vention: And Whereas our officers perceived that impediments were put in the way of our men voting, such as requiring an oath of actual citizenship in this Municipality before the vot wold be taken; and furthermore they wished to prevent any, the least, breach in the good understanding which has so happily existed between the Citizens and om garrison: And Whereas no facilities and insufficient time was afforded to such individuals in the army as live in a certain Municipality, to send their votes; and at the same time a large portion of this army, whilst they possess the declared right of voting for members of this Convention, do not yet possess any local habitation whatsoever: and whereas it is of great importance that this army should have representation in the Convention who understand their wants and their wishes, and are participants of their feelings; and of importance also to all Texas, since She would proceed with less hesitation on any great mea- sures whilst having the voice of all; and whereas if the army here, could so far neglect their interests and their duty, as not to send members of their own choice, it is evident the wants of the army and the necessity of maintaining & supplying this important garri- son in a manner required by the public safety, might be forciblly or seasonably urged on the attention of the Government- inasmuch as the members sent from this municipality though they have the best intentions, are yet unable, from difference of lan- guage & habits, to represent the Anglo American and Army inter- est: and whereas the reasonableness as well as the particular advan- tage of such a representation has gained the hearty good wishes of the Mexicans as well as the Americans al this place: And Whereas by general wish, under the influence of these powerful reasons, an order was issued to three respectable gentlemen, who are Captains in this service, to hold an election for two members to the Conven- tion, the certificate of whom, with the return of the voles taken, is transmitted with this memorial: And whereas on the election being held at the time and in the manner prescribed by law, and in strict conformity with common usage, it appeared on summing up the votes, as the result of the election that, by a vole which was ahnosl unanimous, Samuel A Maverick, and Jesse B Badgett, Es- quires, were elected as members of the Convention: Therefore, for these and other good reasons it is the united petition of ourselves and of the army under our command that the said Samuel A Maverick and the said Jesse B Badgett shall receive
264
Powered by FlippingBook