Whereas it has been represented to this body that certain individuals are taking the advantage of their countrymen, while they are in the field, in the service of their country, by procuring lands, and surveying the same, when the right justly belongs to the men who are serving the country; and whereas great injustice might be done by such a course, the council are of the opinion that all land matters ought to cease until the meeting of the consultation, at which time the matter will be properly taken into consideration; therefore, Resolved, That all the land offices be closed, until the present difficulties of Texas are removed, or until the consultation meets, and acts on the matter. And further, that all commissioners cease to grant orders of surveys, and that all surveyors cease their operations in surveying, and that all transactions whatever, in regard to public lands, shall cease until the consultation meets and act on the subject; at the same time giving assurance that all in the service of their country will be justly dealt by, and that no advantage will be suffered to be taken of them; and that those who are defending their rights and country shall have their full quantity of land, as guaranteed by the colonization law.
(Signed) R. R. Royall,
President.
A. Houston, Secretary.
Telegraph and Texas Register, October 31, 1835. Austin Papers, 21.
