457
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
1'0. 1079
1839 J!'eb. 21, M. B. LAMAR. PROCLA1\IATION 30
PROCLA1\1ATIO~ Opening a trade with the Mexican citizens on the Rio Grande February 21st 1839.
·whereas by an act• 0 of Congress of the Republic of Texas, the President is authorised to give all the encouragement and support in his po,ver, (compatible with the safoty of the countrys) to the trade between the western settlements of said Republic, and those of the Mexican government on the Rio Grande, and ·whereas, the settlements on the whole western bank of the Rio Grande have at various times manifested a desire to open a trade and hold friendly intercourse with the inhabitants of Texas, and overtures having recently been made to this Government by the officers at present recognised in the Mexican States, bordering on the western boundary of this Republic, for the establishment and protection of such trade and intercourse. '£herefore, be it known, that I Mirabeau B._ Lamar, President of said Republic of Texas, reciprocating the desire to establish and cultivate such friendly intercourse between the inhabitants of 1\lex- ico, disposed to pe:ace and anity, and the citizens of this Republic, and believing that a free and liberal trade properly conducted will conduce to that end. And advance the interests of both countries, do, in accordance with the provisions of the aforesaid act of Con- gress, order and direct that suc 1 h trade be permitted and encouraged by all officers civil and military of this Government, under the following regulations and restrictions-that is to say: 1st. Every inhabitant of Mexico coming into the Republic of Texas with the view of trading with its citizens, must be provided with a passport from the civil or military authorities of the district from whence he comes, which passport-must expressly state bhe objects of his visit, and the description of' merchandise or other things which he wishes to dispose of. 2nd. Upon the arrival of such Mexican inhabitant in Texas, he must immediately proceed to the military post at Cassa Blanca on the Nueces river, where he will submit his passport to the command- ing officer of that post, and he will then be permitted to proceed to San Antonio de Bexar or to Goliad for the purpose of disposing of his goods or other articles of trade, or of making such purchases as he may u.esire. 3d. Until ::i military post be established at Cassa Blanca, traders will be permitted to proceed at once to San Antonio de Bexar or Goliad at their option, where they will on their arrival, produce to "Copy, In no. 361. An interesting quotation from the Vera Cruz Censor showing how this offer of Lamar's was received will be found in Kennedy, Wm., Texas, II, 345. • 0 The joint resolution of Jan. 26, 1839;. see Gammel, H. P. N., Laws of Texas, II, 117.
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