liberty ever sheds his benignant rays full upon us, we cannot, we will not bow beneath the scepter of a despot. We will be free or lose our lives in fighting for our freedom.
Truly yours, W. D. Divees [ to Clara Cardello]
[1614) [FANNIN to WARD et al]
To Messrs. Wm. Ward and others, members of the Committee of the Georgia Battalion: Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours conveying to me, in the kindest and most flattering manner, the sentiments of the Georgia battalion. The welcome I have extended towards you, was one of duty, but I must add, also, one of proud satisfaction. My heart must cease its pulsations, ere I forget myself a "Georgian" or neglect her warm-hearted sons, in whatever clime we may meet. The love of liberty, with them, is an innate principle, and "grows with their growth, and strengthens with their strength." Born, raised and educated in the school of liberal principles and free institutions, and recognizing no other system of political economy, save that bequeathed to posterity by Washington, and more recently inculcated by Jefferson, you have promptly and nobly met my own expectations, in marching to their "rescue" in this western wilderness of promise. In the name and in behalf of the people of Texas I greet you as brothers in arms, thrice welcome because strangers to most of her inhabitatns, and, owing to your geographical situation, unacquainted with the many advantages it really so eminently possesses. You have left "home and its many endearments" to embark in their cause and make it your own. The days of chivalry are past, but not their recollection. Many a bold knight performed wondrous deeds of arms in the cause of the holy cross and under the most sacred banner. Many were the lances shivered, and rich the blood shed, simply to gratify some proud beauty, and obtain a crown from her fair hand, or some other token of favor.
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