BURNET, DAVID GOUVERNEUR, President of the Republic of Texas. Three autograph letters signed, ("David G Burnet") to Col. Thomas Ward as Commissioner of the General Land Office in Austin; Oakland [Texas], 10 January, 11 March and 19 November 1845. Together 5 pages, 4to, and 2 pages, folio, each with address panel and docket, two with remains of wax seals, marginal tears affecting nine words and one signature, a few minor tears, holes and fold breaks. After his unsuccessful campaign for the presidency against Sam Houston in 1841, Burnet had retired to his farm. 10 January: "...Many changes have taken place in this changing world since we left Austin--For my own part, I have repudiated as far as may be all politics and political aspirations from my mind, and am persuaded that true happiness and comfort are not to be enjoyed while one is scuffling in the arena of political strife--In this country especially I believe an honest man is better off in quiet retirement--But I still entertain a hope that you, if you desire it, will be retained in the public service for I am confident no one has or will discharge the duties of the laborious office you occupy, with more ability and diligence than you have done. No man who serves the public need expect to escape censure--an angel specially commissioned from Heaven could not please all....I understand a bill has passed both Houses requiring the Officers to return to the Seat of government. The removal from thence was a most atrocious act on the part of Sam Houston--I trust the present incumbent will be a little more subordinate--and Austin may again lift up its head...."; 11 March: "...Annexation is the all absorbing subject in these parts, and I really do not know enough of what is being done, in relation to it, to form a national conjecture as to its result. I am in favor of being annexed, if w[e] can, for I fear greatly, the issue of our experiment to establish an independent government....". (3)