119
THE AUSTIN PAPERS.
moral principle could not, and would not unite with any armed force sent against this country; on the ·contrary, it would resist and repel it, and ought to do so. This point presents another strong reason why the people of Texas should meet in general consultation. This country is now in anarchy, threatened with hostilities; armed vessels are capturing every thing they can catch on the coast, and acts of piracy are said to be committed under cover of the Mexican flag. Can this state of things exist without pre- cipitating the country into a war? I think it cannot, and therefore believe that it is our bounden and solemn duty as Mexicans, and as Texians, to represent the evils that are likely to result from this mistaken and most impolitic policy in the military movement. My friends, I c~n truly say that no one has been, or is now, more anxious than myself to keep trouble away from this country. No one has been, or now is more faithful to his duty as a Mexican citizen, and no one has per- sonally sacrificed or suffered more in the discharge of this duty. I have uniformly been opposed to h_ave any thing to do with the family political quarrels of the Mexicans. Texas needs peace, and a local government: its inhabitants are farmers, and they need a calm and quiet life. But how can I, or any one, remain indifferent, when our rights, our all, appear to be in jeopardy, and when it is our duty, as well as our obligation as good Mexican citizens, lo express our opinions on the present state of things, and to represent our situation to the government? It is impossible. The crisis is such as to bring it home to the judgment of every man that some- thing must be done, and that without delay. The question will perhaps be asked, what are we to do? I have already indicated my opinion. Let all personalities, or divisions, or excitements, or passion, or violence, be banished from among us. Let a general consultation of the people of Texas be convened as speedily as posible, to be composed of the best, and most calm, and intelligent, and firm men in the country, and let them decide what representations ought to be made lo the general government, and what ought to be done in future. With these explanatory remarks I will give a toast-The constitutional rights and the security and peace of Texas-they ought to be maintained; and jeopardized as they now are, they dem'and a general consultation of the people. •
HENRY AusnN TO Mas. HoLLEY1
Brasoria 10 Sept 1835
MRS M A HOLLEY MY DEAR SISTER
Stephen has at last arrived. I rode all night through the swamp and rain to meet him at Perrys His arrival unites all parties-We, the Republicans 1 Photostat copy from original in possession of ]Hrs. B. G. Crosby, granddaughter ·of Mrs. Holley, Spring Station, Kentucky.
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