upon which l do nol believe I oughl lo be more cxplicil in con- sideration of Lhe well-known wisdomc of its members. I will now discuss anolher point, perhaps Lhe mosl im- portant under the prcscnl circumslanccs. J say under the prescnl circumstances because upon its solution depends, perhaps, the amounl of resistance offered by the rebellious Texans, whose in- terests are involved. 1 want to refer lo the grants made by the legislature of Lhe stale to various individuals, both Mexicans and foreigners. How must Lhese grants be regarded'? As forfeited by Lhe rebellion of Lhe grantees, or as annulled by Lhis act'? Is there any possible righl Lhat legalizes Lhe sale of lands Lhal has been made in Lhc United Stales and that gives title lo Lhe buyer though he has not complied with Lhe requisites of Lhc Colonization law? I do not think so; but at this time, I believe that it is very important for congress to make a declaration 011 this matter, or al least to give me detailed inslruclions in order Lhat I may not be embarrassed in reviewing any of Lhese grants. 1 must also consult the government about several tribes thal have migrated from Lhe United Stales inlo our territory and thal could be a<lvanlageously used by Lhe republic if lands were assigned Lo them. One of these tribes, the Cherokee, rendered importanl services Lo Lhe nation in 1827; and iL holds, as l understand, the solemn promise of the government Lo give them lands upon which lo establish themselves, a promise Lhat has not been fulfilled up lo the present. Whal shall be done in regard Lo these tribes? Are they lo be left without any definite agreement, exposing ourselves by that very fact to their hoslility? Or shall we request them lo leave the country"? All of this, I repeal, must be solved ahead of time if we arc not lo walk blindly. On Lhe other hand I will do everything that l can lo secure the best possible solution, but without the help of the government and congress I may, perhaps, find myself in an embarrassing situalion. As a Lribule lo justice, I believe I am duty bound, before finishing Lhis letter, Lo suggc:;t lo the governmenl the convenie11cc and advisability of establishing a land bounty for those offiePrs and soldiers who may voluntarily wanl to remain in Texas, making such grants only Lo those Lhal may be deemed advisable. It seems unnecessary for me lo emphasize the ulility of such a mca$ure, for it is evident on the face of it, that Lhe furlher removed a military ma11 is from his family and those co111'orls he ha:-a right lo exprl'l, the greater Lhe effort that should be nrnci<' lo 1-.ccp him pleased.
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