503
PAPERS OF ilRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
& both surrounded by excited friends who must unavoidably be more or Jes influenced in their counsel by resentful passions. Under these circum tances it behoves some di interested individual, some mutual friend, who, from the position which he occupies to both, is en[a]ble~ to to [sic] view the matter dispassio_nately, to step fo~va~·d as a ~e~1- ator and point out the path of reason truth and Justice. It .1s m this capacity I now present myself; and I assume the attitude uot merely from the love of peace; but from the love of that which is dearer- the love of right. Believe me geutlemen, there are no suf- ficient grounds £or the extremity to which you are about to push your resentments. The provocations of which you s<!verally complain, are universally believed•to have arisen out of the malicious interference of others, and not from any settled purpose on the part of either of you to do injustice to the other; and I am. confident in my own mind that when the door of investicration and explination shall be opened, it will be rendered apparent to your elves as well as to the world, that you have greater reason for mutual esteem and good will than you have for quarrel. .Let me then as one, w;hp regards your safety less than he does your honor, intreat our consent to have your difficulties referred to gentlemen of virtue, intelligence and chivalry, with the understanding that you abide by the award they make. This I look upon as the true cour. e .to pur ue; and in advising it, I ask only what is due to the cause of truth & justice, and make no demands which hc110r must r('fuse. l take my own reputation on the advise with the fullest. contidence that public opinion will sustain me in offering it and you in followina it. If after investigation, it shall appear to the ap- pointed tribunal that the injuries and wrongs inflicted will not permit of amicable adjustment, I shall be the last of your friends to recom- mend a peace incompatible "ith honor and chivalry. Your reputation for courage is fi..xed; you need not fin-ht to secure that-the whole army will testify to it. I have seen you both in the battl~field, chargin~ the foe mo~t gallantly; and tl_1e pride which I shall always take in bear- ing testimony to your valor ancl intrepidity, can be equalled only by the pleasure which I hould experience in blending with your laureLs a wreath of the peaceful olive. Y-our swords have been nobly drawn at the call of your country; I entreat you to sheathe them for once at the voice of friendship. I£ I counsel dishonor the sbame ·will be mine and not the confiding friends' whom it misguides- With tlie best wishes £or your welfare
Your frnd & sevt-
Iirabea'll B. Lamar
[Addressed]
· To Cols Henry l\Iillard and James Collin.,.sworth Brazoda- [Endorsed] Corre pondence bet\v('en Collingsworth Millard & Others
ovr.1836.
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