76
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
So far as my own administration is concerned, I feel that I have every reason to invite, rather than avoid such a scrutiny. Conscious of the rectitude of mv own intentions, and of mv inflexible determination to pursue the cou;se of policy which I annouri~ed in coming into office, and confiding in the general intelligence and virtue of my fellow citizens to sustain me in my public endeavors, I can have no appreh£nsion as to. the results. I cannot bring myself to believe that the feeling which elevated me to the highest station within the gift of my countrymen, will be less active in supporting me in energetic efforts to carry out those principles and views which have been applauded abroad and approved at home. If with the aid of the good and wise, I shall suc- ceed in placing our currency in a pure and healthful state-if I shall accomplish the great object of giving entire protection to our heretofore defenceless and suffering frontier-if I shall be -able to make such a demonstration on the gulf, and on our western borders as to satisfy our enemies that we are no less prepared than willing to reciprocate their movements-if I shall succeed in procuring our nation! recognition from the enlightened powers of Europe, establish with them commercial treaties on equitable principles, and give to our infant nation a name and a character abroad, beyond what she has hitherto enjoyed, and if, added to all this, I shall be instrumental in laying the foundation of such a system of extended education as shall prove a lasting benefit to the country, I shall have done.all that I most ardently desired; I shall feel that I have not been a useless drone in the political hive, and shall retire from public life with the consolation of having redeemed every pledge to those who placed me in office. Pleased with the compliment you propose to pay me, and proud of your opinion of my administration as it has thus far progressed, I should rejoice to accept your kind invitation, if it were not inct,mpatible with the imperious obligations that press upon me at the present time. The law requiring the removal of offices and archives of the government from this place to the City of Austin by the first of October, as well as other important duties which devolve upon me, will not permit me to be absent from my post even for the short period required for a visit to Velasco. I regret this the more sincerely, not because it may be my last opportunity whilst in office of enjoying your hospitality, but be- cause I lose the occasion of expressing to you and my fellow citizens of your vicinity, more fully my views of the interesting topics embraced in your letter. I have the honor to be gentlemen not only your public servant, but private and devoted friend
:Mirabeau B Lamar
[Addressed]
To :Mess. Thos J. Green
B T Archer, and others Velasco.
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