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to avoid evllisiones, inevitably unfortunate, in any result. At the same time it cannot abandon its obligations, its title deeds, & its rights. It cannot allow the citizens to be incarcerated in foreign gaols. The State would shrink most dreadfully under the shame of such a submission. For the sake of being fully informed it has for several years solicited the documents possessed by the general government in relation to this subject. It is with great confidence that I urge its consideration now in as much as all that has been requested, has been supplied agreeably to what was understood to be the wish of the last Legislature. That invaluable mass of documents. Now in the Secretary;s office. and the copies of communications between myself and others contain nearly all that jean offer. The delicate nature of the subject induces me to ask a particular examination in reference to publication, if that shall be proposed, yet, there is no wish on my part that what has been written by myself shall be disposed of in one way in preference to the other. On the most thoughtful revival. I find no past deviation from my existing sentiments, and am bound to sustain the most rigorous responsibility.