Papers of Mirabeau B. Lamar, Volume VI
TEXAS LIBRARY AND HISTORICAL COMMISSION STATE LIBRARY
THE PAPERS OF MIRABEAU'BUONAPARTE LAM.AR
Edited from the original papers in the Texas State Library
"'
by
Harriet Smither Archivist, Texas State Library
Volume VI
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VON BOECKMANNcJONES CO., PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS, AUSTIN, TEXAS
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
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But may her smiles reward your prayer, Her glance repay your sighs, And may she soon give you to share, The love-light of her eyes. And now adieu :-for ne'er again My lute shall sound to you, And trust me that this foolish strain Is not my best.-adieu.
HARRIET ELVIRA KELLOGG.
Dec. 4th. 1844.
No. 2183. LAMAR TO JOSEPH L. WILLIAMS
Washington City [D. C.J 8th March 1845.
JOSEPH L WILLIAMS Esqr [Washington? D. C.J DEAR Sm
In reply to your enquiry respecting the character and standing of Charles Watrous Esqr. I take great pleasure in stating that I have known Mr. Watrous for several years-that he was a member of my Cabinet- and that I have not only the most unbounded confidence myself in his ability and his integrity both as a Lawyer and as a gentle man; but I believe my appreciation of his character is the light in which he is regarded by the people of Texas generally-
yours respectfully
MIRABEAU B. LAMAR.
No. 2184. ISAAC HOLMES TO LAMAR
l\Iacon April 21st 1845
DEAR Sm,
The Macon Volunteers contemplate Celebrating their 20th Anni versary (Wednesday the 23rd inst) by a Parade ReYiew &c at Camp Oglethorpe- His Excellency Governor Crawford has signified his intention to honor us with his presence on the occasion and review the Corps at 5 oclock P. M.- In behalf of my Corps & for myself I would respectfully invite you to visit Camp Oglethorpe on the day named and unite in the festivi ties of the occasion- Relying upon your acceptance I will give you the order of the day- At 1/2 past 12, you will please repair to the Floyd House where you will find his Excellency the Governor & a few friends- Thence you will accompany him to Camp Oglethorpe where you will be received by the )\f. V. & escorted to Head Quarters- You will then be invited to partake of a soldiers dinner, spiced by a soldiers welcome- At 1/2 past 4. P. M. an address will be delivered by Genl Smith a private of the Corps- at 5. the Company will be formed and reviewed by the Commander In Chief and I would be much gratified if you would accompany him in the review-Trusting Illy Dear Sir, that it will be agreeable & convenient for you to he '1 ° ith us and assuring yop
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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LA)£AR
of the sincere satisfaction it will afford your friends to see you I sub- scribe myself Your Obdt. Servt. ISAAC HoL~IEs Capt. M. V. ~ ( ' [Ad<;l.ressed :] Gen. M. B. Lamar Macon Georgia
No. 2185. PETITION OF NATHANIEL HOYT
[Galveston? Texas, June 12? 1845] To the Honorable Senate [and] House of Representatives for the Republic of Texas, in Congress assembled: The Petition of Nathaniel Hoyt, respectfully sheweth, That- . He, arrived in Texas, which he adopted as his country, in 1833-and was employed trading and navi- gating about the Gulf of Mexico until the fall of 1834, when he was imprisoned by the ~Iexicans, for defending and rescuing his own prop- erty from thier grasp-By the aid of friends, he effected his escape, after some months imprisonment, and reached New Orleans. · At New Orleans he refitted the schooner [Pennsy J lvania, formerly under his command, fror the] purpose of maintaining the rights of his adopted country under the Constitution of 1824, and in the fall of 1835, he brought 135 Volunteers to Velasco, under the command of Colonel Ward. In the begining of 1836, he brought 112 Volunteers to Velasco, under the command of Colonel, A, Turnner, and subse- quently conveyed to Velasco and Brazoria 27 Volunteers for the army and the pieces of artillery now called the "Twin Sisters." After his arrival at Brazoria,. it being ascertained that the Mexicans were pres[s]ing onward, he took on board his vessel several females and families and returned to Velasco. That-At Velasco, he took on board a quantity of Government stores and munitions of war, and proceeded there,yith to Galveston, where he discharged them ~ml received a Captain's Commission in the Navy of Texas, from President Burnett, with instructions to relinquish the command of the Pensylvania, and hold himself subject to the orders of the Government. That- He and his crew assisted in constructing a Battery on the inner point of Galves[ton Is]land, and that he gave his cannon,-two n[ine] pounders,-with thier appurtenances, for the purpose of arming said Battery. That-in accordance with his instructions, he proceeded to New Or- leans, and gave up the command of his schooner, and reported himself for duty to Commodore Hawkins and the Secretary of the :t>ravy. That no means being at the disposal of the Government to furnish another vessel of war, Petitioner was ordered to act as executive officer of the National war Schooner Brutus, to keep himself in actual service, until the Government could provide the means of placing him in a command adequate to his commission. That-he served in the Brutus until she departed clandestinely for New York, taking away Petitioner's instruments, and all his clothes except those in use. . That-he obtained a three months' leave of absence from Commodore Hawkins, then at Velasco, for the purpose of refurnishing himself with necessaries at New Orleans, whither he proceeded, and was there offered the command of a Privateer, which, th[rough] the mediation
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and at the request of Commodore Hawkins, he was induced to accept. That-he fitted ont the Yessel accordingly, at New Orleans, and re- paired to Velasco, where the privateer was commissioned, and a nine months' leave of absence given him, under his commission in the reg- ular Service, with orders from the Government to cruize off Tampico and Vera Cruz, for the purpose of capturing one, or both, of two man-of-war Brigs expected by Mexico from Baltimore. That-in obedience to his orders, he cruised so long as water and pro- visions lasted, [mutilated] engaging the Forts at Tampico Bar, and Ke[eping] the Mexican coast in a constant state of alarm and on the defensive-having succeeded in capturing two schooners, which he sent for adjudication, to Velasco. That on his return to Texas, while ashore at Velasco, his Privateer was carried off by a portion of her officers and crew, it was supposed, for sinister purposes-but the master being the only navigator on board at the time, he carried her to New Orleans. That-on the abstraction of his yessel, Petitioner, having no command, rep01ie [d himself] to the Secretary of the Navy, and his lea [ve] of absence not having expired, he followed the Privateer to New Orleans,· where on boarding her, he found that the mutineers had fled, and that all his private property had been taken away. That-the Privateer having been refitted, Petitioner left New Orleans in her with only one third of the proper complement of men, for the express purpose of intercepting some Mexican vessels then about to leave New Orleans for :Mexico, with munitions of war; Whilst cruizing of the mouths of the l\Iissis[sippi] in a severe blow, the Privateer ran ashore, which obliged Petitioner to return for repairs to New Orleans. That-when at New Orleans, Commissary Colonel Thruston purchased Petitioner's prirnteer for the Texas Government, and under his orders petitioner sailed with her, fully equipped and manned to Galveston- whence he went to sea, in company with the Brutus, in the hope of encountering the ::\Iexican fleet, in consequence of a rumor which proved to have been unfounded- That-Petitioner went to the Seat of Governm[ent] and reported to President Houston in person The Secretary of the Navy being absent, the President appointed an acting Secretary, and confirmed Petitioner in his command, by issuing a new Commission, and directing him to continue his cruize. He proceeded to Sea accordingly, and cruized on the South-East coast of Mexico, running several vessels on shore, but only capturing one prize of value, namely the Brig Phoenix-the largest merchant-man belonging to Mexico, which Petitioner sent into Gal- veston.- After a cruize of nearly four months, he returned to port, in conse- quence of the wa[nt] of provisions, and again reported himself for duty. The officers and crew of petitioner's privateer tendered thier share of the prize Brig Phoenix to the Texas Government, under the belief that her capacity and sailing qualities would qualify her for a fourteen gun vessel of war; which proposal was declined by President Houst~n, on the ground that the Government was unable to equip and maintain the vessel in Service. That-in August 1837, Petitioner obtained leave of absence, for the purchase of necessaries [at] New Orleans, and the Secretary of the
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Navy being at sea, in the war schooner Invincible, he could not report to him, but the President intimated that, should his services be re- quired, means would be found to communicate with him, stating, at the same time, the Navy would have to be laid up.- That finding money scarce at New Orleans and no hope appearing of his being or- dered on active service, Petitioner obtained the command of an Amer- . ican merchant vessel, and returning to Texas in good circumstances in the summer of 1841, emba[rked] in mercantile pursuits- having during his absence reported himself seven times to the Secretary of the Texan Navy, without any orders, which orders he has always con- sidered himself open to be called upon to obey.- That Petitioner sustained severe loss by the Mexican invasion of 1842, besides having some of his property seized by militia and volunteer troops, which, coupled w1th bad debts, has reduced his means, and now impels him, as a married man, to appeal to the justice of the Legislature of this Republic before it shall have become m~rged in the American Union. That your Petitioner would respectfully invite the consideration of your Honorable body to the fact that, in consequence, of the financial embarrassments and struggling condition of the Country, he never, during his period of service, made any application for pay to the Gov- ernment of this Republic-reserving his claims to a future and more favorable time-nor did he ever receive any compensation by pay, or bounty lands, for his exertions and services in the cause of Te[xas.J That under the circumstances herein recited-your Petitioner relies on the justice of your honorable body to consider his claim and prays that a donation of land may be granted him, from the domain of the Republic in, lieu of pecuniary compensation to which he humbly con- ceives his services have enti[t]led him.- And your petitioner will every pray &c. &c.. &c NATHANIEL HoYT [Rubric l Nos. 2186-90. CERTIFICATES OF SERVICE: NATHANIEL HOYT I hereby certify that Captain Nathaniel Hoyt recei[ved a com]mis- sion in the Texas Navy, at Galveston Island, Presented [by the] Honble R. Potter Secty of the navy,- on or about the sixth day of [April,] 1836-and that he went into immediate service on board of the Br[utus Nati]onal schooner of war Galveston 12th June 1845 .LUKE A. FALVEL We the undersigned do hereby Certify, that Nathaniel [Hoyt was 1 in the Navy of Texas in 1836, served as acting executive officer [on the] National schooner of war Brutus, for some months, during which [he was] attached to said vessel in the Capacity as signed underneath L. J\I. HITCHCOCK Jr 2d Lt . . . [illegible] & 1st Lt afterwards
N. HURD Purser JAMES G. HURD
[ mutilated l
Galveston 13 June 1845
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'I hereby certify that I was an eye witness to the present[ing andl acceptance of a Captains Commission in the Navy of Texas- [Robert] Potter secty of the Navy, to Nathaniel Hoyt- done at Gal- [ veston J on or about the sixth day of April in the year of our Lord one I thousand] eight hundred and thirty six Galveston [13 ?] June 1845 W)I l\I CARPER I hereby certify that )fr Falvel left a quantity of [documentsl and papers in my possession belonging to different persons, [muti- lated] Texas, amongst which there was a commission in the Texas [Navy belong]ing to Captain Ho_vt. which document has been mislaid or [lost] Galveston 13th June 1845 GEO. H DELESDERNIE Personally appeared before me John :u. Allen )layor of the City of Galve[stonl To wit, L. :l\f. Hitchcock Jr, N. [Hurd,] James G. Hurd, Wm )I. Carper, l Luke J A. Falvel and Geo. H. Delesdernie, [ who J being duly sworn. affirmed to the [facts J therein stated in the annexed cert[ifica]tes, and there and then signed t[hem.7 In token whereof [I] hereby affix my [hand] and seal of [Seal] office. [Thlis fourteenth day of June in the Year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred aml forty fiye J. )1. ALLEN )fayor No. 2191. PETITION TO JAMES K. POLK [Austin, Texas, August? 18457 His Excellency J.urns K. PoLK, The undersigned Delegates of the people of Texas in Convention assembled, having performed the duties for which they were conyened, cannot consent to disperse and return to their homes, without inviting the attention of the President of the United States in the most respect- ful manner, to the condition in which a highly meritorious· class of their fellow-citizens will be placed by the consumation of the measure of Annexation. They allude to the officers of the Texan Navy. These gentlemen abandoned their homes, and in many instances, honorable and lucrative employments in the servise of the United States, to identify their fortunes with ours at a time of great uncertainty and peril; and they have not only discharged the responsibilites which devolved upon them with great ability and fidelity; but they have per- severed in their duties, under the most di~couraging circumstances, growing out of the pecuniary condition of the Government, without the hope of any other rewan1 than immediate subsistence and such remuneration as might be remotely expected from the gratitude of the country when it should have attained to Independence and prosperity. All hope however, of honerable and independent subsistence either for the present r or 1 future will be distroyed by Annexation, unless pro- vision be made for them hv the Federal GoYernment; as their previous pursuits and habits haYe disqualified them for the ordinary avocations of life. The undersigned, therefore, most earnestly solicit, your Excel- lency to take into consideration their peculiar condition; and if c.on-
PAPERS OF ll!rRABI~Au Bco:N"APARTE L.nun
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sistent with law to retain them in service in their present official grades; or to make such other provision for them as your judgment may dictate. · .. There is another class of Officers, to which the undersigned, wquld also beg leave to call the attention of your Excellency. lt'is thafalass which have within a few years past, been dismisse9- :. the. service, · or compelled to leave it in consequence of the disbanding of tl).e,,:, :··•·:-~ . [mutilated] the Navy in ordinary, .and. the impossibilify: of:subsisting them from the depressed state bf the finances of the country:~ '"-These Officers entered our service with the fee'lings nnd viewsS-¢tttertained by those who are yet retained 111 'it; and devoted themselves ,wi.t.h: equal ardor to it, until forced to leave it by the causes abovt:\).rt1e:riti911ed. They left it, however, with the approbation of their Cou1ifry, ,and received from the Government, honorable discharges. They ~are now without employment and some of them in penury and waht; and the undersigned would respectfully recommend them to your Excellency for such appointments in the Navy of the United States as it may be proper for them to receive. The accompanying Llocument from the Navy Department will exhibit the names of such officers as still re- main in the service of Texas, as well as of those persons who have been honorably discharg®, from the same. [Endorsed:] Incomplete petition to Pres. Polk on behalf of officers &c of Texas Navy No. 2194. ELLIOT AND OTHERS IN REGARD TO ANNEX- ATION: ANONYM:OUS 1 [Newspaper Clipping] October 25, 1845 Captain Elliott, the late British }Iinister to Texas, who has been visit- ing our city for some time, has rather less than fair play from the press of the United States and England. We cannot comprehend the short-sighted bigotry which prompted some of our own citizens to op- pose annexation, but national policy made it both natural and proper that England should wish to defeat it. Texas, an independent ally; or Texas, one of the United States, would at no distant day make a vast difference in England's position as a great manufacturing power. She was right as a nation in sending Capt. Elliott to diplomatize against it, and she could not have chosen a better man to get up mystifications and embroilments. Witness his succe8s with opium in China. But she blundered dreadfully for her own interests in not acting upon his advice. And her press is now fretting at the inefficiency and bad faith of Gen. Houston and Dr. Jones. This is unjust. They were loyally English; but they could do notliing but gossip about annexation, be- cause England herself would do nothing but gossip. The Milliner Queen cannot boast of three, more willing servants than Elliott, Houston and Jones; her stupid :Ministers, however, would not strengthen their hands in season. If, as the three gentlemen desired, the British Min- istry had found the wit three years ago to insist upon Mexico recog- nizing the independence of Texas, England lending the embarrassed republic a million sterling to meet pressing wants, she could have staved off annexation and perhaps clividecl the union (her darling plan 'With No. 2204.
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now for killing off republicanism) and Houston would have taken any new confederacy under his special protection. Elliott foresaw this, and joined Houston in urging England to manage, but the ministry were taking care of Prince Albert's horses and children and had no money to SP,are for peasant education at home, or the protection of their cotton worker's interest abroad. Even such a trifle as obtaining the liberty of the Texian prisoners in :Mexico, so easy of attainment by the British l\Iinisters, was neglected because it pleased Gen. Houston just then to say they deserved their fate, and the United States had an opportunity of proving their greater love for Texians by laboring incessantly for their release, until it was accomplished. England ex- pected every thing for nothing, that being the condition upon which she trades with weak states; but she let the golden opportunity of winning Texas pass unimproved, and ought not to impute too much blame to three agents who could not prevent the destinies of Texas being decided by the well weighed decision of united republican citi- zens, instead of a pliant and king-loving Executive. Justice to Elliott, Houston and Jones !
No. 2197. "TEXAS." ANONYMOUS
[Newspaper Clipping] [October? 1845] Texas is conning over her list of bright names wherefrom to choose her representatiYes in Congress. Lamar, Archer and Rusk, are still spoken of for the Senate, and it is almost certain that two of these gentlemen will be chosen. No Texians have done so much for annex- ation as Lamar and his friends, and on that account he will be par- ticularly acceptable and have great personal influence in Congress, though the claims of both the other gentlemen are of weight. Mr. Van Zandt and 1\Ir. Kauphman, both men of the highest ability, are spoken of in Eastern Texas, and Generals Green and Cazneau, (equally sterling characters,) in Western Texas, for the lower house. 2.Ir. Kauphman, as it strikes us, has been rather victimised by Presi- dent Jones, who sent him here as Charge to get him out of the way and at the same time embarrass :Mr. Polk. It was exceedingly silly and unpardonably rude to our government to send a minister while annexation was pending, to say nothing of burthening the Star State with an absolutely useless expense. The idea was to trick our Execu- tive into treating Texas as a foreign government, and thus enable Dr. Jones to say the United States did not consider annexation a settled thing. He could not make much capital out of it any way, but he has been foiled altogether, for J\Ir. Polk will not consider Texas out of the family and therefore has no need of making foreign relations with her. It certainly gave the Texian President an air of great ver- dancy, (besides placing Mr. Kauphman in' a false position,) to drain the treasury for a mission here, while a convention for proposing a Sta.te consitution was assembling at Austin. It looked as if the un- sophisticated gentleman had not learned the difference between repre- sentatives at court and representatives in Congress. It is the latter we wish to receive from the Lone Star.
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
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No. 2198. EDITORIAL: ANONYMOUS
, [New&paper Clipping] [October? 1845] We shall certainly set up for prophets, even in our own country. We promised M[r] Tyler's cabinet that resist as they might the postage reform, Congress and the people would carry it over their heads, before the next administration were comfortably settled in their seats. Mr. Wickliffe, and his co-adjutors were respectable, well disposed men, but not over far-sighted, and when a genuine American came among them, they felt very much as a parcel of small dogs with a St. Bernard in their midst, may be supposed to feel. They could not understand the monster. He might be good natured and harmless, but then again, he might crush them with his great foot, or swallow them in a fit of ill- temper, if they came in his way. We do not accuse the present cabinet of any thing beyond a delicate, courtly, lady-like sort of non-committalism. We may be mistaken, but they do remind us amazingly of the dandy who saw the child drowning in a brook, and had to wait to take off his gloves, and put on his india- rubbers before he could go to the rescue. There is much to do, and the people will have it done, if they have to "change their help" (as thrifty housewifes say,) and get the other ·party to carry through the work. They want an entire reform in our military organization, and if Mr. Polk is too long in taking off his gloves, the people will try what other statesmen will do. He may rest assured that a second term of negatives and non-committalism will be rejected. The whole nation is sick of partyism. That a few hundred men should, under the name of party leaders, rule everything, and too often in utter disregard of the known wishes of the slighted millions; or that a press established for the benefit of this usurping minority should be supported by the public treasury, has been too long the case. The evil has wrought its own crisis: the government must deal more honestly by the press, and use a decent and impartial economy in creating and distributing its printing patronage, or it must be content to receive the cold treatment which a want of confidence in its business integrity must inspire. This, however, is but one trifling item of what the present admin- istration must do if it expects to sustain a respectable existence. It must re-organize the army and navy on republican common sense prin- ciples; it must stop the tremendous waste in military appropriation; it must speak with more openness and candor on our foreign relations, and it must be careful not to sacrifice a single ray of republicanism in Africa or Oregon. This is the popular resolve, and if Mr. Polk evades or abates one tittle of this it would be better for his fame never to have been President. ·
No. 2199. HAMILTON P. BEE TO LA:MAR
Washington on the Brazos November. 14. 1845
Gen. M. B LAMAR.
[Galveston? Texas]
DEAR Srn
I learned in conwrsation with l\fr. H. L. Upsher, who is compiling. a map of Nacogdoches County that he had discovered several vacant
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sections of land in the midst of the settlements, and I was induced to leave with him for location and survey the scrip you deposited with me. You know JI.Ir Upsher and I only need here to say that I have full confidence in his statements. There were you recollect one 960. two 640 and 7 (480) acre claims, the price for locating surveying, and recording, will be, for the first $30.00 for the two sections, $25.00 each, and, twenty dollars each for 480 which is a great bargain in my opinion. Please inform me immediately if the terms suit you and in what way the surveying fees will be paid. perhaps you had better write direct to }fr Upshur at Nacogdoches, and if the terms suit you authorise him to draw on you for the amount, (but write to me also) l\Ir Upsher in- formed me that he had made certain enquiries concerning your eleven league claim, and at some trouble to himself had complied with your request, and sent you a full statement of the matter directed to Austin, and has not since heard from you on the subject- I promised to call your attention to it in my first letter to you. I shall be at Austin for the next three weeks, and will be glad to hear from you Very truly your friend H. P. BEE ShouM Gen Lamar be absent my friend, Gen McLeod will open this and give me an answer as I was authorized by Gen. L. to draw on himself or on Gen McLeod for the surveying fees-
No. 2200. THO:\IAS P. ANDERSON TO LAl\IAR 2
[Newspaper clipping]
Galveston Nov. 15th, 1845.
Gen. MIRABEAU B. LAMAR.- Sm-
The undersigned citizens of Texas, feeling an abiding interest, in their country's welfare, and rejoiced that she is now safely restored to the haven of her political destiny, are disposed' to pause at this crisis, and if possible, to ascertain and award "Honor to whom Honor is due." The question of Annexation has been settled by the people with such an overwhelming unanimity, that the few who opposed it, are now endeavoring with a laudable deference to the public will, to conceal the traces of their past-hostility. If they were content with this, so should we be but when the enemies of the measure, claim a monopoly of the honors, at its fruition we deem it our solemn duty, to deny the boon. The most prominent of those, who stand in this predicament is Gen. Sam Houston. In his late letter to a committee of the citizens .of Washington county, he says, "The measure originated under his ad- ministration," and in the course of this, and other attempts, to support his claims to the paternity of a measure, the honor of which we humbly conceive belongs to the spontaneous patriotism of the people, he steps aside mmecessarily we think, to assail your public acts, and character This, in our estimation, points to you as the proper person to reply- your official conduct has been assailed; it is your right to defend it. A great public measure has been perverted into private intrigue; it is the privilege of your position and services, to record its history. Your fellow citizens desire that you should speak. 'In No. 2203.
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PAPERS OF I\hRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
D MARSTON JR. ND LABIDIE, L FROSH, J L DARRAGH, GK LEWIS,
THOS. P. ANDERSON, J. W. 1foORE, JOHN ARMSTRONG, SAM:'L. SLATER, AMASA TURNER, WM C BYRNE, ISRAEL CANFIELD, G w CASEY, WM. I\L CooK, J A H CLEAVELAND, B H PoLOCK, H AUSTIN, J B REED, F McCEARLEY, M HARDIN, J. C. BURNUR, JONATHAN BROCK, p EDMUNDS, -" L WESCOT, THOS M JOSEPH, D s TERRY, LEVI JONES, BENJ. C. FRANKLIN, WM. S. FISHER,
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ZADOCK Hunn.ARD, JOHN HUFFMAN, CHARLES FRESBIE, C K RHODES, L H BENNETT, R. WATSON, R ROWED, CHAS. BEISSNER, 0 S BREWSTER, J A HUESEN, NJ MAYNARD, A SwnrnLE, R H HOWARD, w HOOKE, E LEWIS, FA WALLEY, F Gomx, WM F WILSON, J A DoE, J H LEPERT, J A :ilILLER, N s HILL, EB AXDREWS, F WIEHL, WM. L. CAZNEAU, A RAMSEY, 0 C WILKINS, JAS SHAW, CHAS ATKINS, H BRYANT, JD YOUNG, FA PEXNY, J AS H OLIPHANT,
l A. C. ORAWFORD, J. C. SHAW, WM R SMITH, WM M CARPER, JOHN A SETTLE, H. McLEOD, J F HUNTINGTON, En S Woon, A J YATES, F w MULLER, T F HOLLIS, BF NEIL, SAM'L SANDERSON, J DELESDENEER, w G OLIVER, NJ MAYNARD,
A ANGELL, J TALBOTT,
No. 2207.
JAl\IES HAMILTON TO LAMAR
[Charleston? South Carolina? 1845 ?l
Sm.
As you have placed yourself before the American public as the Fidus Achates of the Republic of Texas I desire to examine the grounds on which you rest your claim- As a Citizen of my adopted Country and as a Native of this State I shall make no apology for addressing you I have read your speeches on the subject of Annexation with an interest I confess which has been cruelly rewarded by an utter disgust for yourself, and by a Yery .slender estimate which I haye been compelled to make of your abilities in
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throwing so thin a veil over the hypocracy which placed around your monstrous prejudices.- [JAMES HAMILTONl [Added in Lamar's hand: J Louisiana was acquired in 1803- The treaty of Limits with Mexico was made on 12 January 1828. This treaty recites the preamble of the one made with Old Spain in 1819 & is confirmatory of that, making the line described in that, reaffirmed with Mexico in 1828. The Resolution, recognising Texas Independence by the U S. was introduced into the Congress by Mr Wa[l]ker on the same day & month that Texas declared her Independence- 2nd. March 1837, one year just after Old Spain never acknowledged the Independence of Mexico until the 28th Deer. 1836- when Texas had acquired her Independence- When steps were taken in the U S towards the Independence of Mexico The Spanish Minister entered a protest against the act-dated 9th March 1822- disregarding this protest, the US. acknowledged the Independence of Mexico in 1823- On the 25 Septr. Spain renewed her protest against this act of Recognition- On the 26 Octr 1825 she again renewed her protest against said act-- Yet in defiance of this the U S dispatched Mr. Poinsett to Mexico with proposals to purchase Texas from this newly established Govt- During all this time Spain was still waging War upon Mexico; and was holding the Castle of Vera Crus so late as 20 Deer. 1825- No. 2208. "RED RIVER SETTLEMENT." . LAMAR [Richmond, Texas, 1845 ?l The Line strikes near Pecan point, 20 miles below- above this point up the Red River there were in 1833 but very few inhabitants, not more than 20 families; the country however was just [coming into no]tice; emigration flowed in there rapidly; so that in 10 years that section, voted 1000 strong-embracing the Country now known as Bowie, Red River, Fannin, Lamar. Neil Martin, & Burkham were per- haps the first settlers on the Red River- Martin is esteemd a plain farmer but an excellent man; he removed from the Red River & set- tled near Nacogdoches where he still lives- Burkham he [was] resid- ing on the Choctaw side, where the Choctaws were removed by the Govt. to that country; Burkham had of consequence to leave; he crossed the river & was still residing there in 1833, few miles above the Spanish Bluff (Ellis' place) between that & Pecan point- Milaman, [sic] as the Agent of Genl. Wavel was on his way to Pecan point in 1830 with a Commissioner to settle emigrants on Wavel's Grant, when he & the commissioner were stop at Nacogdoches PY au- thority of the Mexican Govt-in consequence of the April Law of 1830-Genl. Teran was appointed Land Commissioner Genl to carry out the Law of 1830- The following posts were established by him in pursuance of this object- Anahuac . . . [mutilated] Col. Bean . · [mutilated] on the Natches above the Junction- near mouth US. 3rd March 1837 acknowledge Texas [Endorsed : J Notes on Texas & Mexico
PAPERS OF MIRABEAU Buo~APARTE LAMAR
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of Labacca- Velasco- Tenoxticlan, on the Brazos above Washington, Ruis commandant- See the pamplet written by a young man who was living with Mr. Adams [Endorsed:] Red River Settlement No. 2209. A. YOUNGER TO LAMAR · Robertson County January 21st 1846 Gen l\f. B. LAMAR DEAR Sm Col Bigaloe will hand you these lines which is to inform you that my self and others is tresspassing on your land not of Choise but necessity compels us to try to raise some corn for our familys I have only part of my family with me a few hands to make pro- visions to bring the balance of my family next fall I shall leave for home in May and would be glad to see you before I leave as I feel willing to purchase your lands at the prices that lands is offered for here I, have heard that you offer Yours for 50-Cts pr Acre On the receipt of this please inform me what you Can do in the matter Write to Chambers creek or Dallas if Convenient Come and See us I will meet You at any time or place you will name Yours respectfully A. YouNGER [Addressed:] Gen. M. B. Lamar Galveston Texas [Endorsed:] A Younger, to M. B. Lamar
No. 2210. JOHN MAcPHERSON BERRIEN TO LAMAR Washington [D. C.] 13th Fehr: '46
Sm,
I had before the receipt of your letter, given to Mr Polk, my testi- mony in favor of Judge Webb- and although my personal relations with the President, are kind, I think my political position forbids any urgency on my part- Indeed, this is the only case, in which I have thus far interfered- Perhaps also, the simple attestation of Judge Webbs qualifications, will be quite as efficient, as any urgency, of mine could be- I have been taught to expect that you will soon be with us, to at- tend to these matters yourself, and will be glad to see you · Respectfully Yrs J No : l\IAcPHERSON BERRIEN [Endorsed:] [mutilated] to M. B. Lamar
No. 2212. LAMAR TO BARNARD E. BEE, JR.
Belle Monte [near Austin, Texas,l 25th. Feby 1846.
l\{y DEAR YOUNG FRIEND,
Having in my possession a Sword which has long be~n sheathed in idleness and which is likely to remain so while in my custody, I beg
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TEXA.S STATE LIBHARY.
leave to presellt it to you, not only because you are the son of my warm, personal and political friend, but because I believe it will, in your hands- pro[ve more J efficient in the service of my countr_y, ancl more glorious to its wearer. I haYe hitherto preseryed it as a cherished rclick, for the reason that I placed it at my side for the first time when voluntarily called upon to command a corps on the memorable occasion of giving welcome to the glorious La Fayette in my native State; and I continued to wear it so long as I had the honor of guidiug that corps in the defence of the noblest principles of, the noblest man of Georgia- George M. Troup- It having thus been consecrated to such high duties, I cou Id not bear that it should fall into hands which might apply it to ignoble uses; and I, therefore, present it to one, who, if he fol1ow the examples of his father, will never draw it but in defence of just and honorable principles and when drawn, will never sheath it until his object be atchieved- Allow me then to ask _your acceptance of it as an. evidence of my estimate of your worth and of the sincere regard with which I subscribe myself Your friend- [)ImABEAU B. LAMAR] This letter was written to Lt. Bee, Son of Col. Barnaril Bee of South Carolina, on presenting him a sword- he answered the letter, but the answer I never recd.- M. B. L. [Addressed : J Lieut. Barnard E. Bee U. S. Army Care of Hon. B. E. Bee No. 2212a. POEM. LAMAR 3 [February? 1846 ?] Thou art indeed the poor man's friend, The rich man's brightest gem, Thro weal & woe, the brightest light In night's rich diadem. Thou art, indeed, a sister star, To Judah's gem on high; A lovely light, that guides aright, For all to wander by.
No. 2213. DAVID RUSK TO LAMAR
Nacogdoches 5th :March 1846 DE.Ht GENERAL I some time since made application to the President of the United States for the appointment of Marshall of the State of Texas or If you divided for the Eastern District If you are not already com- mitted to some other friend upon this subject and feel a willingness to recommend me. I will take it as a particular fayor I have already the Recommendation of many Respectable men but am satisfied yours would have great weight and I, feel anxious to go well recommended as I apprehend Genl Sam Houston will be against me With Great Respect your Friend & obt Servt DAVID RusK r Addressed : l Genl nlirabeau. B. Lamar Austin Texas. Care of Col H McLeod [Endorsed:] David Burk Kacagdoshes to )I. B. Lamar 'With No. 2212.
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PAPEHS 0];' l\1rnABEAU BuoN"APARTE LAMAR
No. 2214.· SAJI.IUEL M. WILLIAMS TO THE VOTERS OF THE SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT [Broadside] Fellow Citizens. My name is before you as a candidate for your suffrages to represent you in the Congress of the Union. And in soliciting you to cast your votes for me it is but reasonable to presume that you will require some declaration from me of my political faith. With your permission I will premise by saying that I emigrated from the United States at a period when there did not exist any party, for Mr Monroe was then President, and the old parties of Federalist and Republicans had ceased, and the present parties of Whig and Democrat had not been formed. I was brought up in the school of Jeffersonian democracy and was in favor of General Jackson, so far as opinion, for the Presidency of the United States. In this however, I might haYe been governed by my interest for being in Texas I certainly did feel and believe that the well being ol Texas was more likely to be promoted by a President from the Western or Southern portion of the States, than by one from the Northern or Eastern portion. It is .now the duty of a Citizen of Texas to support the present administration of the country, for to that is due the credit of our now forming one of the States of that Union- and without doubt Texas will require that from her representatives and I believe that every candidate now before you or who may present himself for your suffrages will cheerfully assent to that doctrine. It is my opinion that the best interest of our State will be promoted by a prompt arrangement of our public debt-and to me no plan ap- pears so feasible as that of contracting with the General Government for the liquidation of that debt, by a transfer in trust of our Public domain-making such reservation by percentage of the proceeds of the sales as will carry out the views of the State on the subject of public education, and so soon as the proceeds of the sales shall have liquidated the debt, that a portion of what may be then produced shall be paid to the Treasury of the State for the support of our State Government. I think it will be admitted, however desirable that the State should control its [own] domain, that the State of Texas has not the means, and cannot control an amount necessary to defray the expenses of sur- veying the public lands and consequently a transfer of 'them to the General Government is almost imperatiYe. For all I think will admit that a just and equitable liquidation of the public debt is very de- sirable for the credit of the State. How far the opinion of Internal Improvement may find favor with the Congress is problematical, yet it is certainly very desirable to Texas to have the Navigation of her Rivers improved by removing the exist- ing obstructions-for certainly the more easy transportation is ren- dered the more prompt and efficient must be the means of public de- fence, and if this doctrine cannot be favored a reservation from land sales should be made to produce a result so desirable for Texas. On the subject of the Tariff, I have always been in favor of as low a rate of import duties as will be sufficient to cover the expense of Government One portion of-Texas, the district lying below the paralel of 30° north latitude will be benefitted by a continuation of the duty
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
on Sugar, for by that an increased value would be given to the lands; but the mass of the inhabitants are consumers, and consequently desire every description of manufactures as cheap as they ca.n be afforded, and will naturally desire that this state, on the question of protection, should join her sister states of the South and West, who are for a reduction of duty to the revenue standard. · It has been suggested to me that there exists an opposition to me on account of the result of my mission in J\Iexico in 1843 in conjunction with Col. Hockley, it being generally believed that the commissioners exceeded or did not follow their instructions. I think that every can- did and unprejudiced mind will cease to entertain such opinions by referring to the origin of the mission. The government of Mexico never did propose nor agree to receive commissioners from the Re- public of Texas; and the proposition made by that government through the English Minister at Mexico, was clear and explicit that they would receive commissioners only upon the basis and plan proposed by the government of Mexico, upon which position Col. Hockley and myself were appointed. Thus the government of Texas was obliged either to refuse the overture, or accept it, turning a deaf ear, or passing over unnoticed, the term of revolted province or department, as Texas was styled in the proposals for an armistice. The commissioners were re- quired to exert themselves to produce a cessation of hostilities with a hope that future negotiation, to be carried on at the Capitol of Mexico might be productive of more favorable propositions, and lead to the acknowledgement of the Independence of Texas. The commissioners were required to exert themselves as best they might to produce delay, and if possible gain time so that Mexico through the interest of the government of England might be induced to receive a mission from Texas to negotiate for its independence; for the government of Texas would not proceed beyond the mere effort to create an armistice on account of the nature of the propositions presented through the agency of the English Minister. The commissioners had agreed with the Mexicans commissioners, upon an armistice under the approbation of Gen. Woll- which was honorable to 'rexas.- Gen. Woll only dissenting to the requisition of the Texas commissioners that the military posts of Laredo and Brassos Santiago should be abandoned. The negotiation entered into by the government of the U. S. and Texas for annexation procluced a very hostile feeling in J'IIexico toward Texas and the U. S.; the commis- sioners were looked upon as endeavoring to further that negotiation by entraping Mexico into an armistice, and were obliged to leave niex- ico without effecting any thing favorable; and by signing the docu- ment presented by the Mexican government did not exceed their in- structions or place the government and people of Texas in a worse position than the precise position both occupied at the time they set forth on their mission, for, as before mentioned, they were not ap- pointed by any agreement on the part of Mexico to receive commis- sioners from the Republic of Texas but solely on propositions presented. To the Settlers within the limits of what was Austin's Colonies, I have to say that I trust they will recollect olden times, and grant me the pleasure of their votes; and to the inhabitants of the West I con- fidently refer, as my feelings and my opinions have always been in their
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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
favor and their support, when I had any influence to exercise; and whether I am or not elected, I shall hail with pleasure their suffrages. Your obt. Servant. SAMUEL M: WILLIAMS. Galveston March 13, 1846. [Endorsed : J to the voters of the 2nd Congressional District No. 2220. GAZAWAY B. LAMAR TO LAMAR Brooklyn 14th May 1846 Genl :M B LAlfAR DR COUSIN By a letter I recd yesterday from my sister Rebecca, I learn that between you & Genl McLeod there is some misconception of what I wrote to her, or of what he has written to you relative to the 1~00$ I sent you from Savannah- & that you were pressing and sacrificing the Sales of your Lands to repay it- To begin I never wrote anything in any way calling for the repay- ment-my letter alluded entirely to the Liens which you were to have placed in my hands prior to the loan- & when I sent the Check were requested to be placed with Genl or Mr McLeod- to secure the pay- ment- & I I [sic] took occasion to scold you for not only neglecting both- but that you had not sent me so much of an acknowledgment of the debt- By which I could prove it in case of death- This has been my offence & no more- & any thing beyond it, ~k- ing repayment is a misrepresentation some where- & any sacrifices you have made or may make in consequence, are altogether supererog- atory as to me- . I hope you have secured the Titles to my Lands- & will send them to me----: & if they will command $2.00 pr acre I will sell out for Cash only- If any one is settled on my Land get a written acknowledg- ment & an obligation to give possession on demand or give him notice to quit forthwith- We have had a/ c from Genl Taylor's army up to the. Capture of the detachment of Dragoons under Capt Thornton- Congress has declared quasi War & appropriated 10 millions Dollars & to raise 50 000 Volun- teers to bring it to a speedy conclusion- ! think they have acted prematurely & unwisely- & on a false ground- And I am prepared to hear soon that Genl Taylor has driven them back across the Rio Grande or that they are Captured or dispersed If you have not sold the Land you need not to pay me, but place the papers as before requested with a Lien on them so that in any event, I may have a claim & security for it- This is what I have to give beforehand for all loans I get_:_ & glad to get them so- I meant this 1200$ as an accommodation to keep you & old Hous- ton apart & if it has been used otherwise, I regret it-for that reason- Yours truly G B LAMAR [Addressed: J Genl :M. B. Lamar Point Isabel Texas Politeness of Gen Cazneau [Endorsed:] G. B. Lamar to M B Lamar
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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
No. 2222. STATE::\IENT OF JOHN SIBLEY Genl. l\IcLeod has in his possession a mule branded U. S. which was given [ ?] to him to replace a mule that was accidentally taken by one asst Qr l\Ir at Point Isabel and issued as a pack [ ?] mule to the ~Iinute Texas Volunteers- J. SIBLEY Capt & Qr M. Matamoras Augt 13. 1846 Transfered to A Commissary &c Return this- A. Com
Ko. 2223. :FRANK S. EARLY TO LA::\IAR
Carmargo [Mexico] August 31st 1846
DEAR GENERAL I write to request of you the favour to have made for me a correct copy of the election returns of our Regimental officers. I wish all accurate, as I may, perhaps, find it my privilege, if not, a duty to myself, to avail myself of some irregularities, to contend for what I conceive to be my rights. This is a favour of some magnitude but I know of none to whom I could apply with more confidence, than to yourself Please send back the copies by return of Lieut Howard Very respectfully yr obt Servt FRANK S EARLY Capt &c [Addressed: J Genl. M. B. Lamar Camargo favr of Lieut Howard [Endorsed:] Frank S. Early to M B Lamar No. 2224. POWER OF ATTORNEY FROM GABRIEL CALAVA [Translation from the Spanish J China, Sept. 16, l84f 61 I give power of attorney to my sen-ant Pedro Guarjardo in order that he may receive from the [Quar]termaster of the forces [which have gone] today from the River to . [mutilated] Let Your Excel- lency girn the six pesos, for a load of corn which is furnished to the sick, and to Gen. 2.Iarlebo Lema, and besides the pack of the four mules that go as fas as . [mutilated] Thus the Hon. Gen. Guinn [Winn?] has assured it to me.
GABRIEL CALAVA [Rubricl 2.Ionterrey Septr. 20, 1846
Recd. of l\L B. Lamar, Division Inspector of the Texas forces, Three dollars in payment for nine Almudes of corn furnished him in China- his Attest WALTER WINN PEDRO X GUAJARA mark
COFFEE Camargo 25th Oct 1846
No. 2230. LA2.IAR TO
Col COFFEE
First Regt Ala Volunteers Srn- I had occasion whilst in :Matamoras to put the question to l\Iaj Bliss Asst Ajdt Genl to the Commander in Chief as to the legal and
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PAPERS OF :MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LA-:IL-1.R
proper mode of having a private of one Company transfered to an- other I was induced to do this in consequence of a desire on the part ~f one of Coln Johnsons men of foot infantry to join the Texas Mounted Riflemen, I received in reply, as well as I now remember, the following decis- sion as coming Head Quarters itself.-viz-:- that the Consent of the Commander in Chief was necessary to the "discharge" of a soldier but that the "transfer" of a soldier from one Company to another, required only the consent of the Capt, and the approval of the Colonel, I think it was upon this decision, and in this manner that private Alston of the Galveston foot Company was transfered to the Regiment of Texas :Mounted Riflemen, Believing- such to be the law, and the custom, I did not' suppose that any difficulty could arise in having private Hill,- Company "E" of your Regiment transfered to my Command, after his having received the consent of his Captain and yourself, I am told hm\fever, that Gnl Patterson will not allow the desired transfer to be made, His reasons for refusing the request I have not been informed of, They may be very just and substantial, and if understood might prove altogether satisfactory; but neither :Mr Hill nor myself having any right to demand an explanation of his views and motives, it becomes us both to submit to the decision as readily without a reason, as with one, As the matter however is one of some little feeling with me, (the nature of which you understand,) I shall take the liberty of appealing to Genl Taylor upon the subject, and if a fa~orable answer shall be recd from him, I hope that I may find a ready renewal of Your consent to the transfer, as well as the friendly acquiescence of Capt. Shelby, l\Ir Hill is a very young man,- is my near relation, and desires the benefits of my counsils and guardian- ship,-has performed his duty as a good soldier, his transfer will be gratifying to his parents and probably to himself, and can prove no possible detriment to the public service, His time will not be abridged by the transfer, nor will his activity be diminished, Under these cir- cumstances, if you might assume the responsibility of laying them before Genl Patterson in person, it is more than probable his consent might yet be obtained before my departure, I shall leave some time tomorrow Yours Respectfully l\lIRABEAU B. LAMAR [Endorsed :] 1\f B Lamar to Col Coffee
No. 2231. THOMAS l\l. LIKENS TO LAMAR
Camp l\lartinario [ ?] Nov 7th 1846
Capt. Comdg. Lorado Guards Sm I have the honor to Report, that a member (private) belonging to your Command viz John Criswell has acted as I believe improperly, for the general wellfare, desire, and happiness of the Command it is only necessary for each one to do his duty promptly. and at the same time be Respectfull to their Officers and not to act Contemptuously. on the 6th Inst. the said Criswell was mildly Requested by myself to Remain behind and not Ride in front of the pack mules- his Reply
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