THE AUSTIN PAPERS 889 my duty. With regard to the meeting,·it did not originate with me, but I believe some good will result from its action; the public is satisfied, and we have enjoyed more quiet than heretofore. , As to your communication to the Ayuntamiento in relation to the meeting, I believe that it would have been better, not to have written it, "Revolutionary times are not lilce peaceable times." Colonel Bradburn could with the least .prudence, have avoided all these evils: I tell you candidly -that in my opinion, it would be very impolitic to translate, and·print your communication. I shall not do so. The Ayuntamiento may do as they please: In times like the present, any measure is bad, that tends to irritate, and produce excitement,-any measure is good that tends to soothe, and to pre- serve order and peace. I have but little hope of obtaining anything from the·Govern- ment of Mexico; there is little probability that we may have a stable and peaceable government, for •some time yet, and I believe that Texas is lost if she takes no measure of ·her own for her welfare. I incline to the opinion, that it is your duty ns first Magistrate, to call a general meeting to take into consideration the situation of the Country. I do not know how the State, or General Government can presume to say that the people of Texas have violated the Con- stitution, when the acts of both Governments have killed the Constitu- tion, and when the con:federation itself has hardly any life left. I cannot approve the principle, that the people have not the right to assemble peaceably and honorably to represent their wants. In i:.hort, the condition of Texas is bad, but we may fear to see it still worse. I am settling up all my business and in April I will go to the North for six months or one year. There is little to be hoped for in Texas. I wish you would let me hear the news, and tell me if the Constitution is dead, or alive, if an election for President shall take place, and what hope there is for a peaGable settlement of the nffairs. In the meanwhile please to give your orders to your affec- tionate friend S. F. AusTIN
-J. :M. LOPEZ,TO JAl\H}S-BOWIE
Victoria, November 16, 1832.
See Calendar,
WILLIAM P. HARRIS TO AUSTIN
San Felipe~ November 17, 1832.
See Calendar.
88370-28--57
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