p APERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
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administered will be worth to him when he arrives at age nearly 2000 dollars. My exertions shall not be wanting to secure to my boy all the benefits of a gift so generously and disinterestedly be- stowed. You have no doubt learned ere this of the awful catastrophe of the "Pulaski," in which Gazaway and his whole family had em- barked - poor fellow! Lost all but one child! wife, and five children ''at one fell swoop!" Himself, his sister Rebecka, and his son Charles saved from the wreck. They are now in good health, and Gazaway apparently tranquil and resigned. But probably an altered man - a serious and thoughtful cast of countenance-and satisfied I believe to abate his pursuit of wealth - indeed he is already very wealthy - worth not less, than one third of a million of dollars. It has so happened that I have not had it in my power to see you on your visits to the United States since you made Texas your adopted country - it was my intention to have seen you in Alabama, but was prevented by circumstances beyond my control. I have a young and growing family of Children (five boys and three girls), and my health for several years admonishes me that I may not be destined to long life. You can appreciate the solicitude of a Father to endeavor to provide for the well being of his children after he has ceased to exist. I have an hundred times had it in direct con- templation to write you and the multiplicity of engagements and drawbacks have hitherto prevented it - and now, in the sequel, you might if you did not I trust know me better attribute the present epistle to an interested motive, But I am not acquainted with your character, as I think I am if you are not of too generous and liberal a nature to do me injustice in this regard. One object, and a promi- nent one impelling me at the present time is to request your friendly advice as to the expediency of my emigrating to Texas. You have been informed that I have a large family, you may remember some- thing of my habits of life and my qualifications for business. The profession of the Law I have had some idea of resuming at some .i.me and place, more [ ] has presented itself to my mind- my pecuniary situation, is merely an easy one--In candour and confidence to you as a friend, and one to whom I appeal for, advice on a very important occasion, I suppose I am worth clear of the world about 20,00.0 dollars and could emigrate with that sum in money, (in property in negroes) - I am happy in one reflection at least that I can carry with me testimonials of the highest char- acter' - of the general esteem and confidence of my fellow citizens, as a man of honour and honesty. Let me then request the favor of you, when from the toils and responsibilities of your public and official duties, you can find leisure to devote a few momeµts to my service - sit down, and without any, the slightest mental reserva- tion open your mind fully to me, as to the prospects which your cou~try would open to a man of my condition and character. I know that you will be candid and unreserved with me - that you would scorn to deceive any human being - much less a man, who from his earliest years has been the friend of your family and your- self - and who would, were our situations reversed, take great pleasure in advancing the interests of yourself or any of the name.
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