730
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
authority from, and under the especial request of the Government, at the risk of our lives, and by years of sufferings and hardships, 1.oithout the cost of one cent to the nation. Our fidelity and hard services, it seems, are to be rewarded by acts of arbitrary despotism, and a total disregard of the constitution and our just rights. Shut out :from the civilized World, which, after ten years of struggling through cane-brakes, thickets famine, Indians and wild beasts, we were just beginning to get a glimpse of, we are to be condemned to t.he wilderness forever, and forever deprived of the consolation of dividing our homes and lands with our nearest relations and dearest friends who might, otherwise, emigrate and join us! Never was a man more consciously scrupulous and faithful in the discharge of his duties to any government than I have been to the Mexican. I came here in good faith, have labored in good faith, and now there is a struggle between my desire to adhere to them and the indignant feelings which their actc, create. I will exhaust all honor- able means of obtaining the redress of our grievances. Should theie fail the last 'resort will be adopted. One word from me now would anihilate every Mexican soldier in Texas. But I am opposed to all violence-all bloodshed-so long as there is even a plausible hope of avoiding such extremes. •And I am opposed to a separation from Mexico, if the government will treat us as we merit, and as the true interests of the Country require. Our situation is extremely delicate and interesting. To remain as we are, is impossible. We have not the right kind of material for an Independent Government, and an union with the United States would bring Negro Siavery-that curse of curses, and worst of reproaches, on civilized man; that unanswered, and unanswerable, inconsistency of free and liberal republicans. I think the Gov- ernment will yield, and give us what we ought to have. If not, we shall go for Independence, and put our trust in our selves, our riffles, and-our God. Adios SFA
AUSTIN TO ___,.
[December 29, 1831 t] It is not difficult for the immagination to determine what must be the future destiny of Texas. Should the Mexican Government adopt a correct policy as to this country, it will form one of the most powerful states of their confederation, for under a judicious system it would not be [to] the interests of Texas to separate. But should 1 This 1e an undated fragment. Probably a rejected draft ot part of tbe letter to Mrs, Holley ot Dec. 29, 1831. Austin toqcb,;?11 on tbe !lllIQC subject with Tbom~ Lep.mlnf, 1u.ne 14, 18&0,
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