THE AUSTIN PAPERS 989 that dny a new and unexpected difficulty arose-my passport was from the Commandant Genel'al, D.. Vincente Filisola, ancl it was therefore necessary to present myself to the military authorities on the road. At Vera Cruz I called twice (on the 2d, the day I landed, and on the 3d) on· the Commandant General of that place, ancl exhibited my passport. He told me verbally I could proceed on my journey, but did not endorse my passport.· Owing to the want of this formality, I was detained at Jalapa by the commandant, and could not proceed until I sent to Vera Cruz, so that I did not reach this place until the 18th inst. Puebla was heroically defended by Gen. Guadalupe Victoria, w1th the militia of the city, hastily col- lected for the purpose. The regular troops had all gone over to the other side previously, and left Victoria without any resources except the patriotism of the people of Puebla. 'With the militia he defeated Arista and Duran in their attempt to get possession of the city; and they retreated •to the vicinity of this city. They are now within four leagues, on the retreat: in the direction of Queretaro. Santa Anna is in close pursuit of them, and no doubt is entertained of a speedy termination of the crusaders and the final triumph of the liberal party. I presume you have seen the plan of Arista and Duran-its basis is Relio-eon and a large standing Army. They will fail in toto, and the res~t will be another triumph for Santa Anna and a complete dissolution of the aristocratic party and influence. I called on the :Ministers on the 19th, and they appointed the 23d (yesterday) to have an interview on the subject of my mission. I also called on the •Vice-President; my reception was t1·nly kind and friendly, ·particularly in the interview yesterday with the t.wo Ministers of Relations and Justice, Garcia and Arispe. They were fully informed of the objects of my Mission by my communication from :Matamoras throuo-h the Commandant Gen. and hacl received the memorial of the Co;vention which I forwarded from tha.t place. J explained at laro-e and with some detail the situation of Texas and the necessity of erectinO' it into a State. The leading points on h . 0 w 1ch I rested our claims were: • First-The wish of the people and their declaration that they possessed the necessary elements to sustain a State Government. Second-The natural right of Texas to occupy its station alongside of its sisters, the other States of the Confederation. It has always been a distinct member of the Mexican family and as such fought for ·the Independence, etc., and its being for a time under nge ?id not in any manner weaken its rights now that it was in a situntwn to enter upon them, etc. . Third-The law of the 7th ~Iay, 1824. I positively dcn~ed the right of Coahuila to approve or disapprove of our separation. I
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