768
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
burn were not the enemies of the colony [as] some chai.·gecl tl1em to be, and who even ridiculed me for believing that Fisher would be re- moved and an officer of the custom house sent to Brazoria, ought now to be convinced that I knew more of the subject than they did. I can assure the whole colony and all Texas that nothing but the outragious imprudence of the people themselves will bring trouble on that coun- try. If the whole of the Settlers will adopt my motto Fidelity to M e:vico-and act and talk in conformity they will flourish beyond their own expectations, and every favor will be granted to them, they could expect in reason. The legislature of the State are favorably disposed towards colonization, as the new law will shew. The Gov- ernor is also friendly, and if a dead cahn has been, and can be pre- served, all will end well-very well. I rely on the old standards, the first settlers. They have known me for years. They now know that their destiny was almost entirely in my hands-nay I might say com- pletely in my hands for several years, for my legal authority over them was very nearly absolute. They can now look back and see that I have taken them safely through all difficulties, and that so long as their affairs were exclusively under my own control, they progressed in peace and harmony with the Govt. These things ought to give them full confidence in me, and I say to them, as I have often said, that they have more to fear from the imprudence of drunkards and talking demagogues amongst themselves, than from the Govt. I recommend my motto to them, and those who have any influence ought to exert it to have that motto used as a popular toast in the place of some others that I have been told were drank. It would be a good thing for the people of Brazoria to make a present to the new custom house office of the two gwnis. If they will do so and the expense is any obstacle, I will pay for them myself. Shew this to Cap. John Austin and any others you please and tell John that the assesor and judges say that if he has had a court at Brazoria it is illegal and his acts void and himself liable to punish- ment. Many papers have been, -or will be sent into Texas from Tampico and Vera Cruz and perhaps some agents of that party, if so, treat them all politevy. That is read the papers-and feed and lodge the agents while they stay-but nothing more. No matter which party gains, it would ruin the people of the colony to take any part in any way. They must be mere spectators, and silent ones, hear and see everything they can, but without taking any part or expressing any opinion. Try and get them to adopt this idea all over the colony and especially at Brazoria. I think I shall go to Monterry, and perhaps to Victoria. Gent Mason wishes to see Gent Teran, and so do I. I do not see any necessity for my immediate return to the colony, and am ns yet
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