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THE AUSTIN PAPERS
Texas to declare herself absolutely independent, I have no doubt; none can possible exist; but, when I left home, I was not fully satisfied that we· should be sufficiently sustained. Information received here has satisfied me on this subject. The people of Texas in-future need not hesitate to declare independence, from any doubts about being sustained; and, as for myself, I am willing to go into the measure, and believe we ought to do it without delay. At the last accounts Santa Anna had left Mexico and was rapidly march• ing on to Texas. He had rached San Luis Potosi. S. F. AUSTIN
AusTIN TO Mas. HOLLEY
New Orleans, Jan 7, 1836. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon, but it is not certain, as I may not be able to visit Lexington until I return from the Eastward as we are very much pressed for time. I am bound to Washington, New York •etc. in company with Doer· B. T. Archer, and W. H. Wharton Esqr· We are commissioners for the Texan Government. Our principal object is to raise money means and men to sustain our cause. ·The War for Liberty goes on prosperously, so far, in Texas. It must, and will, end in Independence-a / ull Declaration will be made in March. That of 7th November was the first step, preparatory to the second and final one. The fact is, we hav:e no other remedy left. By the last accounts the Central Government is established, and the Federal system totally de- stroyed. The Texans may, therefore, for the future, be considered an inde- pendent people, intirely separate from Mexico. We are young to set up for ourselves, but we are the sons of that great nation which has astonished the world by its deeds, and progress in the cause of liberty, light and truth. When I left Texas there was not an enemy within our Jim.its, nor east of the River Bravo del Norte. Gen. Santanna, however, is marching on in person with all the force he C'an collect to anihilate us. We have no fears, but we must be ready for him. We need all the aid we can get in men and money, provisions, arms and ammunition. Large contributions have been made in the United States for the exten• sion of Christiani~y over the South Sea Islands by means of Missionary societies. Is not our cause quite as·important and sacred? We are trying to banish from our homes religious intolerance and despotism, and to establish in the place of it, liberty and freedom of conscience. How many thousands of pious families of all denominations might find a home and become the proprietors of the soil in Texas--the best soil and climate accessible to north Americans-if religious toleration were once firmly rooted there! Religion, morality, the arts and sciences, the great sources
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