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AMERICAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
out of the way so as to prevent future revolutions in Mexico-it is said they are not sent with any unfriendly feelings to the people of Texas &c- This is what letters from :Mexico say. now if a con- siderable army is sent here, no matter with what feelings the result will be a collission-that is if they attempt to Govern in a military way In this event the whole country ought to unite at once and expel or kill the whole of them·- It is not a correct or a sound course of policy for the Govt. to make Texns the recepticlc of her disorderly troops- But every care and prudent step should be adopted to avoid any collission, and the first aggression must not be on the part of the people-and above all things there must be no opposition to the collection of duties, for that is a right which the Govt. has-· Let us violate no law-nor any just rights of the nation and adhere closely to the principle of seeking a peaceable remedy, that failing-I am then ready for war or any thing-· So soon as I am·convinced that there is no hope of success I shall return as quick as possible by water-I will try and keep the troops away if possible- No man in Texas has been more in favor of peace than I have- • The old settlers and all persons will suffer much by a revolution, or a war-but if there is no other reinedy, I am for going into it fully, and united, make a business of that at once- I howerer think there is no danger- I believe·we shall be admitted as a state and that all will go on smoothly This is my last effort to serve Texas, if I succeed I shall be happy, and will try to enjoy some comfort in future and have nothing to do with politics or public business- If however I fail, and war is the result, I will take a hand in that, and enter the ranks as a soldier of Texas I pay my •own expenses, and expect the trip will be costly-but I do it freely and cheerfully and shall consider the money and labor better employed than any I ever spent in my life- Please remember me to Doct. Phelps and family, Hall, and all your neigh- bors and assure them that no effort shall be.spared on my part to get a state Govt. and to keep away war and revolution from Texas- but if they must come, I will take my full share and stand by the settlers to the last- Love to your dear children and may heaven bles& you all- Affectionately your cousin S. F. AusTIN
AUSTIN To l\1Rs. ~IAuY A. usTIN HoLLEY 1
[April 20, 1833.] . I do not know that, in the whole course of my life I have so sens i- bly felt the extremes which ardent and sanguine temperaments
1 Copy by Mrs. Holley.
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