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461
PAl'Bns OF .MmADEAU BroxAPARTE LA:\uu
of establishing a line of military posts on the frontier· and had been a little more liberal in its appropriations for public def~nce, as well as fo~· the support of the government in general, I should certainly enter- tam much greater confidence in the benefits to fl.ow from the residue of lll,Y administration; lmt believing that whatever was ordered by the last ~ongress. was aimed for the best, it will be my duty, as fnr as practicahle, to administer the government within the prescribed limits of their ec.:011omy, am[ to rely upon the patriotism of the people to sus- tain me in the assumption of such responsibility as may be ob\'iously essential to the safety a11d welfare of the cow1try. Without harmony and a proper understanding between the Execu- tive and the people, no essential benefits can be expected to result from any administ.ration; for the execution of the laws, the defence of the countr_y, 1111d indeed the success of almost every important measure must depe11tl 11pon their mutual confidence and cooperation. I shall, therefore, confidently expect, as I shall endeavor to deserve, a contin- uation of the present good feelings of my fellow-citizens towards me, and their heart,v support of such of my measures, during the remainder of my term of office, as may seem to them condusin~ to the public weal. Co11scious of the rectitude of my intentions, I would at all times, have my motives and my policy subjected to the most rigid scrutiny; but for that scrutiny to be beneficial to the country it is necessary that it should be conducted with candor and moderation, unbiased by party prejudices and free from all personal feelings. He who would aYoid this te:St, is unworthy of the country's confidence; and without it, no verdict in hehalf of a public functionary can be either just or valuable. It is precisely upon this principle, gentlemen, that I attach so much impor- tauce to the compliment which you have been pleased to bestow in behalf of yo[u]rselves and the good people of TraYis. Believing that it is based upon a fair and full im·estigation and approval of the gen- eral course of mv administration, and that it affords some assurance of f_uture support, I cannot clo otherwise _than recefre it wi_th 1~1\nglcd feelrngs of pride aud gratitude; and whilst I regret my mab1hty_at present to meet my fellow-citizen of this city and county at the f~stt_re, board I must entreat YOU to make known to them my due appreciation of th~ir kindness, ancf that I regard the heartfelt welcome which they hm·e given me on my return to the oapital, as one of the l~ighcst l_1011ors of my political life, because it is an unbought and free-will offermg to one who will shortly ha,·e to surrender the power and patronage of office, and is tenclerecl by a people who have known me brst: ancl hare had clnil,v opportunitieg of judging the motiYes of my puhhl' ronclu_ct. With these sentiments, gentlemen, I ha,·e the honor to sulisrribc myself Your friencl ancl fellow citizen i\£111.\nE.\r R. T,.Uf.\ll. fEnclorsrcl:] Letter to the ('iti?.eng of Austin & Trari~ Co. An~wer to invitation to Public Dinner.
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