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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
resign as Sec. of War our friend Genl. Green would be better calculated for that office than any prominent office you can confer upon him. There is a disposition to complain on the part of the people at :!\Ir. Burnets filling too offices permanently,1 2 and if not before very soon after Congress adjourns, I respectfully suggest the appointment of a Sec: of State; but who you are to get the services of that will answer, I am at a loss to conjecture unless you can procure the services of Genl . Foote, I would not have you to infer the most distant intimation on my part in relation to Mr B. want of qualifications, as I conceive him well qualified for any secretaryship. My losses in Mississippi will amount to seventy odd thousand dollars, and but for the property I own in this country, I should be bankrupt. and shall not have more than a scant living left when my debts are paid, even with my property in this country. I must retrieve my fortunes if industry will do it, and have determined to commence a trade with the northern States of Mexico at some point on this side of the Rio Grande. Can I expect any protection to the enterprise from the Govt troops. If the Cavalry is organized, will not a part of the Corps be appropriated to the protection of western population and trade? I will thank you to write me on this subject to Gaines' Ferry, as I am now on negotiations with an English merchant to go largely into it, and a large trade with the Northern States of Mexico through the ports of Texas, will so much enhance the revenue of the Govt, it appears to me, as to ca'use the subject to claim your careful consideration, and as soon as I settle the boundary line I wish to enter into it provided I can do so with safety. When the cavalry is organized do not forget my nephew Hugh Nelson. He has fought two battles in the presence of the Sec: of War, to whom I refer you for his qualifications After asking pardon for the infliction, of imposing upon you the reading of so lo[n]g a letter, and requesting you to present my kindest regards to your family, with the warmest feelings of friendship and regard for yourself I bid you farewell for the present To His Ex:· J\Iemucan Hunt M. B. Lamar Prest. &c &c &c No. 167,6 1840 Jan. 6, W. BROOKFIELD, LA GRANGE, [TEXAS], TO M. B. ' LAMAR, AUSTIN, f_TEXASJ 13 To His I~xcellency La Grange Jan. 6th 1840 Mirabeau B. Lamar Sir:- I have this day received a letter from our RepresentatiYe respect- ing the Cherokee lands. With surprise I learn that the majority of the House consider these lands as Confiscated! And that it is intended to survey them and appropriate the proceeds to the payment of the Public debt ! "David G. Burnet was at thi5 time filling the office of both Vice President and Secretary of State. DA. L. s,
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