THE AUST~ PAPERS. 519 tn.tion in the Internal Provinces; and participating in the Sentiments of joy manifested by the nation at the recent political change, I respectfully approach his Imperial Majesty, and offer my congrntu- lations on the happy consummation of the independence of :Mexico, by the election of the hero of Iguala, the Liberator of his Country to the Imperial Throne- I make a tender of my services, my loyalty, and my fidelity to the_ Constitutional Emperor of Mexico; a tender which I am ready to verify by an oath of allegiance to the Empire. This solemn act cuts me off from all protection or dependence on my former government-my property, my prospects, my future hopes of happiness, for myself and family, and for the families I have brought with me, are centered here- This is our adopted Nation:- ,v e look to the Sovereign Congress as the pure. fountain whence those blessings are to flow which will diffuse peace, improve- ment, intelligence, and happiness over this new born Nation: ,ve raise our eyes and hearts to him, whose virtues have elevated him to the station he merited, as the Father, who is to distribute those blessings to his people with a firm, impartial, and benevolent hand- I therefore supplicate that his Imperial Majesty will have the goodness to take the Settlement I have formed under his protec- tion, and that we be may be received as Children of the great Mexi- can family.- . I have the honor of presenting Your Excellency with a Copy of my ·Memorial now before Congress, and also the translation of a letter from General W'ilkinson, which, in addition to the fact tha.t I am actually settled in Texas with my property and family, and to the recommendations afforded by the documents already before the Government relative to my settlement, will I hope be deemed a sufficient proof that I come to this Empire in good faith, and with a firm determination to be obedient to the established authorities of the Government, and a wish to be useful to the nation so far ns I nm able- Will Your Excellency have the goodness to lay this letter and accompanying papers before his Imperial Majesty- Hoping that Your Excellency may find me deserving of your pro- tection and Esteem, STEPHEN F. AUSTIN To His Excellency Jose M. Herrera Minister of State etc.
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