THE AUSTIN PAPERS 601 &way all the political errors of my adopted countrymen. I have been silent ns to all their defects, and lavish of praise where there was the least pretext for bestowing it, but at the same time decis- sive and unbending where a constitutional or vested right of vital importance was directly attacked. Rights of minor consideration I have paid no attention to, for bad feeling might be engenderd about t1ifies, that would jeapordise an important interest. To sum up nil I have endeavored to do my duty as a Medcan citizen. My native countrymen are blunt republicans, and do not always reflect sufficiently, and some of them have accused me of debility, want of firmness temporising etc. It was my duty to steer my prerious bark (the Colony) through all the shoals and quicks[ands] regardless of the curses and ridicule of the passengers. I knew what I was about-tliey did not. The law of 6 April was founded in error and unjust suspicions, but to have said ·so, would have been very impolitic, and highly in- jurious, for it would have wounded self love, pride etc. (dangerous things to touch among any people) and it would have strengthened the suspicions which produced the law for everything said against it would have been taken as evidence of disaffection. For these rea- sons in the remarks· which were made in the Texas [Gazette] in June, July etc the policy of the Govt. was rather defended than condemned, and circumstances were stated to shew that there were reasons for that measure which justified it. This gratified the self love of its authors on the one hand, (a great point gained) and they were very much surprised on the other to see that the very people who were most injured by the measure, were the first ~o excuse and clefend it. This caused inquiries to be made through various chan- 11els, as to the real characters of the settlers and their feelings towards the Govt. and the result has been very favourable ns to my colony. This at once explains the reasons why so many more favors have been extended to that colony than to any other. The people at large know of no favors they have rec4, neither do they know~ nor can they appreciate what I have clone for them for the past ten years, but vou and / know that emigration to that colony could have been stopped, and that all the ports could have been closed, or a George Fisher with a guard put. at each. These things ought to convince every ·reflecting man in that Colony that this Govt. will reward and properly appreciate all those who do tliei,1• duty as JI em- can Citizens, and who obey the laws nnd set their faces against con- fusion and Hlegal proceedings. The foregoing remarks are made as an introduction for what is to follow-you will soon find yourselves in an awkward and rather delicate situation in that Colony, and I thought it might shed some S8370-2~0
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