the land would or could possibly be more injurious than in the hands of another; and if I could gel back the money I have paid would be very willing lo have the land returned Lo the source from whence it sprung. It has been rumored thal bribery had been used with Lhe lcgi::;lature for governor or with both for Lhe purpose of obtaining the contracts for land, this is nol the fact. I speak for myself and do most solemnly assure you, Lhal the report is unfounded even in the lightest shade, for 011 my part not even an attempt was made, nor an indication offered Lo any person, either wilh respect lo the purchase of land or 011 accounl of any business I had with Lhe Governmenl of the Stale, separately or colleclivcly. 1 hope and Lrusl that the people of Texas will do me the justice al least lo believe Lhal I had not, nor could nol have had an intention of jeopardizing their interests with lhe General Government, for from everything lhal had preceded, more especially the sale of 400 leagues of land the year before no such conclusions could be deduced because Lhal disposition of land has passed without any notice whatever from the Government and very few remarks were made by Lhe people of Texas, so far as came lo my knowledge. 1 therefore could nol have had any intention of braving public opinion of Texas: for in a transaction of equal or greater magnitude and exactly of Lhe same nature, no excilemenl had been created, and Lhe purchaser was, and still is a citizen of another government. To conclude I have to assure Lhe people of Texas thal I seek 110 changes, no innovations for any purposes, private or political, nor am I disposed Lo oppose any government which the majority may adopt, all I ask is a fair and impartial hearing and a decision free from excitement; and if Lhe land purchase or monopoly is an obstacle Lo prevenl a happy acljuslment of any misunderstanding between Texas and General Governmenl, I promise as one not Lo be backward in an endeavor to remove all such obstacle, and in that particular as in every thing else am I willing lo ahi<lc l,y Lhe laws of the nation to which we belong: consequcnlly if 1 have offended any law, by Lhal and the constitution am I willing to be judged. Samuel M. Williams July 20, 1835.
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