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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
sense of honour. He served (when very young) in the Legislature of this State with a reputation distinguished for talent zeal and business habits. [Not] Amid all the jarring of party feelings and the collisions of personal interests, did I ever hear of his truth, honour or integrity being called in question. For the truth of this statement I pledge my character, and stand• ing as a gentleman and of a Senator of the United States L. F. LINN NOTE This package was put in my hand on leaving New orleans by a gentle- man from Herculaneum Mo.-having understood that Colo. Austin will be at Quintana within a few days I leave it in care at Mr Mckenney.- J. M. CHADWICK St. Louis Mo • CoL: STEPHEN F. AUSTIN Texis
AUSTIN TO THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS1
San Felipe, September 29, 1835. The committee has received a communication, under date of 25 th inst., in the name of the people of Gonzales, stating that Colonel Ugartachea had made a demand for the piece of cannon at that place and that the people, in a general meeting, had refused to give it up. . . . The present move- ments of the people of Texas are of a popular and voluntary character, in defence of their constitutional rights, which are threatened by military in- vasion of an unconstitutional character. The people are acting on the defensive, and therefore there can not be a doubt that it .was correct in the people of Gonzales, under this principle, to detain the piece of cannon which was given to them by the authorities of a constitutional government to defend themselves and the constitution if necessary. On this principle the people of this and every other section of the country, so far as the committee is informed, are ready to fly at a moment's warning to the de- fense of those people, should they he attacked. Companies of volunteers have already marched, and more are in readiness should they be needed t9 repel attack. This committee beg leave to suggest that, inasmuch as the position taken by the country up to the present time is purely defensive, it is very im- portant to keep this principle constantly in view, and to avoid ~aking at- tacks, unless they should he necessary as a measure of defense. S. F. AUSTIN, Ch'm, Etc.
1 Copy by .Colonel Guy M. Bryan.
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