THE AUSTIN PAPERS. 119 :by·the Spanish Officers countermanded by the change of Government, ··and the out settlements formed under an expectation of being filled up and Strengthened··defeated and the People left to the Mercy of the American Government. • Under ·such circumstances the Commissioners began their duties, a.nd had they acted with the greatest prudence and judgment imagin- able they could not have satisfy'd the· People, because the Law ex- clu[d]ed them from doing Justice, yet. a temperate '.line of conduct might have quiet'd, the minds of the people, untill the Government could have •made such alterations, as -the situation of their case re- quir'd, and had ~Ir. Donaldson~ the Recorder admited on record thier claims presented, and strictly attended .to the Law of Congress in- ·stead of the Law,of the Govr· the st:1.te:of things would be pleasing, even under all the restrictions of the Law to what they are at present It -now remains to point out how the affairs of this Territory may be changed and placed in a situation to quiet the minds of the People and do them Justice, and at the same •time secure the Government •against Impositions.-To secure the Frontiers, against Spanish and Indian depredations.-To•prevent the extension of the Settlements ·and lesson the necessity of regular Troops.·- You may, perhaps, think it presuming for any Citizen to, take on himself to point out the ·measures .Government ought to adopt to effect so desirable an object--Yet I may have it in my power to men- tion some things·worthy of communication.-' It is not for me to say wether the Purchase of Louisiana, is or is not an advantageous acquisition to the United States.-but I think it my.duty to point out in what manner, it can be best secur'd so as to be the least expence to Government and do Justice to the People. First, to content the People, give them a Governour unconnected with :the Military-Grant to the actual Resident, in the Territory up to October 1804, Lands equal in quantity to that usually granted by ·the ·Spanish Government-say not. less than three nor more than six hundred and forty. acres, Confirm all Spanish Grants, not exceed- ing Six Hundred and forty. ncres, so that no man has confirm'd to him but one Grant, provicle<l always that the Grant is in favour o-f .an actual settler, and gra[n]ted at the time it bears date- . Suffer .a division of Concession to be made where the object is for cultivation 'and Building Mills provided the Concession or permission was granted .or giyen for that intent, but at the.same time, not exceeding six Hundred and forty Acres in all do this, and the difficulties respecting Land claims .will be, remoy'd and the People satisfy'd.- .To justify the clnims of'the Inhabitipts of Louisiana, up to October 1804 It may be observ'd, that the People emigrating to this Country ,could hav.e no knowledge..of :whnt w.as .doi)ig between France and
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