evils is at hand; and I do hope the Convention, to meet on the first of March next will apply the proper cure of all evils. You are aware that I have been opposed to a Declaration of Independence up to this atime. I was so, because I thought it premature and that some policy demanded of us a fair experiment-I now feel confident that no further experiment need be made, to convince us that there is but one course left for Texas to pursue, and that is, an unequivocal Declaration of Independence, and the formation of a constitution, to be submitted to the people for their rejection or ratification. It is the project of some interested ir1 land matters, very largely, for Texas to unite with some three or four of the Eastern States of Mexico, and form a Republic-This I regard as worse, than our present, or even our former situation. Their wars would be our wars, and their revolutions our revolutions: While our Revenues, our lands, and our lives would be expended to maintain their cause, and we could expect nothing in return; but prejudice, and if we relied on them disappointment. Let Texas now Declare her Independence, and it will cost her less blood, and treasure lo maintain it; than it would cost her to maintain her integral interest in such a confederacy as has been projected. Were she lo unite in such a confederacy; the preponderance, would be so decidedly against her, that she would, have less influence if possible, than she has heretofore injoyed in the Congress of Coahuila and Texas. The citizens of Texas can never be happy, until they are confident in the certainty of their rights-so long as they are subject to Mexican policy they never can be confidnet; Then if these are truths sanctioned by experience-Texas must be free, that her citizens may be happy.
I am your friend Sam. Houston.
To Colonel John Forbes-
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