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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
No. 984 1839 Jan. 2, G. L. HAl\Il\IEKEN TO l\L B. LAMAR, [HOUSTON]
Houston, January 2d. 1839.
Genl. Mirabeau B. Lamar Respected Sir,
as there are two subjects about which I wish to converse with you I think it well to talk to you through this letter. The first is on the subject of a peace with Mexico- con<'erning which I have, since last seeing you, had a long conversation with Robertson, which has left me under a strong impression that if acted upon immediately, peace may be obtained. I am fully aware my dear Sir, that my conduct may appear in this matter somewhat presumptuous- but I rely on your indulgence believing that you will give me credit for a sincere desire to see our country flourish. Your sentiments in relation to annexation, as expressed in your inaugural address, so perfectly in accordance with my own, when translated into Spanish & inserted in their Journals, I feel convinced will produce a powerful effect in Mexico, & ten [d] more than any. thing else to bring about the desired arrangement. In the Senate there are men who I believe will one day oppcse you "right or wrong-" but nevertheless I think that measures may be taken at once to compromise them in writing to sustain you on this subject. You are already apprised that the Federal party are about com- ing into power-should it actually be the case, the arangement can be effected at once- but should the present party be in power on the arrival of our commissioners at Mexico, it may take months to bring about the negotiations. I would not have taken the liberty to write to you on the subject, were it not that I wished to mention another. I believe I may say without vanity that I could be instrumental in Mexico in effecting the object, & am willing to go on either as one of the commissioners or as secretary to them, without pay or emolument from the Govern- ment-but in order to do so I wish now to refer to the purchase you contemplated making of me in the summer of·1837- I have no means other than those lands, 11 leagues of which I will sell to you at 25 cts- payable on such terms or time as will make it perfectly convenient- with the understanding that your notes bear an interest of 8% p ann. It is my intention to get the money on the same from a frierid who shall first pledge himself not to let them pass from his hands- and should you credit me for honour & discretion, I would like to proceed to ·w ashington City in company with Austin Bryan, there procure a pass-port from Martinez the Mexican Minister with whom I am well acquainted,· as also letters from the president & others in authority. Frankness is the policy that T will always use with you. I wish to go to Mexico-firstly- to aid in obtaining peace, which of itself is a sufficient inducem~nt to make me sacrifice one half of my posses- sions in this country. Secondly, I wish to regulate some unfinished
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