Mirabeau Lamar to David G. Burnet, July 17, 1836

of the land. I stand alone in its defense,
and in consequence am fast losing my
influence. I hope I shall be able to
recall the old Citizens of Texas to a sense
of their rights and their duty; the Volun-
teers are bent on supremacy. A Vote
was taken a few days since
on the question of seizing Santa Anna
to [by] the Army, which was determined in
favor of the measure by a vast majority.
They have sent after him. My present
purpose is, when I shall take my position
with the Regulars and a few companies
of the Volunteers to stop him before he
reaches the main army and refer his
fate to the Citizens of Texas instead of
turning him over to the decision of
Greenes [sic] soldiers. I believe he has forfeited
his life & should die—that is my voice—
but I want the Congress to pronounce it
and not a rebellious mob of strangers who
have been made such by an arbitrary
and weak General. If I am wrong
in any matter write me your very candid-
ly [sic] as I wish to be ruled by the
best authority that can be had. I aim
only at the interest and glory of my Country
and whenever it is deemed by the intelligence
of that Country that I stand in the way
of its prosperity I am ready to retire.
I have a dreadful task and duty to perform
here, & shall require the aid & support
of every friend of order and Civil government.
I shall issue such orders as soon as
I am planted in power, as to keep under
my control if possible the Volunteers who
are now coming into the Country; I want
you Somerville [Alexander Somervell] & the balance of the