the satisfaction to say that the patriotism which drew together the gallant volunteers now in service before Bexar and at Goliad is unabated. They left all the _comforts and endearments of home to defend their constitutional rights and the Republican principles of the Federal sistem and constitution of 1824, and the vested rights of Texas under the law of 7th May of that year. Their basis is the Constitution and the Federal Si'stem, but should these be destroyed in Mexico and the decree of 3 of October last passed by the Central party (a copy of which is herewith presented) be carried into effect, and a central and despotic government established where all the authority is to be concentrated in one person or in a few persons in the City of Mexico, sustained by military and Ecclesiastical power, the volunteer army will also in that event do their duty to their country-to the cause of Liberty and themselves, as honor, patriotism, and the first law of nature may reqmre. That every people have the right to change their govern- ment is unquestionable: but it is equally certain and true, that this change [to] be morally or Politically obligatory must be effected by the expression of the will of the community and by legal and constitutional means: for otherwise the stability of the govern- ment and the rights of the people would be at the mercy of fortunate revolutionists, of violence or faction. Admitting there- fore that a central and despotic strong government is best adapted to the Education and habits of a portion of the Mexican people, and that they wish it, this does not and cannot give to them the right to dictate, by unconstitutional means and force, to the other portion who have equal rights and differ in opinion. Had the change been effected by constitutional means or had a national convention been convened and every member of the confederacy been fairly represented, and a majority agreed to the change, it would have placed the matter on different ground, but even then, it would be monstrous to admit the principle, that a majority have the right to destroy a minority, for the reason that self preservation is superior to all political obligations. That such a government as is contemplated by the before mentioned decree of 3 October, would destroy the people of Texas, must be evident to all, when they consider its geographical situation, so remote from the contemplated centre of legislation and power, populated as it is by a people who are so different in
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