WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 184,2
526
constitution and laws have presented every obstacle. They will be maintained to the l~tter; and on account of slavery, Texas will incur no reproach. You touchingly invite Texas to " cover herself anew with the Mexican flag." You certainly intend this as a mockery. You denied us the enjoyment of the laws under which we came to the country. Her flag was never raised in our behalf nor has it been seen in Texas except when displayed in an attempt at our sub- jugation. We know your lenity- we know your mercy- we are ready again to test your power. You have threatened to plant your banner on the banks of the Sabine. Is this done to intimi- date us? Is it done to alarm us? Or do you deem it the most successful mode of conquest? If the latter, it may do to amuse the people surrounding you. If to alarm us, it will amuse those conversant with the history of your last campaign. If to intimi- date us, the threat is idle. We have desired peace. You have annoyed our frontier; you have harassed our citizens; you have incarcerated our traders, after your commissioners had been kindly received, and your citizens allowed the privilege of commerce in Texas without molestation. You continue aggression; you will not accord us peace. We will have it. You threaten to conquer Texas; we will war with Mexico. Your pretentions with ours you have referred to the social world, and to the God of battles. We refer to the same tribunals - the issue involves the fate of nations. Destiny must determine - its event is only known to the tribunal of heaven. If experience of the past will authorize speculations of the future, the attitude of Mexico is more prob- lematical than that of Texas. In the war which will be conducted by Texas against Mexico, our incentive will not be a love of conquest; it will be to disarm tyranny of its power. We will make no war upon Mexicans or their religion. Our efforts shall be made in behalf of the liberties of the people; and directed against the authorities of the country, and against your principles. We will exalt the condition of the people to representative freedom. They shall choose their own rulers- they shall possess their property in peace; and it shall not be taken from them to support an armed soldiery for the purpose of oppression. With these principles we will march across the Rio Grande, and, believe me, Sir, ere the banner of Mexico shall triumphantly float upon the banks of the Sabine, the Texian standard of the single star, borne by the Anglo-Saxon
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