fellow citizens regularly informed on all matters, which may affect their safety. To the field then, my countrymen, to the standard of liberty, and defend your rights in a manner worthy of your sires and yourselves. [David G. Burnet]
[2356] [BURNET PROCLAl\lATION]
Proclamation
Citizens of Texas,
But recently called to discharge the executive du ties of your government, it is with inexpressible regret that I observe the slightest indication of alarm among us. To provide for and protect our wives and children is a sacred duty, prompted by nature and sanctioned by every manly feeling. But in the manner of discharging that duty we may commit many and fatal errors. The best security for families is to be found in a gallant bearing before the enemy. Our army is in the field and preparing to meet, and, as it ever has done, to repel that enemy. General Houston calls for reinforcements; a small accession to his noble band will enable him to advance and speedily chastise the presumption of the invader. Rally, then, fellow-citizens, to the standard of freedom. Let not every idle rumour, circulated perhaps by the artifices of the enemy, paralyse your hands or divide your thoughts from one grand purpose, the Independence of Texas. By an unbroken unanimity of voices, you have declared that Texas shall be "free, sovereign and independent." Let us with equal unanimity resolve to sustain that declaration; to ratify it with our blood. Our fathers achieved their emancipation, and were abundantly rewarded for their toils. But they persevered through many reverses, surmounted many disasters, and gloriously triumphed: We have sustained no reverse. The fall of the Alamo is the surest guarantee of our ultimate success. The Spartain band who so nobly perished there, have bequeathed to us an example, which ought and will be imitated; and have inflicted on the enemy a terror and a loss that are equivalent to a defeat. Rally, then, fellow-citizens, to the standard of your country. While the army is between your families and the enemy,
126
Powered by FlippingBook