369
PAPERS oF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
in furtherance of refined courtesy, and honest legislation. The influ-- ence of passion upon the mind is to destroy deliberation, and unfit the representatives of the people for the prompt and just discharge- of those duties which their constituents have a right to demand, and which the situation of the country imperiously requires. At the pres- ent session you may expect to be thrown into a trying and highly responsible situation. Questions of the greatest magnitude, vitally affecting the future destiny of the country, will have to undergo investigation and discussion, and these debates assuming a correspond_ ing degree of animation and independence, may precipitate the ardent and unguarded mind into a dangerous zeal and passionate excess, incompatible with the dictates of social order and enlightened policy. I must therefore respectfully urge on your part an abstraction from whatever may have a tendency to produce unnecessary· warmth or excitement, as absolutely essential to valuable deliberation, and to the preservation of national character. I need not remind you how the Athenian manner consecrated the councils of Athens, and how strongly it was referred to in Roman debates. An elevated comity, and reciprocal courtesy in the actions of every branch of the Gov- ernment in reference to each other, will more than any other cir- cumstance at the present crisis, redound to the credit of the nation abroad, and secure public and private prosperity at home. Let it be our study then, to preserve our national consistency by snowing to the world, that the people who could practice the most exalted clemency and all the high principles of humanity in war, are equally capable of pursuing the path of wisdom, justice, and modera- tion in the administration of their civil affairs. And now, gentlemen, with the most fervent supplication to the Divine Providence for the safety, purity and prosperity of our infant Republic, and the most cordial aspirations for the success of your councils, as also for 'your individual welfare. I close this my Con- stitutional communication with the promise on my part of a free, frank and incessant co-operation with you in whatever may appear conducive to the general good. City of Houston MIRABEAU B LAl\IAR Deer. 21st. 1838. No. 949 1838 Dec. 22, SARAH R. STOUT', CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIR- GINIA, TO [l\IIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAl\IAR], • HOUSTON, [TEXAS] Request for information regarding the fate of her brothers, Isaiah, Philander, and George Stout, surveyors. A. L. S._ 1 p.
No. 950 1838 Dec. 22, J. BIRDSALL TO l\L B. LAMAR Houston
22d. Dec. 1838
Sir
I have the honour to inform your Excellency that the
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