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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
terests of the [coun]try. The dissemination of facts calculated to [advance] our reputation and charac:ter with foreign [nations] is a matter of no idle importance. It would not only exercise a very salu- tary influence over the minds of our own citizens but would 111aterially augment the the [sic] number of our population and friends- I am very well aware of your reluctafnce to enter] into any thing of a Political nature, but a go[vernment] like an individual should aways be pre[pared to] defend its character when assailed. The peo- ple [have been] too frequently decei\·ecl of late by the ex parte, [state- ments] of Journals equally corrupt and irresponsible, and they now 8nticipate the institution of such prudential measures as will place in the most genuine and unvarnished light the true and actual condition -of Texas. If the proposition to establish a Press therefore meet your approbation I will immediately exert myself in procuring the materials indispensible to its foundation which if successful I ho[pe to be] the 1eading Paper of the Country. The National [Intelligencer] of Texas '(not the Houston Intelligencer) I do not how[ever] Expect that you will take any pecuniary interc[st] in the project. I simply write to ascertain from you [the] probability of my inducing- some few of the promin[ent] ones at Houston to cooperate with me. Had I th[e funds] I should solicit no aid but prosecute [the project] upon my own re- sponsibility- We have no news worthy of consideration. Hoping to see you [soon] in renewed health I Remain with sentiments [of] the highest Respect &c Your Obdt Friend & S[ervant] JNO. S Ev[ANS] [Addressed:] Gen Mirabeau B. Lamar Houston Texas politeness, Dr. Smith [Endorsed:] John [S. Evans] Gal [veston June 29,J 1839 To Establish a Paper &c
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No. 1355. THOMAS F. SMITH TO LAl\fAR Republic of Texas
County of Red River [June, 1839]
·To his Excellency l\L B. LAMAR, Your petitioner would respectfully shew, that he is a licensed attor- ney in this Republic-that he has obtained a diploma from the Su- 'preme court of South Carolina, and soliciting, if Circumstances will permit, the appointment of Attorney for the Republic, so -far as re- gards its landed operations in this country. There are a number of Spurious claims which may be mdlified by proper exertion- I have made application for an appointment in the Army of Texas; and if the same should not be conferred, I will attend to the duties of said ·office. I am no sycophant but, T used my utmost exertions for your Elc('(.ion, helie\·ing that you wonlcl C'hange the general admn. of the CTovt. to the ndrnntaCTe of the people. If snirl office can be conferred ~n your petitioner, h~ is able to bring the best of e\·i<leD;ce in the case & will ntteml to it:-: duties strfrtly- From the r<'corrl of our Board of Land Commi,-:-:ioners, it appears· to me, that no c·erti ficate granted. ·by our former board will be good. '!'his iF.: a ralamity-an<l I re~ret it-- But I know that a great mnny rlaims have been recognized by our
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