417
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
. Many of the states of our sister Republic in the north hav established Geological Corps, which hav developed in an aston- ishing manner mineral wealth, in districts of country whe:re it was thought not to exist. Virginia, Maryland, N. Jersey, Ohio and Indiana may be cited as examples that hav, and will continue to reap rich reward for their foresight in this matter. In Ohio, iron ore has been discovered to exist to such an extent and so rich, that for a century to come, it is computed that it can more than supply the whole valley of the Mississippi, Anticipating its hundred million of inhabitants or more. Veins of the strongest saline water, coal in vast beds, and considerable copper hav been brought to light. Within the last year a quarry of marble has been discovered in Indiana, said to surpass in richness of color, and to admit of a higher degree of polish than the Potomac. A citation of these facts is sufficient for the intelligence of your Excellency, and warrants me in believing that the experience of other countries will awaken action in this. I would therefore, most respectfully memorialize your E'xcellency to establish, at as early a period as you may think the interest of the country demands, a Geological Corps, composed of competent and scientific gentlemen, for the investigation and development of the mineral wealth of this Republic. ·All of which is most respectfully submitted for your Excellencys consideration. I hav [e] the horior to be, ,vith great respect
Your humble obed't Serv't Ezra Read M. D. [rubric]
Surgeon, Post Galveston
fEndorsed] Ezra Read Galveston Jany. 15th. 1839
[Addressed] His Excellency,
J\Iirabeau B. Lamar Houston City
Capt : Skenett 1 J
No. 1013 1839 Jan. 15, E. ATKINSOX TO J\I. B. LAMAR
La Fourche Lona. Jan. 15th. 1839-
To Gen Lamar
President of the Republic of Texas.
Respected Sir.
·wm you forgive the presumption of a stranger, who, relying on the clemency & philanthropy of your character, would ask your attention, for a moment, to a s11.bjcct, (though perhaps dictated by individual interest,) I know you will consider, of vital importance to your Infant Republic - Viz - The establishment of schools. I'will be brief. I have ever had a desire to become an inhabitant of 'I'exas - Four years since l\L A. Atkinson my hus- 2:7-Llt-rary.
Powered by FlippingBook