The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume II

118

TEXAS STATE LIBRARY

abale force, proposed to Genl. Long to let them fall upon the Mexicans and killing them all release Long and his men; Long told them Df\; he found great difficulty in restraining the indians. Long on the journey was offered a horse to ride; but he declined because his men were not also furnished; he footed it all the way with his soldiers. Twice on the road they were offered to be released by the Indians. Arrived safely at Monterrey. The men were kept there nearly naked at work on the streets at the rate of 37 1/2 cts per day themselves to furnish with provisions. Lopez was Govr. there; treated Long him- self very kindly; loaned him money. From l\fontarey Genl. Long wrote to his lady, by Capt. Rafail Gonzales, who delivered the letter in person to Mrs. Long at Bolivar. Gonzales was accompanied by a file of men as his safety guard. Genl. Long borrowed money of Lopez the Govr. to clothe his men. He remaind several months in Monterrey. He petitioned to the Govr. of Monterrey to send him on to Mexico, to have his conduct investigated. The Govr. of Monterrey did no1 know Long an officer under Trespelascios; he accordingly waited until he could hear from Trespelacios from Mexico; as soon as he heard, he then in accordance with Longs petition sent him (Long) on to Mexico to have his trial for taking Labhia. He was accompanied by 1\fr. Austin, Burns his aid & others- The ·1etter 74 which Genl. Long addressed to the Cvfexican authorities whilst prisoner at Monterrey to be removed thence to Mexico to present himself to the Congress is as follows. '' Serenisimo Senor I have been four months (: prisoner tn t:ae 1\fexican Imperial government without even having been informed of what I am accused. My declaration has been extorted from me three times without pro- ducing any effect but the continuation of my confinement. I have therefore to request that I may be forwarded to Mexico, and hope an order may be issued to the .commanding Genl. of thosr+ provinces to that effect. The National Congress will assemble in n few days, before whom I wish to present myself. I have contended for the Independence of ].\Texico nearly three years, at the hazzard of my life & sacrifise of my property. I feel confident that I shall be able to shew to the government, that during that period I shall haye done my duty, and all that could be expected from the means em• ployed, and the circumstances that attended me. I also have the fullest confidence that the National Legislature will attend to my case & do me justice I have abandoned my family, my home, friends and all else (but my honor.) that was dear to me, to serve the county of my adoption. My feelings are hard to discribe, finding myself after all, degraded & held a prisoner by the authorities of a nation for whose advance- ment and prosperity I have suffered much and risked everything. The granting my request will be a favor thankfully acknowledged by Your Obt. Servt. Monterrey Febry 8th 1822. HThls letter Is taken from document "X", p. 7-8. James Long"

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