THE AUSTIN PAPERS 899 and La Bahia firmly with the balance of Texas, for they will be so compromised that there_will be no backing out, even if they wished to do so; which they will not, for they are as anxious for a sepa- ration as we are, but wish to show to the world that they are right, and stand on just ground in case force must ultimately be resorted to. I will return as soon as this matter is concluded. Ramon 1\1usquis, after all, is one of the best friends to Texas and the truest that lives in this place and he deserves the confidence of the Colony and of all Texas. S. F. AUSTIN [Rubric] Arciniegas family are [well] Some one stole five dollars of the money * * *. I paid it to make it $40. Committee: Angel Navarro, Cosiano of the Ayto., Erasmo, Bal- maceda, and Antonio Navarro.
JON.As ILrnrusoN TO AusTrN
District of Tenaha, Texas,
8th December 1832.
DEAR Sm, I received your letter of the 18th ult. on the evening of the 29th, to which I made a hasty answer ·early next morning. Since which, I have been to the Bier Road and showed it to members of the most b - respectable citizens of the Ayish District. They all heartily concur in the sentiments expressed in the letter, and most ardently wish that the project may be carried into execu- tion. They want a local Government-they want a judiciary pro- ceeding according to the principles of the common law, so far at least as respects the mode of trial, and one, that will protect their property and persons. There is perhaps no person more dangerous in the formation of a new government than a mere theorist. The principles in the State Constitution are in the main excellent; but the thread is too fine spun- Much is lost in detail- It resembles the works of the famous Abbe Sieyes. Philosophers and Speculatists may admire liberty for' its own sake; but that liberty which the mass of mankind understand-the free institutions which they love and would die to defend, must, with its other blessings promptly ~fford them security of property, char- acter, and person. Look at our situation under the present con- stitution and the state's la.ws as organized among us. To say noth- ing of assaults and battery, Slander, Libels, Larcenies in every sense of the word, and there have been about twelve men killed among us
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