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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
No. 2494 1855 Sept. 10, D. BAKER, HUNTSVILLE, [TEXAS] TO M. B. LAMAR, [RICHMOND, TEXAS] 88
Huntsville 10th. Sept. 1855.
The Hon. M. Lamar Sir,
I regret much that I had not the pleasure of seeing you when I was in Richmond, last. I did not know that you resided near that town, until late in the evening - too late for me to pay you a visit. I would, particularly, like to have half an hour's conversation with you, touching the claims of the Heirs of Stephen F. Austin, for monies expended and service rendered, in the cause of Texas. These claims the heirs, from motives of delicasy, have not· pressed and have turned them over to Austin College - thinking, that although the Legislature might not be disposed to enrich the heirs, they might be disposed to perpetuate the name of that illus trious man - and what could be a better plan than to build up a Literary Institution which bears his name and is already a credit to our State? Please, Sir favor. me with your views on the subject. Having yourself taken an active part in establishing the independence of late Republic; and, having, moreover, yourself, had the honor of filling the Presidential chair your opinions would have weight with many old Texans, who, with you, fought and conquered, under the flag of the "Lone Star'!-and would also have a powerful influence upon New Comers, who are reposing under the shade of the tree, which you, and your noble associates, planted and watered in past times of peril & conflict. If [ 89 ] Sir, you think favorably of these claims, and if you think that Austin College might be benefited by them, you will do me a signal kindness, by making suggestions, in regard to the best mode of bringing those claims before the Legisla ture of our State. With sentiments of highest consideration Yrs. truly Dan Baker I believe that you are aware of the fact; that the Heirs of Stephen F. Austin have agreed to deed to our College, lands sufficient to en dow one Professorship! - This was noble, and princely! And now if the Legislature will only give us such liberal aid, we shall be able to make Austin College worthy of the name it bears - and some thing of which Texas may well be proud.
[Endorsed] Personal 1855
88 A. L. S. ..Illegible.
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