906
AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
society, or body politic The interest of the whole society being ob- ligatory on each of its members. Can it be to the interest of Texas to disolve the legal political bands that unite us as one socieryi Will not the violation of one law with impunity lead to the violation of another 1 and will not a continuation of this course lead to !mother disregard of all law 1 save that of physical force-perfect and direful Anarchy-humanity is shocked at the idea. "He who without reason exposes the people to the hor1·or and miseries of civil .\\;ar where they might enjoy an honourable and salutary peace, what guilt does he incur, or reather what a series of crimes doe.c; he commit 1 The slaughter of men, the pillage and devastation of provinces are his crimes he is accountable to god, and responsible to man for every person that is killed." But my worthy friend, this severe sentence is not pointd at you, nor no other man by those who would wilfully involve these infant colones and once holy and tranquil people in the miseries of civil War. No Sir, I would reather beleive that you are labouring under real; or imagenary duress than to believe that you we1·e serious when you request to "let the organization go on by the election of officers as ordered by the convention" and to "trust to time and reason to correct etc".· and thereby urge me to betray my trust and violate the sacred obli- gation of the oath I have taken as an officer of this State. and for "\Vhat 1 because the convention in the plentitude of unorthorized power had imprudently adopted a measure which was wrong, ab initio. and I must therefore, caray it into effect in this Jurisdiction, as being the only person duly authorised to legalize an illegal act; Permit me to inform you Sir, that I do not know of five men in this Munesepalety favourable to the plan you have so warmly es- poused and if I was to order the election it would be disregarded there would be no organization. This is my opinion, but if I am mis- taken or have neglected my duty-a few days will bring another Alcalde into office ·and he will correct the blunder if any has been commited. • J NO. A. WILLI AMS .[Rubric] [Addressed:] Col Stephen. F. AU:stin San·Filipe de Austin-
A. C. AINSWORTH TO AUSTIN
Montgomery. Alabama. Dec. 19th. 1832
HoN Sm, T have been requested by a number of respectable Planters in this vicinity, to solicit from you by letter, such information as prudent minds deem necessary, before determining on an emigration to your
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