The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume II

90

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY

Three Sisters to send them to you. The vessel being about to sail immediately, I have only time to wish you. well, to desire to be re- membered to my acquaintances and to request the pleasure of hear- ing from you occasionally. Perhaps by giving publicity here to the details of your progress and the character of your country, yom~ cause might be served. If so, I should be happy to be at your serv- ice in that respect, and generally to serve you as far as I can, and only regret that my means are not adequate to render you sub- stantial servise. Your cause is becoming more popular. There is a mighty spirit rising in the -western States in yo~r favor. Progress slowly and cautiously, be prudent and per'severmg and you must succeed. Pretty authentic accounts have reached us, that the King of Spain has absconded from his kingdom. France. and England a:re involved in troubles and difficulty. The old world will have to at- tend exclusively to their own concerns and leave the new, to self. government. -we have been lately engaged here in an election which has just terminated. Thos. B. Robertson will be returned as Governor. If so, he will be your friend. (Here a line is ,partially obliterated.) I am his intimate friend, and will obtain for you his influence as far as possible. If you can make a permanent establishment, remember that two thousand men arrive at this port alone, annually, who would be glad [to] better their fortunes by settling in a rich and salubrious country. The tide of emigration alone, would in a few years roll your power to the city of Mexico. I am in haste - remember me to Crawford, Biglow, Mitchell and others, and accept Dear Sir the respect and esteem of your obedient humble servant. Isaac 'T. Preston." The arrival of Mrs Long in the country, had also a most happy effect on the affairs of Bolivar Point. She not only brought with her the effections of a large number of influential friends both in Mississippi and Louisiana whose solicitude for the cause was awakened by her identification with it; but her presence was an ornament and inspira- tion to the new Republic, imparting dignity and propriety to its manners, and infusing new order in the soldier and the citizen in the discharge of duty. Her influence was soon felt. It was perceptible in the order, sobriety and industry that prevailed; in the many im- provements she devised; in the flowers that adorned the place; and above all in the general satisfaction and joy which her cheerfqlness and never-ending benevolence communicated to every bosom and spread over every countenance.- ' Bolivar Point was now, indeed, a pleasant and romantic place. 'The community, though small, was cheerful and happy; and all were looking forward with a great certainty to a full fruition of their hopes. Supplies were sufficiently abundant for the present; emi- grants were occasionally coming into the country, and' the Banner of Independence was floating unmolested in the breeze. Our hero himself had almost become reconciled to the system of masterly inac-.

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