281
PAPERS OF 111Ill.\-UEAU BUONAPARTE LAM.AR
to make the first literary paper in Texas appear as it should, to obtain the patronage and support of an enlightened and independant people at home and command the respect of good judges abroad, I am con- fident of succeeding eventually. I have become convinced, that at this early day of our existauce as au intellectual people, it is not the better part of prude,,ce to devote a newspaper exclusively to literary and scientific matter; and have determined therefore to combine therewith in the "Richmond Telescope and Texas Literary Register," as much of other general subjects as may be thought to be of interest and utility to the various classes composing the enterprising citizens of our pros- pering country. I know that I need not ask for the influence and support of one of your virtues, if I continue to sustain the character of an honest, faith- ful, and independent servant of the people; but as a young man, want- ing maturity of judgement in the important and responsible situation I have assumed, attention to the ach-ice of some older person so capable of advising as yourself, would not be a cause of regret in after life. If, occasionally, in your recreative moments from the arduous duties of a station which has been Yery propperly styled "a bed of thought," you can take the trouble to favour me with a few lines upon this sub- ject, you will have gratified one who will be grateful for being under obligations to your Excellency. With esteem I am, my dear sir, your Excellency's Very obt and humb. Servt. DAVID L. Woon [Addressed:] His Excellency :M. B. Lamar, City of Houston. [Endorsed:] D L Wood Richmond May 1839
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No. 1245. SAMUEL WHITING TO LA?i1AR
Houston May 3rd. 1839
Genl. M. B. LAl\lAR 1\fr on Srn
I extremely regret the nessity of complaining to you of the manner In which I am treated in the deduction of my accounts for work done for the Government. The only dech1-ctions are made at the State de- partment Judge Webb says he is governed by no other contract but the one made by Niles & Co. Niles & Co having nothing to do with my arrangements for Govt printing & since that contract was made the Journey men printers have struck for higher wages, and we now have been facing for the last 8 mos 25 pr ct more than when that contract was made & the advance in prices not material & depreciation of money full 25 ct. more it is impossible for me to do the public print- ing for the rates now allowed hy the state department I am willing to do the work re<Juired at a fair and IiYing profit; hut not at a dead loss for the labor bestowed on it the contract made by Niles & Co was not a. very large estimate for Prinl-ing alone as it may be seen on aforesaid r ?] on reference to Said contract, nothing said about paper & the Ilo11ble Secy of State has concluded that I am not intitled to it- I am willing to do the printing according to the scale of charges then establii;hed and to add the cost of materials- the Govt. could not expect their
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