The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume II

533

PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR

then, effective force; and the sooner applied the better- is the surest alternative we have for the restoration of peace and safety from that quarter. ,vith regard to Mexico, when she has well night exhausted the last mite of resources, and seems in the last expiring throes of despair; would it not be inglorious in the brave sons of Texas- wnuid it not seem in the eyes of other nations a· condescension, nay, a detraction from that proud and lofty fame won for us by the brave heroes of San Jacinto, and all the martyred spirits of Liberty who have gone before us, to wreak from our fettered enemies an a,cknowledgment of that right, long since acquired by our valor; and if not accorded, yet undisputed by admiring nations.- Her government is now on the very of anarchy; her perfidious cruelty to her prisoners; her treacherous violation of treaties and compacts; have subjected her to the frowns and scorn of civilized nations; her name is used to denote the lowest state of degradation; to represent the climax of all that is abject, and vile, than can pollute the heart, and lower human nature. ·what could we gain by collision with such a nation. Vic- tory would bring no honor-no glory; we could ·gain nothing; we might lose all. Then let us shrink from the idea of such an enterprise ; that can alone be productive of disgrace, dishonor and loss of repu- tation, without any thing to palliate, or extenuate; no, not the slight- est shadow of a chance to wipe the stain from our escutcheon. I know you1· response; bravery and generosity, go hand in hand. Impressed with these views, Fellow-citizens, Ehould I be so favored with your confidence as to be elected Major General; I pledge myself to make every exertion possible, to have the l\'Iilitia of the county or- ganized according to law, as soon as practicable; in order that we may be always ready and prepared at a moments warning to march to the call of danger, and be our country's. bulwark in time of peace, as well as in war,-the terror of our enemies. Your Fellow-Citizen, San Augustine, April 15, 1839. L. H. l\IABBITT.

[Endorsed]

[Addressed] To

L. H. l\Iabbit,

San Augustine,

His Excellency l\L B. Lamar City of Houston

April 15th. 1893. SPEECH!!!

Ko. 1204

1839 Apr. 16, HENRY THOl\IPSOX, [HOUSTOX? TEXAS], TO l\I[IRABEAU] B[UO:NAPARTE] LA:.\IAR, [HOUSTON], TEXAS]

Introducing Clark l\L Stone. A. N. S. 1 p.

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