are lrampling our rights and consilulion under foot. Many of our palriot and energelic citizens have already taken up arms, and are now in the field t_o repel the invader. Yes, fellow-cilizcns, lo oppose the riveting of the chains of a military despol upon the necks of freemen, Fellow-citizens, this is no chimera of the brain of a few interested individuals, or land speculators. The time has arrived when we musl submit to the military and clergy, lay down our Constilulion, which we have sworn to support, or rise and assert our rights. Already the first blow has been struck; many of our fellow-cilizens are now in the field, fighting for the righls of the people of Texas, and for Lhe Constih1tion. They are caUing aloud for help, and will you, fellow-citizens, remain inactive, and suffer Lhem to perish? Will you suffer yourselves to be driven from your homes, or whal is worse, will you reniain quiet, and suffer yourselves, your wives and your children to become the slaves of a tyrant'? Fellow-citizens, blood has already been shed. Two companies have met at Labahia, the volunteers company of the people, under the command of capt. Collinsworth, and the Mexican troop, under the command of colonel Francisco Sandoval: the latter was completely defeated, with the loss of ten thousand dollars worth of public stores, three hundred stand of arms, one killed, and three wounded. The three principal officers were taken prisoners, and were yesterday brought lo San Felipe. Fellow-citizens, you have, the most of you been apprised Lhat Santa Anna has declared the Constitution, under which we procured our homes, null and void, and that we must leave the country, or submit to a dictator. Fellow-citizens, the general council o~ Texas is disposed to lay before you all matters and things that is in any way connected with your interest. They are disposed to make every arrangement in their power, quaranleecl to them in the exercise of their present responsible station, which they occupy for the safety and welfare of the country. Already has a line of rangers been established on the fronliers, to prolect Lhe inhabitants from Lhe savage scalping=knife. Already have we said we will respect the rights of the northern Indians, amongsl us, so as not, to compromise the insterest of Texas, and now, fellow-citizesn, we call upon uou for aid; yes, we call upon you, as your representatives, guarding your interests, to march to the field of batlle. The blow of liberty has been struck; it is for you to follow
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