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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
No. 1783. JAMES S. :MAYFIELD TO LAMAR
( Confidential) To/ Genl. M. B. LAMAR President of the R. T. DEAR Sm,
Nacogdoches 25th April 1840
I take the liberty of addressing hastily a line which you will con- sider with that [mutilated] which I hope that animates me addressing you. It is known to you, and many of my friends that I have studiously avoided public life, or employment and eschewed all political associations. I have been strongly urged by my Country-men to run for a seat in the next Congress and should I consent to do so, it will not be the result, or choice of conduct I had prescribed for myself upon coming to this country-I however feel and take a deep interest in its pros- perity and welfare, and will not lend myself to the support of partisans or demagouges- To the main measures of your administration I have given an humble but decided and honest support, and would be glad to know that your ulterior views; upon all main points coincided with those of one so humble as myself-I do, and have legislation so far as relates to our finances, founded in error, which if carried out must eventuate in the complete bankruptcy of the country- We have attempted to liquidate the public debt to soon- Time must be obtained-and the country only required to pay the ordinary expenses of Government, and those neces- sary to the termination of the war. The present population cannot do more than defray these expenses- Those who may come after us must pay the former liabilaties. I write in haste but when more at leisure I will write more fully and explicit. The war with Mexico must be terminated, by truce treaty or otherwise. Upon these subjects please communicate to me your ulterior views- if they meet with those of your humble servant, it will go far to de- termine, as to the course I shall adopt as to rupning for a seat in the next Congress-I will not become one who shall enter congress with the view of thwarting or embarrassing the administration; at the same time I would act upon the dictates of my best judgment in relation to those measures, best calculated to enhance the honor and prosperity -of the Country. I hope you will [not] consider this otherwise than actuated by "honest and friendly motives Respectfully Your friend & obt Sert JAMES 8. 1\1AYFIELD [Endorsed:] Jas. S Mayfield, Nacogdoches. April 25 1840 No. 1785. R. F. MAURY TO LAMAR Louisville Kentucky April 25-1840 SIB I hope you will consider the Subject sufficient excuse for my writing to you- I wish to gain a Little information concerning your Army and if you
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