350
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
of all nations, as well as by the laws which you have solemnly sworn to obev.-that the offence has not been punished hitherto in our Army with that rigor which its enormity demands, is owing to the disposition of the Executive to blend as much humanity with the administration of justice as might be compatible with the well being of the Army, and the safety of the Country; but when it is manifest that such clemency has no restraining influences, its continuance under the daily increase of crime, would not only be an abuse of the pardoning privilege, but would, itself be a criminal desertion of those imperative duties imposed by the constitution and my oath of office. The power to grant pardons is not a personal attribute, and cannot be rightfully exercised under the influences of individual sympathy or private compassion. It is a high constitutional prerogative, designed to sustain the essential dignity of the laws, by arresting undu1 1 and ex- cessive rigor in their administration without impairing their authority. Enough has been done to vindicate the humanity which suggested the investment of the power; what remains belongs to the majesty of the laws, to the honor of the army, and the ~afety of the Country. To all deserters who shall voluntarily return to duty, a pardon is hereby fully guaranteed. The recreant who shall hereafter abandon the standnrd which he has pledged to maintain, may read his destiny in the stern arbitraments of the law. Mirabeau B Lamar. No. 174-6 1840 Mar. 1.5, J. LOVE, GALVESTON, [TEXAS], TO [U. B.J LAMAR, [AUSTIN, TEXASJ 88
Galveston
To his Excellencv Genl. Lama~ Dear Sir.
l\Iarch 15th. 1840
We have nothing of any particular interest either For- eign or domestic. The last arrivals from, the United States does not seem to confirm the opinion that we shall have an invasion just now. The only intelligence that might lead to a supposition that they intended to do so is the addition they have made to their force at l\Iatamoros, which is stated at 800. . I have no other letters from J\Ir. Treat since those I forwarded from N. 0. through Capt. Moore I have sometimes taken the liberty of mailing suggestions to your Excellency about public affairs, and I do so now, in the belief that whether they shall be acted on or not, you will belie~e they proceed from no other motive, but service to the countrv I believe the Navy should be sent to sea, In the first place there is no additional expense in the second it gives a demonstration of power and energy on the part of the Government, that will give us credit abroad, If Mexico is merely amusing us with prospects of negotiation ~t will have the effect to make them think seriously of it, If they are m earnest it will make them hasten their action, If they seriously
.. A. L. :::l.
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