think, justify a different course. For, at that time, we did not know that the form of the Mexican government was changed, and the state governments had been overthrown: now the reception of the decree of Congress makes it certain. Some of our citizens appear to rely much on the aid which we will receive from the liberals in Mexico. But it appears to me this expectation is altogether unfounded. Witness the conduct of a majority of the citizens of Bejar, in our own state. Were they not asked to join the volunteer army, in our first going to that place? Were we not answered by the rifle, as the death of Milam proves? If our own Mexican citizens would not assist in restoring the Constitution, how can we expect aid from the interior? Every one, I believe, will agree with me that if both parties unite against us, we had better declare at once for independence; for, by so doing, we would place ourselves in an attitude to get assistance from the United States. The centralists have now got the power, and will, in all probability, keep it. Besides, the government now established in Mexico is, no doubt, the best that can be framed for the Mexican people. The mass of them are ignorant, bigoted, and superstitious: they do not, neither can they understand the true principles of a republican form of government; and consequently a dictatorial form is best suited to their education and habits. I do not wish it to be understood as my opinion, that there is no Mexican friendly to the Americans of the United States: but, as a nation, I look upon them as our enemies; and since we are compelled to fight, let us fight for something. We have once fought for the Constitution, and cried out for Santa Ana, as the friend and supporter of liberal institutions; but how have we been deceived! The Mexican government, since its establishment, may be compared to a rented field; each tennant leaving it in worse condition than he found it: and I verily believe that if we again put the premises in good order, we should, in less than twenty months, be called on to weed out the same row. And I close this address with the words of John Adams, Independence now, and independence forever ! ! ! ! Thomas H. Borden. San Felipe de Austin, Jan. 19, 1836.
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