THE AUSTIN PAPERS 817 tion, and opposition to the Government, dangerous to the intrgrity of the territory. Then you will no longer entertain the doubts, and erroneous ideas expressed in your above mentioned communir:ition. nnd the unjust and fatal habit of criminating the Colonists in !!en- eral, as has been clone heretofore will cease. In every ·population there are idle talkers, drunkards, and fools: is it just or politic on the part of the rulers to denounce the mass because there are some of that kind? Is it just or politic to irritate the wise portion of the com- munity by insulting treatment, and to attribute to them criminal ideas which they do not nor never did entertain. I proceed to Texas, not indeed, for preserving the integrity of the territory which is not endangered, but to do every thing in my power to calm the exasperation, which undoubtedly existed on both sides, and that may lead to dangerous extremities, I wish to save Davis Bradburn if he has not already perished and I will also interpose all my personal and official influence to uphold the dignity and const'itution of the State of Texas and Coahuila against the attacks of the military power, and against whomsoever has insulted it or should attempt to do so. On these terms I will act. I have expressed some time since, in writing these sentiments to Colonel Ugartachea and His Excellency the Governor of the State, and hope that a feeling of justice and a desire to throw light on the subject will induce you to transmit a copy of your letter to me, and of this answer to the Supreme Power of the Nation and of the State of Coahuila and Texas, at the same time that you will give your instructions in consequence to the commander at Anahuac. It is, then, understood that we will be guided in our operations by the Constitution and rights of the State, and not by ]\fartial Law that the irritation shall be calmed and the past forgotten, without compelling the Inhabitants to make public declarations in their defence or against any person. Finally let the balsam of harmony be poured on all the wounds. God and Liberty. STEPII.EN F. AUSTIN. Matamoras July 10 th 1832
JA-nrns F. PEnnY TO IsnAF..L McGREADY
Oak Grove, July 12, 1832.
See Calendar.
JA1tIES F. PERRY TO FERGUSON, JONES .AND CAMPBELL July 12, 1832.
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