lo the honorable John Forsyth the assurances of his most distinguished consideration.
Manuel E. de Gorostiza.
To the Hon. J. Forsyth, Secretary of State, &c.
[4192) [MORFIT to FORSYTH]
Velasco, September 12, 1836 Sir: The disposition of the Government and the people of this country towards the United States is the same as that in any of the States of the Union. Though geographically separated, they have all the attachment which transient emigrants may be supposed to retain for their own country, and universally desire a political annexation of Texas with the United States. It was intended originally to have submitted the constitution of the 16th March to a convention of the people, after its approval or amendment by Congress; but, as much delay would have been caused by this mode, and it was argued that, with whatever defects, it were better to adopt and confirm it at once, so as to put the Government in complete operation at the earliest moment, the President, in his proclamation for the elections, proposed this as a question lo the voters; and the returns show that, almost unanimously, the people have approved and accepted that constitution, without amendment. Every precaution was taken in the general writ of election to preserve the rights of the citizens, so that those who were absent from their respective precincts upon public duty, or had been obliged to retire temporarily upon the invasion of the enemy, should still exercise a voice in the formation of the new Government; and in this way, whatever has been done may be considered as an unequivocal expression of public sentiment. The voters at the different polls were required to stale "whether they were in favor of annexing Texas .to the United States;" and the response through every municipality has been wholly in the affirmative. I attended one of those elections, and found it conducted with much moderation as to the respective candidates for office, and great unanimity as regards the important points of
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