before the people, and let them judge for themselves. I have endeavored to pursue this course. A question of vital importance is yet to be decided by Texas, which is a declaration of independence. When I left Texas I was of opinion that it was premature to stir this question, and that we ought to be very cautious of taking any steps that would make the Texas war purely a national war, wltich would unite all parties against us, instead of it being a party war, which would secure to us the aid of the federal party. 1n this I acted contrary lo my own impulses, for I wish to see Texas free from the trammels of religious intolerance and other anti-republican restrictions, and independent at once; and as an individual have always been ready to risk my all lo obtain it; but I could not feel justifiable in precipitating and involving others until I was fully satisfied that they would be sustained. Since my arrival here, I have received information which has satisfied me on this subject. I have no doubt we can obtain all and even much more aid than we need. I now think the time has come for Texastoassert her natural rights; and were I in the convention I would urge an immediate declaration of independence. I form this opinion from the information now before me. I have not heard of any movement in the interior by the federal party, in favor of Texas, or of the constitution; on the contrary the information from Mexico is that all parties are against us, owing to what has already been said and done in Texas in favor of independence; and that we have nothing to expect from that quarter but hostility. I am acting on this information. If it be true, and I have no reason to doubt it, our present position in favor of the republican principles of the constitution of 1824, can do us no good, and il is doing us harm by deterring those kind of men from joining us that are most useful. I know not what information you may have in Texas as to the movements of the federal party in our favor, nor what influence they ought to have on the decision of this question, thi·s being a matter which the convention alone can determine; I can only say that, with the information now before me, I am in favor of an immediate declaration of independence. Santa Anna was at San Luis Potosi according to the last accounts, marching on rapidly with a large force against T1~xas. We must Le united and firm, and look well to the month of ~larch-and be ready. I shall try to be at home by that Lime. Your:-. rcspcclfully, S. F. Au:-:tin.
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