assailed in consequence, as is said of transactions which occurred previous to his leaving the State of Missouri for Texas. I take pleasure in giving this testimony in his favour, and will feel much gratified should it avail him anything. My place of residence for many years was not more than forty five miles from that of Col. Austins and although not personally very intimate in my intercourse with him, public opinion universally pronounced him a man of unhlemished reputation and of the most delicate sense of honour. He served (when very young) in the Legislature of this State with a reputation distinguished for Lalcnt zeal and business habits. Amid all the jarring of party feelings and the collisions of personal interests, did I every hear of his truth, honour or integrity being called in question. For the truth of this statement I pledge my character, and standing as a gentleman and of a Senator of the United States L. S. Linn Note This package was put in my hand on leaving New orleans by a gentleman from Herculaneum Mo.-having understood that Colo. Austin ,vill be at Quintana ,vithin a few days I leave it in care at Mr Mckenney.- J. M. Chadwick St. Louis Mo Col: Stephen F. Austin Texas
[690) [AUSTIN to PUBLIC] '· [To the People of Texas]
San Felipe, September 29, 1835. The committee has received a communication, under date of 25th inst., in the name of the people of Gonzales, stating that Colonel Ugartachea had made a demand for the piece of cannon at that place and that the people, in a general meeting, had refused to give it up.... The present movements of the people of Texas arc of a popular and voluntary character, in defence of their constitutional rights, which are threatened by military invasion of an unconstitutional character. The people are acting on the defensive, and therefore there can not be a doubt that it was correct in the people of Gonzales, under this principle, lo detain the piece of cannon which was given to them by the authorities of a constitutional government lo defend themselves and the
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