Iowa territorial gazette and advertiser., 1845-06-28

square miles, called the attention Of the
House to the fact, and, having the map be-
fore me, suggested to the mover ofthe reso-
luton such change in the phraseology Of
the amendment which had just been adopt
ed as would give US the Nicollet boundary,
and thereby carry into effect what knew
to be the intention Of the House. The
House, BY very large and decided vote,
had manifested fixed determination not
to give US the lines asked for in our consti-
tuition, but to assign us those recommended
by Mr.. Nicollet. Percsiving this, should
have been wanting in duty had I know
lingly permitted language to be employed
in defining our boundary which would
have given us some 5000 square miles
less surface than it was evident it was in
tended We should have.
In the circular letter which addressed
you from Washington in March last, in
forming you Of the changes made by Con-
gress in our State lines, | expressed the
opinion, based upon surrounding circum-
stances, that we would not be able here
after to obtain more extended limits than
those called for in our act Of admission.
This opinion l honestly entertained; and
entertaining it, the candor which felt was
due from a representative to his constit-
uents influenced me to avow it. My OBJ
ject in issuing that circular, was to enable
the people to vote understandingly upon
the constitution as modified by the action
OF Congress-; and the statements contained
in it, both Of fact and opinion, were made
from the best data within my reach.
was aware that the public mind was likely
to be involved in great confusion in rela-
ton to the charges made by Congress in
the metes and bounds of the State; and be-
ing at point where correct information as
to the precise size of the State could be
obtained, and having before me the best and
most recently published maps Of the coun-
try, entertained the hope that it was in
my power to lay before you some informa-
tion on the subject which you were not al
ready possessed of. In doing this ex-
pressed the belief, which was shared in Ly
all at Washington with whom l conversed
on the subject, that more extended bounda-
| rles could not be obtained; but in thus ex-
pressing myself certainly did not suppose
| was doing an act which would in any
wise interfere with my official conduct,
should it be your pleasure to continue me
in your service, or in the slightest degree
disqualify me from making the most stren-
uous efforts to obtain hereafter such a
boundary as would be satisfactory TO you.
Can it be presumed that the action of Con-
gress is to be influenced by the opinion Of
a private individual in a matter of such
great moment? 1t is idle, and worse than
idle, to suppose SO. Members Of Congress,
in determining this question, win be gov
erned, it is to be hoped, by considerations
worthy Of Legislators and statesmen, look
ing to the harmony and perpetuity Of our
glorious Union. | might have expressed
conviction the opposite Of that contained
in my circular; but had done so can it be
supposed such an avowal en- my part would
have induced Congress to decide this mat
ter in our favor? The question furnishes
its own answer.
If again sent to Washington as your Del
egate, will go there to carry out your
views, opinions and wishes, on this subject,
as on all others. The popular feeling has
been SO clearly and emphaticaly expressed
in relation to the curtailment Of our boun-
daries as to leave none at loss to know
what it is; and did not my judgment, as it
does, tell me that the boundaries called for
by the constitution are those best calcula-
ted to make Iowa prosperous and happy
State, the duty which a representative
owes to those he represents would impel
me, were again called into your service, to
devote all my time, talents and energies,
towards carrying into effect the voice Of
those for whom acted.
/ cannot close this communication with
out congratulating my fellow citizens upon
the prospect now presented of our early
incorporation into the Union. The en-
phatic expression Of public sentiment
given more than year since in favor Of
State government in the vote upon the
convention, and the truly republican
character Of the excellent constitution now
presented for adoption, forbid the enter
tainment of reasonable doubt as to the re-
suit of the vote which is again to be taken
in August. As citizen of Iowa / felt
proud at the many encomiums heard
passed upon the constitution during the
past winter at Washington by many of the
most distinguished men Of the country;
and its adoption now, after being once voted
down, will vindicate US from all improper
I imputations, and show to those abroad who
prize that instrument that its principles
are equally dear to us.
There are several other topics to which
desired to advert, but their mention, ! fear
would make this communication too long
for convenient perusal. As ! design to visit
and address you in person, viii then be
enabled to speak Of matters which am
compelled here to omit. In the course d
my service as your Delegate, many oppor-
tunities occurred Of forwarding your loca
and individual interests, which never
failed to improve, but Of which I kept ne
note, and which it would be tedious to detail
These little services were Of almost daily
occurrence; and although unnoted, have
served to swell the tide Of your progress
and to increase the aggregate Of your pros
perity.
In conclusion, permit me, my fel
! low citizens, to express to you my dec
: sense Of the obligation owe you for TIL
! honors which you have conferred upol
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