447
PAPERS OF :MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
thr. obstacles which now exist to the transaction of a direct trade in vessels under a recognized flag; & it would probably be well to secure this advantage through the American or French consul of Ravanna before proceeding to any other negociation. I would therefore suggest, that, if it can be done at a mod- era,te expense to the Government, steps be taken to ascertain if His Highness can be induced to favour the objects referred to and to secure any advantage that may be derived from his friendly disposition. To obtain the needful information and urge the expediency . of the measures proposed an agency might be created on an economical footing, by authorising to act in that capacity any competent person who may intend shortly to visit Cuba on business of his own, as. in such case the agent can affoard [sic] to fulfill his , duties for a com- paratively moderate compensation. 1\fr. Reuben 1\L Potter, the present Deputy Collector of this Port has some idea of going to Cuba in the course of six or eight weeks. -As he is conversant with the language & customs of that country, and as you are I believe sufficiently acquainted with his .stand- ing to rely on his general competency to feel such a trust, I would recommend to Yr. Excy., if such a mission be deemed advisable, to send him such credentials and instructions as will authorise ·him to act in the capacity referred to.- As the voyage he contemplates will be on his own account he will should he make it provide for his own outfit and expences and his pay as agent may be settled at a future period. Craving indulgence for the freedom with which I have made the above suggestions, since they are on a subject in which I as well as many others feel no small interest I have the honour to subscribe myself Your Excy's. obedt Servt. Wm T Austin [rubric] [Addressed] [Endorsed] To His Excellency M. B. Lamar. Wm T Austin President of the Republic Collector- Velasco Austin Sept 12th. 1840 Suggestions relative to opening trade with Cuba.- No, 1889 1840 Sept. 13, ALEX[ANDERJ T. GAYLE, [HOUSTO~, TEXAS] Bill of lading for whiskey and other goods consigned to Lamar and Cooke by Gazley & Robinson. D. S. 1 p. No. 1890 1840 Sept. 14, GAZLEY & ROBINSON. HOUSTON, [TEXAS] TO 1\I[IRABEAUJ B[UONAPARTE] LAMAR, [AUSTIN, TEXAS] Sending a bill of lading. L. S. 1 p. Appended to no. 1889.
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