The Port Gibson herald, and correspondent. (Port Gibson, Claiborne Co., Miss.) 1848-18??, 1850-11-15
An Interesting Letter.

The following letter was written by Governor
Burnett Of California TO the delegates in Con~
gress from Oregon. While Il effectuaIly relntes
the charge recklessly made against the lamen-
ted Taylor of advising an improper interference
! in the formation Of the State of California, it
shows the author to be frank and patriotic man..
II confirms the statements made by the delegate
from Oregon, which soma were inclined to
doubt. Some there are who are determined not
to be informed concerning the true history Of
California. They have theory based on the
illegal manner in which the sovereign people os
that State exercised their undoubted rights. 1t
will not do, however, to test this theory By facts,
tor In this event it is sure 10 fall TO the ground
We know that facts are oftentmes very obstin-
ate; and do utterly refuse to Weld to the whims
oil those who would mould them to suit their self.
ish purposes. Nepertneless, as California has
become State; and as her hundred thousand
citizens will probably not consent 10 have her
thrust out of the Union. it may not be amiss to
recognize the validity OF these facts, and confess
that In our zeal we have slightly slandered the
goood people Of that State Southron.
SAN JOSE; August 4, 1850.
Dear Sir: | have had no time to read the
speech you delivered in the House of Represent
tatives on the 25th of March last, until day or
two since. must in candor say was greatly
pleased with it.
You have bat done justice to the people of
California, and the feiaiion they bear toward
their brethren of Oregon. You have been re.
markably accurate in your Statement oftLe facts
and circumstances that led 10 the formation of
State constitutions; and when say your state
ment is accurate, only state that which do
know, for took prominent parl in all the lead
Iror 60 ff,,k al
! presume you have obtained much of yonr in.
formation from my friend Gilbeft, who is fami-
liar with nearly all the facts connected with the
whole matter.
After the formation of local Legislature in
San Francisco, and willie was absent in S lcra-
mento City, and without my knowledge or con-
sent, was electeda member Of that body This
took place in the month OF May, lS49 In the
latter part of that month returned to San Fran
cisco, where my lamily had arrived about the
middle of the month. did not myself much
like The manner of organizing different local Leg
islatures, as doubted the pfopirety Of doing so,
1t we could do any better. | determined, how
ever that would take my seat. The sessions
of the body were held only at night and, the ve-
ry first night took nv seat, without previous
consultation with any human being, | made
dress to the people Of California, urging themto
hold convention to rm government for the
whole territory. This motion supported in
several speeches, and it prevailed. I drew up
the address, which was adopted. but before we
could get il printed, Gen. Riey's proclamation
was out. We knew nothing Of his intention to
issue such proclamation, and our movements
were entirely independent Of his, and were actu-
4itU q at 0f forua rinocc haf fha
date Of his proclamation, and were complete be-
fore we had any knowledge of it. | believe
have rgh. to claim the responsibility of making
the first public movement toward the formation
of State Government. | know did not fol-
low General Riley, or any one else.
We adopted his plan in part for the purpose
of harmony. was one of the committee ap-
pointed by the president of the public meeting
to fix upon time when delegates were to be
chosen, &c, as you state iE your speech.
For myself individually, and as the first Gov
ernor of California, thank you for the Justice
you have done the long-negected, misrepresen-
ted and misunderstood people of California.
They have suffered long and patiently; and not
only so, but they have sren in the only law pas
sed by Congress for Their government, viola
ton of the fundamental principles of hnman IL
bcrty. We have been taxed, not only without
representation, bnt without government, and, lest
we should question the correctness of the deci-
sion OF the officer sent hither to collect these tax
es, we are compelled to go either to Oregon or
| to Louisiana for jusiice-which amounts practi-
cally TO an utter denial o. justice at all. Tie
| bill 10 extend the revenue law over California
was evidently framed TO stand alone, and not in
connexion with any other measure. Ifthose
who voted for it did so under the opinion that
territorial government would also be created for
! California at the same session, why did they vote
/ for that feature which sends US TO Oregon or
Louisiana for justice3 This cannot under
stand. The bill upon its very ACE shows hat
| Congress intended we should feel the burdens
but not enjoy the benefits of government.
] But hope that ere this our Pacific star has
been admitted into the glorious Union Of States.
Such is the ardent wish of US all. Our country
has neglected and even oppressed US; but there
is not in our hearts one feeling OF revenge, or
one sentiment of enmity. We feel as dniinl
children toward Kind parent, who has for once
been in error, whose uniform kindness we have
enjoyed that we can never forget it. We can
only complain, that our wrongs may be redres-
sed; but, as for making war upon our country,
oh never! although he slay me vet will Itrnst
in him." There is no earthly object tlai ! so
idolize as that UNION! My heart is in the coffin
there with Cesar"
Accept assurances of my respect. Your nbe.
dent servant. PETER Fl. BURNETT.
! HoN. s. r. THURsToS.