lamely to submit lo the authority of lhe Usurper. It is againsl this that we look lhe field: against this that we have fought; and it is against this, and the imposition of degradations like this, thal we are ready lo fight again. If your Excellency will excuse the presumption, your volunteers, now in the fort and town of Goliad, claim to exercise in common with their fellow citizens in the walks of life more quiet even than the moral conflicts of a camp, the privilege of weighing, and of estimating too, the importance and the mighty magnitude of the boon for which their countrymen are contending. It is not for men in opposition lo principle, nor in contempt of principle. It is not for the political emancipation of a people intellectually enthralled. IL is not for the perpetuation of a policy, nor yet a system of policy, aimed at the depopulation of their country, and the annihilation of its moral energies. In short, it is not for names, but things-not for the shadow, but the substance, for which they are contending. They claim too, the high privilege of discriminating, and discriminating closely, between enthralment, and emancipation-between a depopulating, and a populating policy-between men and measures; between the substance, and that which follows, and depends upon it. These are not the sentiments of a pensioned, mercenary soldiery, fitted to the purposes of a dictator and a t:yrant. They are those of freemen, and of American freemen. They may not suit many others but they suit us, and they are our property. And, lo embrace all in a few words, it is for this, and property like this, that they have drawn the sword, and thrown away the scabbard. But to return to the exciting cause,·and much regretted occasion of this paper. Your Excellency's letter was read to us at the instant of its reception. And although it is not signed in his official capacity, ils conten ts involve lhe exercise of official faculties, of the highest order. The "S.F. Austin" whose name closes the laconic order has been known to us as Commander of the Army of which we were proud lo consider ourselves a part; he has been so recognized by us, and as we have received no official, or other intelligence of his having been superseded, or of his resignation, we still know, and recognize him as our General. On hearing the letter read, our ground was instantly taken. No time was allowed for managemenl, or the insidious approaches or inlriguc. Your volunleers appoinled a Commi llce, composed or W.
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