The First Reptdllic of Texas
IOI
Claiborne's disappointment at the declaration of independence and the setting up of a temporary government in which Americans did not figure is eloquently revealed in a letter written by him at the time. He de- clared that the leaders of the new government "manifest no disposition to be dependent upon the American Government, or to grant any peculiar privileges to the American people." He added that their object seemed to be to encourage immigration, to fill their armies with adventurers from all nations, and to "set up for themselves." He reflected dejectedly that they might prove good neighbors, but at the same time considered that it might be advisable for "~he American Government to take possession of the country as far as the River Grande." 34 Formal declaration of independence. The occasion for the disillusion- ment of Claiborne was the declaration of independence by Gutierrez and the new constitution. By April 6 a declaration of independence had been draughted. It began by stating: "The bonds that kept us bound to the dominion of Spain have been severed forever; we are free and independent and have the right to establish our own government. In the future, all legitimate authority emanates from the people where it rightly resides. From this day until the end of time, we are free from all foreign domina- tion." Then followed the reasons for taking this step. Spain was engaged in a struggle that had left only a semblance of legal authority. Colonial officials, aware of this weakness, had abused their powers and crushed the people in America. Personal interests had been placed above the welfare of the people. Subjects in America had been excluded from free inter- course and trade with other nations; they had been deprived even of the right to read, to speak, and to think freely. In a country blessed by nature with untold resources, the people were almost naked and half-starved. All paths to positions of honor had been closed to the Americans. The people of the United States had thrown off the yoke of tyranny and had asserted their independence for much lighter reasons. The Spanish colonies in South America, too, had long since declared their independence. It was high time for_the people of Texas and Mexico·to do likewise.as This declaration is a remarkable document from many points of view. "Claiborne to Anonymous, New Orleans, June 12, 1813, in Rowland, o;. cu., VI, 228. 15 Nos, El Pueblo de la Provincia de Texas, San Antonio de Bexar, April 6, 1813, Historia, Operado,us de Guerra, A"edondo, 1813-1820, IV, 15-21, A.G. M. Note the use of the term "American," in this instance in its broader sense to designate the people of Mexico and the two Americas. It was used in this sense throughout Spanish America at this time.
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