enemy; and as temporary proteclion until effecl1.1al safeguard can be provided for Lheir security, I would invite your attention to the propriety of erecting one or more batteries at each port and Lown upon the sea coasl; I would also advise the survey of Lhe several porls of Texas, with a view to make the intercourse with our country more secure. and il is confidenlly believed, that the rate of insurance would be thereby greatly diminished. A measure intimately connected with the commerce and prosperity of the country, is the duty on imposts and tonnage. The rate of duty, as now eslablished by law, is, in my opinion, too high in the present situation of Lhe country. I would, therefore, very respectfully recommend in lieu of fifteen and twenty-five per cent. ad valorem duty, that ten and twenty per cent. be levied and collected, under the rules and regulations as now prescribed by law. It is the interest of our country to invite capital and emigrants, by affording every facility in our power, consistent wilh the other important interests of our country. As a necessary and important measure that stands intimately connected with the defence of the country; and one to which I invite your attention, is the creation and due organization of a corps of Marines; and as you have purchased two vessels for the public service, and shortly expect two more lo be purchased by your agents abroad, it would be very desirable to have that corps organized and ready for service, with as litlle delay as possible. I herewith transmit to your honorable body, sundry letters recommendatory of lieutenant Francis Neville, late of the United States' Marines; and from my knowledge of the gentlemen recommending lieutenant Neville, I would respectfully recommend him for a captaincy in said corps. Permit me to invite your kind attention lo the organizalion of that part of Texas laying on or near Red River, into one or more or municipalilies, and provide suitable municipal officers for the due administration of justice; and that they be allowed their due representation, in proportion to the nu~ber of inhabitants, in your Council, and in the next Convention; and that you invite the freemen of Red River to join you in putting down military rule in our country: and Lhe speedy establishment of a mail route from the town of Nacogdoches to Picon Point, Jonesborough, and such olher places near Red River, as you may deem necessary, is rcspeclfully recommended as the only sure and
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