THE AUSTIN PAPERS 905 to them, neither in express terms, nor by implication, But sup- pose we had have delegated to them all the power, severally, and collectively that we might have exercised in our own proper per- sons, Still that power exercised to its utmost extent, would have been far insufficient for the purpose of legislation nor do I sup- pose that the members of the convention thought that their reso- lutions would supercede law-yet according to your strange sys- tem of reasoning, it would seem that these very resolutions are at least equal to a Statute passed in due form by the legislative authority of the State. and that we ought to organize the civil Militia of this jurisdiction according to the Dictum of a voluntary association of men, ,vithout a shadow of law or· constitutional right to give vallidety to their proceedings. But we have gotten into a dil11cnlty, and it is our business to get out of it, in the safest manner, and as you have been my occational and prudent adviser for ma.ny years I feel it my duly to give every assistance in my power to evert the danger you anticipate (To wit) disunion ,:vhich in my humble opinion is only to be effected by a prudent course, a strict adhearance to our duty. If we have im- prudently adopted any course likely to bring us in Coflision with the Mexican govt. let us abandon it, a.nd npoligize for the blunder, This is more wise and more honourable, than an obstinat adhearence to error. beside we have nothing to gain by a civil war, but every thing to loose. Remember your excelicnt illoto, fidelit.71 to 1lf exico • Remember the resolutions of the people of the jurisdiction of Austin in favour of the plan of Vera Cruze- rememb<!r the resolutions of the Ayuntamento of Liberty on the same subject in which the people of Austin and the people of Liberty were in verfect Uni.son by these solemn declarations, Our fortunes: our lives, and most sacred honours, stand pledged for our fedelity, These declarations have gone fourth to the world and are now spread on the Journals of our native country, of Mexico, and perhaps of urope, shall we now give ourselves the lie: and call the world to witness our want of veracity, by a willful and open violation of the law that we have thus publickly and solemnly promised to obey, 'No Sir, the good sense ·of the people (as you have repeatedly and emphatically ex- pressed it) will prevent it. And if ever ~e are driven to the dread- ful alternative of civil war it will not be by a voluntary act of the people, But by shortsighted, aspiring ambitious politicians, who through their zeal for popular distinction have, or may mistake their own imbecile policy for that of the public will. The public will can be nothing more than the disire of each individual to pro- mote his own private hapiness conjointly with that of the whole 88.'-l70-28-58
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