and fifty muskets exclusive of Eifles, Yaegers and Sabers, have heen Issued from the arms remain ing after the Campaign of 1836. However cheering this statement may seem, and based upon the returns in the Department of War. — it will be seen by reference to my report, dated the 30th of December 1838" that the' buildings were ^'Copy."See no. 940. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 137 Yet deficient in compass and security, and under date of the 33nd of the same month. Estimates^" were presented of the cost for the neces sary buildings. — It is to be regreted that circumstances not under the control of the Government, should have caused this Department to remain, -with little exception, in the same situation, as it still labours under the disadvantage and loss incident to the exposure of the work shops and out buildings. — One of the brass pieces of artillery, brought from the United States, by General Green, has been inspected and condemned, the other remains on the Frontier. — the former was cut off and furnished the arsenal with an Eprovette and balls — with a brass refiector for the purpose of examining the bore of Ordnance pieces. — The twin sisters and other Ordnance, remain as given by the last Ordnance report; — and will be housed so soon as a contract can be made; for the Erection of some sheds — the propositions now sent in, are too extravagant, and bear the character of imposition upon the Government. — I would here Sir, most respectfully — but emphatically, press upon the consideration of the Honorable Secretary of War, the economy of employing enlisted men as artificers — a glance at the difference be tween the pay of the artificer enlisted, and the wages of the Citizen now employed, will be a sufficient excuse for my presenting this sub ject again to Your consideration. — My report dated 28th of March^" exhibits the examination of Colt's patent Eifie, with my reasons for rejecting that arra. — ^with a notice of Cochran, Baron Hacket and others. — the sarae coramunica tion contains an intimation of the efficiency of rockets to be employed against the Indians particularly — and the necessity of fixed ammuni tion for our artillery. — the establishment of a Laboratory will be the necessary consequence of their adoption. — So soon as the muskets arrive from, the United States, new car tridges will be made to suit their calibre, coraposed of the Egg-shaped buck shot without the ball — and after sufficient trial, the result re ported. — that of an experiment heretofore made, is already in the De partment of War — I cannot forego the opportunity of expressing my firm adherence to the arm still manufactured in the armories of the United States, in preference to the patent arms of the day, or the re jection of flint and steel. — The munitions of war already ordered, will upon their arrival, place the Government on a respectable footing — but a large supply of all will be required as soon as arrangements can be made for their purchase — as we have no arsenal of construction — and that for repair on a limited scale — The duties of the Engineer Department having been assigned to this, by the former administration, they were perforraed. — and par tially so under the present, although -without general orders to that effect. — You will therefore attribute my exhition of plans &c for the erection of a natiraal armory at the City of Austin — or wherever may be determined— by Congress, with Estimates — to the proper motive — namely, an anxious desire to facilitate the prosperity of the ^»No. 951. i«No. 1155. 138 Texas State Libeaey Department, and of the Eepublic— they will be forwarded as soon as corapleted, and the necessary information obtained as to the cost of buildings with stone. — By a rough calculation — the cost of an armory of construction such as will ultimately be required — consisting of the workshops (with Steam power if erected at Au.^tin) the necessary buildings as a place of arms — artillery sheds — Laboratory — Magazine — Quarters for Offi cers and men — Hospital — Fire Engine — Stables and other out houses — will cost at least one million five hundred thousand Dollars. — The immediate buildings, however, required will be the Magazine, a work shop — and place of arras — with temporary sheds for artillery — and temporary Quarters — its location should be some distance from the City — and at least ten acres of ground, laid out near some stream, by which the Steam Engine can be supplied with water. — The Magazine at this post is flnished and will be serviceable as a depot — the place of arms also will be equally useful — the necessary additions, before raentioned (including quarters for enlisted men should they be employed) will be erected, with a due regard to Economy and security, so soon as a fair contract can be had. — A report upon mountain and Light artillery is nearly completed and will be forwarded without unnecessary delay. I have the honor to be very respectfully Your most obt Servt Geo W. Hockley Col of Ordnance [Endorsed] Copy Ordnance Eeport 18th October 1839 No. 1489 1839 Oct. 18, GEO [EGE] W. HOCKLEY, HOUSTON, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Sending a copy of the ordnance report" to the Secretary of War, and of the letters^^ referred to therein; yellow fever in the United States. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1490 18S9 Oct. 19, JA[ME]S H. STAEE, TEEASUEY DEPAETMENT AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Suggesting the continuance of Mr. Shaw as stock coramissioner ad interim ; investigation of the default of the late commissioner ALS 2 P- "No. 1488. "Nos. 940, 951, and 1155. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 139 No. 1491 1839 Oct. 19, [M. B. LAMAE], AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO [J. H. STAEE] i» Executive Department $1,200 Austin Oct 19—1839 The Secretary of the Treasury will pay to John P. Borden Agent for the re[moval] of the Govt Archives one thousand two hun dred dollars to defray the expenses of the same — And charge the appropriation of one million of dollars made by the last Congress for the protection of the frontier and to carry -into operation the several acts passed at that session No. 1493 1839 Oct. 19, J. H. STAEE, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO M. B. LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] ^° ' Treasury Department To His Excellency Austin Oct 19—1839 M. B. Lamar Sir j\Ir Borden will present an order^^ for your signature for twelve hundred dollars Chargeable to the one million appropriation the expenses of removing the government archives from Houston to Austin having exceeded the special appriation [sic] of $30,000 by that amount — And the one million appropriation being for the pro tection of the frontier and the more effectually to carry into operation the several laws passed at the last session of Congress — With great respect Your obt Servt [Endorsed] Jas. H. Starr Letter from Mr J H Starr Oct 19th 1839 No.' 1493 [1839 c. Oct. 20?], G. EVEEETTE, [HOUSTON, TEXAS], TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Application for office. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1494 1839 Oct. 21, J. HAMILTON, CHAELESTON, [SOUTH CAEO LINA], TO M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS^^ (Private) Charleston Oct 31st 1839— — My Dear Sir — I have barely a moment to inform you that I have ar- ^"A. Df. of Jas..H. Starr. Cf. nos. 1577 and 1578. ^"A. N. S. ^'No. 1491. ^A. L. S. 140 Texas State Libeaey ¦ '. . ¦--- :| ; rived thus far on my way to New Orleans and regret that I shall be unable to reach there in time for the Boat on the 1st of Nov. I will however be there in time for the Neptune on the 10th if she should not reach New Orleans by that time I will embark on the Columbia on the 15th. — I transmitted you my Despatch^^ from New York and beg lea,ve to add that the confidential despatch to which I refer in the Postscript of that Letter I deem it in all respects best reserve for a verbal & per sonal conference between us. The extraordinary condition of the fiscal concerns of both the old & New World are of such a character, that nothing but great efforts founded on well digested plans can enahle us to succeed in our Loan. I still hope confidently to bring you the cheering news that we have succeeded in procuring a further advance on the Bonds even if a per manent negociati[o]n. must be a little longer postponed. — - — With my best wishes & esteem Very respecy. My Dear Sir Your most ob Sr J. Hamilton His Excellency M. B. Lamar' Presd of the Eepublic of Texas. P. S. Altho I think there is no danger of the sufficiency of the Bank of the United States yet I would advise you to send all the Post Notes & checks that remain on hand immediately to New Orleans & have them discounted & and [sic] the proceeds lodged in a safe Bank to the credit of your Treasurer. A highly trustworthy agent & Man of business ought to be employed in this matter 'without loss of time [Addressed] [Endorsed] His Excellency J. Hamilton — M. B Lamar— Octo 31. '39 Austin. — Texas. — No. 1495 18S9 Oct. 21, JOHN LAMAE, MACON, [GEOEGIA], TO MIEA BEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] • A request for 75 bushels of Texas cottonseed; national and state politics. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1496 1839 Oct, 22, JA[ME]S H. STAEE, TEEASUEY DEPAETMENT, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Sending for signature drafts on the Merchants Bank of New Orleans in favor of William Henry Daingerfleld and Captain Benjamin W. ''"No. 1475. Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 141 Gillen, and an order for a credit for Albert Sidney Johnston in_the Bank of the United States of Pennsylvania or in New Orleans. A. L. S. 3 p. No. 1497 1839 Oct, 2S, JA[ME]S H. STAEE, TEEASUEY DEPAETMENT, AUSTIN, [TEXAS], TO MIEABEAU B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Sending for indorsement a request of [Louis P. Cooke] and two checks on the Bank of the United States. A. N. S. 1 p. No. 1498 1839 Oct. 23, J. TEEAT, NEW YOEK, [NEW YOEK], TO M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS^* New York October 23d 1839. Private Sir— I beg leave to refer you to my private respects of 18th uito addressed to you individually, and also to my several communi cations to the Department of State in relation to my progress, especially my last two despatches of 5th & 10th inst & of this day's date.^^ These will inform you of the position I have been placed in, in regard to my embarcation for Mexico, and the causes of the delay I have ex perienced from necessity, as w[ell] as my views of duty, which I trust you will approve, particularly when advised verbally thrdugh Genl. Hamilton, & by Genl Dunlap's communications to the Department, of the various advantages gained by the postponement of my departure from the 6th inst (the earliest moment I could find any conveyance) to the present time. — A full knowledge of the Treaty of recognition & amity between Texas & France — precise information of the views of the British Cabi net in relation to the reco.gnition of Texas by Gt. Britain — The position of the Loan & the probability of it's early accomplishment — Together with what has been done by Genl. Dunlap is Washington to aid (in directly, tho very materially) my objects through two or three impor tant channels, of which it is not my province or privilege to advise you (the obvious '& proper channel being that of Genl Dunlap him self — ) These, sir, & others that I might enumerate are the results of this delay, and which I cannot but hope you will think fully justify the little loss of time, as they will strengthen much my position in any event. I have now Sir, to inform you that I embark tomorrow for Vera Cruz direct, & trust I shall be able to place in your hands my first despatch from Vera Cruz by the 1st to 5th Deer, & my next from the City, of Mexico (which will at least indicate results) hj the 15th of sarae month if favored with frequent opportunities of forwarding letters to Vera Cruz. "L. S. ^'The letters referred to are printed in Garrison, G. P., Diplomatic Correspond ence of the Republic of Texas, II, 486, 490, 492, 494. 143 Texas State Libeaey Again referring you to my various communications to the Depart ment of State & especially ray last two, I have the honor to be very respectfully Your most obedient servant To/ James Treat /Genl. M. B. Lamar [rubric] City of Austin, Texas. [Endorsed] James Treat Octo 23. '39. No. 1499 18S9 Oct. 23, DANIEL DU PEE, EALEIGH, NOETH CAEOLINA,, TO M[IEABEAU] B[UONAPAETE] LAMAE, [H] OUSTON [i. e., AUSTIN, TEXAS] Inquiry regarding Texas. A. L. S. 2 p. No. 1500 1839 Oct. 23, E. G. DUNLAP, WASHINGTON, [D. C], TO [M. B. LAMAE, AUSTIN, TEXAS]-" Washington Octr 23rd 1839. My Dear Sir Hope you 'will allow me to drop you a few suggestions in a private letter. I would not recommend the establishment of an agency for the United States banke — The inducement for this promise was to aid the loan with the banke — The banke has not and ¦will" take the loan, but it has given its whole influence, with the view to forestall the exchange. This much is all right, as the power of the banke did greatly aid -the credit of the country — But you are released frora the obligation to recommend an agency — This matter will raise useless clamor in the family without an equivalent benefit. I attend [ed] a meeting of the German [s] in Philadelphia last month and ha[d] many letters since from them. A large number will remove hut they wish to go & settle together — some of these are la [r] gely & well connected in business in Germany & they say if the law be ex tended but for one more,^** granting donations that thousands will emi- ' grate to the republic. I think it would be best to grant the sight alone to the actual occupant — This will settle the wasted & wild lands I have no doubt of Genl Hamilton success. I have learned that perhaps there will be an effort to reject my nomi nation. If you prefer it, you have my hearty consent to recall me — [I] just wish you to understand that I am not afraid t[o] stand or ^•A. L. S. ^'Apparently Dunlap omitted a word hera The meaning of the sentence would be clearer if the word "not" were inserted. '^Here again Dunlap appears to have omitted a word; probably "year." 1 Papees of Mieabeau Buonapaete LuVmae 143 fall with you & I know that the just and the patriotic are bound to approve of your policy — and you will soon have results from abroad that will test, the salutary infiuence of your administration You will do me the justice, when a proper time may come, to say that I never wished any appointment from you, unless the country should be in vaded, when dut[y] calls all to her defence — when and what I have accepted has been from a sense of dut[y] — But as I am in the way, I will not go out of it, unless it be your desire — In that event do as you desire or think best for yourself, and I will cheerfully acquiesce. I hope you will pardon this allusion to rayself — I know my servises & my motive for Texas & I do not fear the judgement of the Country. It has already be [en] felt both in the United States, & in Europe — and even in Mexico — and such demonstrations have been made, and are making under the policy & dictation of your administration, as should fiatter your bitterest eneray, if he but loves to witness the ad vancing prosperity of his Country. I have the most sanguine hopes, that our di [ffi] culties will be terminate [d] with Mexico peaeebly & honorably to both nations. Your refusal to participate in their civil wars, has had a potent in fiuence in Mexico — The Mexican Minister and myself are now on the best terms but he does not wdsh the world to know untill his Govt shall act — and he entertains no doubt but our difficulties will be peaceably settled. I sent him yesterday two Tellegraphs,^" containing the editors remarks on Genl Ana[s]^" visit to Texas. He wrote that he was well pleased with the tone of the paper, that sustained my representation of the President ['s] great desire to give praise to his country He said he would without delay inclose these papers to his Govt — and that they would be well received. His desire for peace is sincere, and his efforts to his Govt of which I have advised the Secty of State are worthy of a patriot. Mr Treat leaves New York on the 25th inst. for Mexico — If I could have seen after my [sue] cess with Mr Martinez I would have advised against sending hira — I fa[iled] to obtain an interview last spring with Mr Martinez & run the risque of some indignity by pressing secertly [secretly]. But I hope all will be for the best. My heart bleeds for the discussions which seem to divide our youthfull but prom ising Eepublic. Every thing here, seeras to warrant the happiest an ticipations for the Country — and if Texas could but for a short season shew that there is that union of purpose which [true?] nurabers raake, her rapid prosperity would never thereafter be checked — Eerae[m]ber that posterity is always just. I am your Friend [Endorsed] R. G. Dunlap. E. G. Dunlap Octo 23. 1839. ™The Telegraph and Tee no. 1306. "See note »' to no. 1529. "This report is not found among the Texas archives. '"Sec Gammel, H. P. N., Laws of Texas, I, 1'220. ""This report has not been found among the Texas arohives. "See no. 1029. °^Cf. no. 1509. Papees op Mieabeau Buonapaete Lamae 171 of the claims to be adjudicated. If founded upon losses sustained in the war, either by the operations of our army or by the spoliations of the enemy, they were eonsidered as strictly within the jurisdiction of this Court as though they had resulted for monies advanced, articles furnished, or services rendered. The powers of other tribunals, were supposed to be subordinate to the extraordinary ones conferred upon this ; so that if a claimant for lands, were dissatisfied with the decision of those previously authorized to determine his legal rights, he had only to present, his claim to the Auditorial Board and demand an in vestigation of its equity and justice. Officers of the army and navy as well as the subordinates of every department of the Government could do the same. That it was really the intention of Congress to confer powers so extensive on the Board is a proposition to which the mind assents with great reluctance. And yet from the phraseology of the Act, there is no room for a different construction. The expres sions are, that "they" (the merabers coraposing the Board) "shall have the powers of a Court of Equity, and it shall be their duty) to examine into all clairas of whatever amount founded in equity and justice, in relation to the redemption of which the present laws made no provisions" — expressions which would seera broad enough to cover every possible case which could arise in the whole range of human transactions. But as exceptionable as the bestowal of powers so extraordinary on sueh a tribunal may seem to be, it is still less exceptionable than the mode of investigating and deciding the claims when presented. From the very nature of the business to be transacted, the testiraony upon which the opinion of the Board was to be formed, was necessarily Exparte. A claimant, for instance, presents a bill against the Govern- ' ment for articles consumed or destroyed, either by the eneray or by our own army. The account is made out in due form, but from the im possibility of sustaining it by official vouchers, it becoraes a case of equity, and is proven by the affidavits of individuals. But these indi viduals being wholly unknown to the Board, and whose characters and credibility the Board has no raeans of ascertaining, its decision as a matter of course must be based upon the evidence furnished by the claimant himself. It is obvious that under such a system of adjudica tion, the Eepublic must in many instances suffer extensive injury. There was still another objection to the continuation of this Court, which to my mind, was an important one. It was, that the law au thorized an appeal either to Congress or the President when the de cision of the Board was adverse to the claimant, but allowed no such appeal on the part of the Government, whatever might have been the opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury as to the justice and equity of the decision.. The decree was final and beyond the reach of future investigation, if against the Governraent; but not so if against the clairaant. For these and other reasons I conceived it to be my imperative duty to issue an order''* suspending all further action by the Board, until the meeting of Congress, which I did on the 13th. of July, 1839. But in '•'This order is printed in the Telegraph and Texas Register of July 17, 1839, a copy of which is in the Texas archives. 172 Texas State Libeaey doing this, gentleraen, or in urging my objections to the operations^ of the Board as it was constituted, I would not be understood as imputing the slightest degree of blame to any one of the members composing that tribunal. In their acts and decisions, I am satisfied they were influenced by none other than the strictest principles of integrity and good faith, both to the Government and to the claimants that carae before them; nor. do I attribute to them a disposition to assume a jurisdiction beyond what they conceived was forced upon them by the Act itself. The duties iraposed were arduous and unpleasant, and not such as they might desire to increase. It may be proper to remark in addition to what I have already said on the subject, that by the 4th. section of this Act, the Board was directed to state in its decisions whether the claimants were entitled to the promissory notes of the Govemment or not, and it was made the duty of the Auditor to whose office the decisions were retumed to issue to the claimants the proper certificates or drafts for the same. Under this provision drafts issued by the Auditors to the amount of fifty six thousand eight hundred and forty-three dollars and fifty three cents, were paid at the Treasury in the promissory notes of the Govern raent before I was aware tha't sueh a course had been adopted. As soon however as I was apprized of the fact, I ordered that no furth ar claims of this character be paid, inasmuch as no appropriation had been raade by Congress for this particular object. — None since have been paid; but some of them have been received in settlement for lots sold in the city of Austin. It will therefore, among other duties con nected with this object, devolve upon Congress to raake such provision for the ultiraate payment of such of these certificates and drafts aa may yet remain in the hands of the claimants. (See the second Auditors Eeport"^ herewith submitted.) From the Eeport"^ of the Commissioner of the General Land Office, which with its accompanying documents will be laid before you, you will perceive that as yet, no patents have been issued for land in con formity with the soth. and 36th. Sections of the law^" of December 14, 1837. This has not proceeded from any disposition on the part of the Executive to withhold from claimants any of their just rights, but has been occasioned by the impracticability^ of executing the law, without creating embarassments in the Land Office, and producing rauch indi vidual and public detriraent. The President has always had. a sincere desire to carry out the law, both because of the deep sohcitude which pervades the public raind on the subject, as well as for the beneflts which would result to the revenue of the country from the taxes which would arise from the lands when patented; but for the want of con nected maps of the different counties which most of the surveyors had neglected to return, the work if commenced I could not have progressed to any beneficial extent; and as an early suspension of it, when once begun wouldv probably have given rise to greater dissatisfaction in the community, than a further delay in the commencement; it was upon consultation with the head of that Department, deemed best to defer '