150
THE AUSTIN PAPERS
Now, if the present'government of Mexico is sincere in its pro(ession of liberal guarantees for Texas, why all this preparation for a military inva- sion? Why has general Cos marched with all the disposable force at Matamo~as (about four hundred men) to Bexar, where he now is, accord- ing to last accounts? Can it be that the government, in its fatherly care for Texas, fears that there are servile slaves in this country, who will oppose liberal guarantees? Or is it that the promised guarantees, are only a cover and a false show, to quiet Texas until the general Government is prepared to give to it a military government. It is well known to all that the reforms spoken .of by the minister, and now being made in Mexico, contemplate the abolition of the whole federal system, the establishment of a central or consolidated government, which is to absorb and swallow up all the powers and authorities of the nation: military commandancies will supply the place of the state governments, and the vested rights of Texas under the constitution and law of May 7, 1824, are to be disregarded and violated. • Ought, or can, or will the people of Texas submit to all this? ·Let each man study the subject, and answer for himself. If he will submit, let him go to the military power and prostrate himself. If he will not submit, let him give his answer from the mouth of his rifle! In regard to the present movements of the military, the letter from . Gonzales, and extracts from other letters of unquestionable faith, [num- bered 2.) will inform the public. By these letters the people of Texas are informed that their fellow-citizens at Gonzales have been attacked-the ioar has commenced! They will also perceive that general Cos has arrived with reinforcement of troops, and is preparing for a campaign of exter- mination against the people of Texas. • The head quarters of the ARMY OF THE PEOPLE for the present is at Gonzales. It is already respectable in numbers, and invincible in spirit. This Committee exhorts every citizen who is yet at home, to march as soon as possible to the assistance of his countrymen now in the field. The campaign is opened. Texas must be freed from military despots before it is closed.
S. F. AUSTIN Chairman of the Committee of the Jurisdiction of Austin.
San Felipe de Austin. October 3, 1835.-
No. 1
Extract of an official letter from the Minister of Interior Relations of Mexico, to t?e Municipality of Gonzales.
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