difficulties and disasters, privations and sufferings, where the common alotment. of the settlers. The apparent munificence of the government, had conceded to them large portions of land; and the lands were intrinsically valuable; but presently, they were of little worth. The early settlers regarded, rather their children than themselves, in anticipating the rewards of their painful migration to a wilderness. Their titles were made perfect, according to the best tenure of all earthly possessions; they were derived directly from the government, in whom the property resided. To invade the sanctity of those titles, and to cancel rights, consecrated by so many sufferings, would be a refinement of iniquity, that would have caused a blush of compunction, to suffuse the countenances of the Gracchii. I trust that this congress, and all others that may assemble in .Texas, will promptly and decisively put the seal of their reprobation upon all sinister and unrighteous speculations in the public domain. But the moment the Legislature of a country attempts, with an unhallowed hand, to violate the just and vested rights of individuals, government ceases to be a blessing, and civil society is divested of half it guarantees. In the course of your labors for the public weal, you may experience trials and vexations that will be calculated to discourage your hearts, and infuse disgust into your minds. Your best exertions and most elaborate productions, may receive reproach, instead of approval; and your motives may be impugned, when they are pure as the snow of the mountain Lop. But let not these things dishearten you; it is but "the rough brake that virtue must go through." Banish from your councils, aU party spirit and political intrigue; and armed in the panoply of an honest patriotism, move forward in the path of duty, and onward to the goal of our country's redemption. And may the Almighty Ruler of the Universe, give you wisdom to discern, virtue to choose, and firmness to pursue, the right and eschew the wrong. And then your labors will redound to the essential and permanent benefit of your country, and will so establish your own fair fame, that the voice of jealousy and the tongue of vituperation, shall not prevail to sully its brightness. David G. Burnet Columbia, 4th October, 1836
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