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the Government, by a formal act, shall otherwise dispose of it, and it is not competent for any officer of the government lo divest him of his right. If Mr Lawrence is remiss in his duty, a formal complaint and presentation should be made against him and the proper redress had, but I beg you will see that without such proceedings Mr Lawrence be not disturbed in his possession. A recent Proclamation defines the matter of impressment, and a ferry is as much "property" as a mule or horse. I have not time lo write to Capt Logan or to Mr. Lawrence, but I doubt not you can prevent all difficulty by speaking to the former gentleman. This professes lo be a government of laws not of force-let the laws prevail.
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In haste yours &c David G. Burnet
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[4150)
[BURNET to SHREVE ET AL]
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Executive Department Velasco, Sept. 5, 1836 Gentlemen-Upon the part of the Republic of Texas, permit me to thank you for your noble intercession in her behalf. The strugglers for freedom in the remotest parts of christendom, first look for succor to the United States of the north; how much more natural must be our aspirations for assistance and sympathy from the same quarter, from our propinquity and extraction? No man could read an account of the hardships, the toils, the incomitable valor which distinguished and crowned with success the last campaign, without at once recognizing the proud origin of the soldiery of Texas. Amid the satisfaction with which I contemplate the proceedings of your meeting generaUy, permit me lo particularize a resolution introduced by Garnet Duncan, Esq., approving the annexation of Texas and the United States. I believe I speak the sentiments of a majority, nearly amounting to unanimity of the people·of Texas, when I say, that such a measure would be hailed as the haven of peace, tranquility, and permanent prosperity: ~ur country must succeed-the decree of fate is issued-a separahon from the United Stales may retard,-cannot permit it: but that a junction with them would accellerale our prosperity-would
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