THE AUSTIN PAPERS 427 soothing the feelings of the Mexicans and even tickling their vanity in a, judicious manner- As regards my own individual views and objects I will give them to you with the most perfect frankness and candor. It has been, and is, my ambition to redeem Texas from the wilderness, and to lay n solid foundation for its fnture prosperity. I do not believe that, thnt object can be effected by any kind of union with the U. S. for such an union would of course intail slavery on this fair region, which may be made the Eden of America- ~atan entered the sacred garden in the shape of a serpent- if he is allowed to enter Texas in the shape of negros it will share the fate of Eden,- We have been well treated by the Mexican Govt. and we are bound by our oaths to be faithful to it- I will loose my life before I will forfeit that obligation or do aught whic:h my duty as a Mexican citizen forbids- I wish to see a foundation laid here for the happiness of posterity, as well as for that of the present generation- I have no kind of views or ambition for office, neither am I avericious- my constitution is much broken and I . wish for peace and quiet retirement on a stock farm- Perhaps you might embark some able and prudent person on the ri,ght side of the Texas question in Philadelphia-or in other words on the side of justice and general phyl:rnthropy and peace. I am totally incompetent to such a task, and besides it would do more good in the papers of the U. S. than here, for the excitement was gotten up there and tlie're it ought to be put down- Timothy Flint (the western review) at Cincinnatti would be a master hand. I had an acquaintance with him in St Louis many years ago If you go there you may if you chuse shew him this letter, but <l$ confidential,. Governments like individuals are often moved by trifles- It may seem to us a silly idea that this nation can be operated on by news paper publications in the U. S.-but such is the fact (as regards Texas) for it has been deeply operated upon to our prejudice by .A.mericanus and Patriot etc, etc- My dear Sir let me beg of you to be prudent in the manngement of this matter (if you move in it at all)- Lord Chester.field (I believe it was) said that a man had more to fear from imprudent friends than from the bitterest enemies- I am not anxious on my own account-- my health warns me that my days are drawing to a close, but_ I have been the means of drawing many families to Texas, and their present and permanent welfare and happiness is very dear to me, and costs me many anxious hours and days- The object, of bringing forward such a country as this, is an immence a.nd an hon•
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