“To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives of the , in Congress assembled.

Your Memorialist, a free born citizen of these , respectfully sheweth, that from his infancy his soul has been filled with the most intense and philanthropic interest for the welfare of his native country; and being fired with an ardor, which floods cannot quench, crowns cannot conquer, nor diplomatic intrigue corrupt, to see those principles which emanated from the bosoms of the fathers of seventy six, and which cost the noblest talents and richest blood of the nation, maintained inviolate and perpetuated to future generations; and the proud eagle of American freedom soar triumphant over every party prejudice, and local sinistry; and spread her golden pinions over every member of the human family, who shall stretch forth their hands for succor from the Lion’s paw, or the oppressor’s grasp; and firmly trusting in the God of Liberty, that he has designed universal peace and good will, union and brotherly love to all the great family of man, your Memorialist asks your honorable body to pass the following ordinance.

An ordinance for the protection of the citizens of the emigrating to the adjoining territories, and for the extension of the principles of universal Liberty.

Whereas many of the citizens of these have migrated, and are migrating to , , and other lands contiguous to this nation; And Whereas has declared herself free and independent, without the necessary power to protect her rights and liberties; And Whereas is without any organized government, and those who emigrate thither are exposed to foreign invasion, and domestic feuds: And Whereas the by geographical location and discovery more rightfully belongs to these , than to any other general Government; And Whereas it is necessary that the emigrants of that newly settling territory should receive protection; And Whereas the Texian Government has petitioned the to be received into our Union, but yet retains her national existence; And Whereas the remember with gratitude, the seasonable support they received, in a like situation from a La Fayette: And Whereas the desire to see the principles of her free institutions extended to all men; espe[HC 6:275]cially where it can be done without the loss of blood and treasure to the nation: [p. 1940]