west to the Pacific, and it is probable Lhat the capilulalion at ·Bexar was made lo promote that object. In shorl, it is much easier to keep the war out of Texas, than to bring it back again to our own doors. All that is necessary is for us nol to do anything that will compel the Federal party to turn against us, and if they call on us for aid let it be given as auxiliary aid, and on no other footing. This takes away the character of a national war, which the government in Mexico is trying to give it, and it will also give to Texas just claims on the Federal party, for remuneration out of the proceeds of the custom houses of Matamoros and Tampico, for our expenses in furnishing the auxiliary aid. But if Texas sends an invading force of foreign troops against Matamoros, it will change the whole matter. Gen. Mexia ought to have commanded the expedition to .Matamoros and only waited lo be asked by the Provisional Government to do so. . I repeat: It is much easier to keep Lhe war out of Texas and beyond the Rio Grande, than to bring it here to our own doors. The farmers and substantial men of Texas can yet save themselves, but to do so they must act in union and as one man. This, I fear, is impossible. In the upper settlement Dr. Hoxey is loud for independence. Of Course he is in favor of a large standi11g army to sustain it, and will no doubt be ready to give up half, or all, of his property to support thousands of volunteers, etc., who will flood the country from abroad. It is all very well and right to show to the world that Texas has just and equitable grounds to declare independence; but it is putting the old settlers in great danger to make any such declaration, for it will turn all the parties in Mexico against us. It will bring back the ·war to our doors, which is now far from us, and it will compel the men of property in Texas to give up half or all to support a standing army of sufficient magnitude to contend with all Mexico united. S. F. Austin.
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