388
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
England, nothing however is further from my thoughts, I was the inocent instrument of bringing these Africans to Texas, and I am only doing my duty when I use my best exertions to give them their due, & expose the villainy that would enslaYe them for life. I have notified the public not to purchase any of these slaves or Africans from any one whatever, Now if they do so, they cannot expect yr. Govt. to i.n- demnify them, for their loss when they are compelled to rnrrender them, I have taken these precautionary measures. in order to prevent the possibility of a rupture between the two Govts. & if it does come to pass it will not be my fault, I have some reason to suppose that many,-perhaps all of the said negro Africans may be sent out of Texas, & therefore to save the Govt. from harm I have thought it my duty to inform the Executive of the facts in order that he may inter- pas his authority to prevent such a movement, which must inevitably lead to fearful consequences, 'l'he said Africans or most of them are now in the hands or under the controle of the sheriff of Brasoria County, It is not my business to suggest any mode of procedure to yr. Exclly but merely to lay before you the facts: in order that you may addopt such measures as will be best calculated to save the Govt. from harm, I am aware sir that a most powerful prejudice exists vs me in Texas, The object of this communication is for the object it sets forth it is not intended for a hireling multitude · or an infuriated concelle [canaille], but it is addressed to the first Magistrate of Texas who I trust is far very far above the influen of popula clammors, That the English Govt. will demand their africa there can.not be a queRtion, and the whole object of my solisitude is to prevent a collision, I shall pror,eed to prove all the facts to the English Govt. & in doing so I performe nothing but my riged duty, to God man and my Country, I have only to conclude by saying, that I hope such measureR will be adopted by Yr. Exclly. as will prevent the renewal of any of those people be?ond the jurisdiction of Texas, in that case no difficulty can possibly occur,
T am very Respectfully Sir Yr. Obt. Svt. 11fonroe. Edwards [Endorsedl Monroe Eclwards, Ilfay, 1840.
[Addressed]
Free
To
His Exclly. 11. B. Lamar ( President of Texas ( City of Austin ( Texas
Powered by FlippingBook