Mar 6 1836 to Apr 20 1836 - PTR, Vol. 5

the Mexicans. The first are principally Anglo-Americans; the others a mongrel race of degenerate Spaniards and Indians more depraved than they. We have undertaken a great, and considering the numerical disparity of force, it might seem a desperate enterprise;-bul Sir, Texas will be independent, and all the power of Mexico is inadequate lo the prevention of it. Our beautiful country may be ravaged, as a gooclly portion of it is at this moment, by the enemy. We may be driven to the banks of the Sabine-yea-beyond it-and still we will be inclependent of the unprincipled, priest-ridden and faithless Mexicans. Our rights in the soil of Texas are founded on the holiest guarantees of national faith; and we will not relinquish them except with our lives. Such the predominant feeling in Texas, and it is backed by many strong hands and stout hearts, who know how to poise a rifle or to wield a sabre. Still we are few in comparison with our enemies, and we need all the external aid that can be had. To you, Sir, whose voice is always eloquent, and never more powerful, than in swaying the sympathies of men and of governments, we look with confidence for an advocate and a friend-You, who took the feeble, distracted and vascillating governments of the South by the hand, and introduced them into the great audience of nations, to you, the government of Texas appeals and asks for similar favor. He! government is almost afac simile of your own, and her people are of the same blood and kindred as your people. An early recognition of the independence of Texas by the government of the United States, would redound greatly to our advantage; save the shedding of much genuine American blood, and if not add a new and brilliant star to the constellation that illuminates the Northern Republic, it would at least give confidence and energy to a gallant people, who will always be found in harmony, as in juxta-position to that Republic. The voice of Henry Clay has never been raised in a more righteous cause than this, and none in which humanity has been more outraged. The merciless massacres that have succeeded every little advantage of our enemies, would afford a sufficient answer to all the objective suggestions of Mexico, and put her diplomatic minions to silence. With high consideration, I have the honor to be Your obedt Servant David G. Burnet

239

Powered by