PAPERS OF :Mm.ADEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR 109 public on the faith of which they emigrated, instead of a central mili- tary despotism- or to secede. The first public declaration of Independence was on 7th Nov. 1835, renewed in December 1835 at La Bahia or Goliad. About 90 persons met, and their recommendations has been adopted ·by their fellow citizens. The ground . of defence here taken was taken by the Texan Con- vention of 1'Jarch 1836 that met at Washington in Texas. All these facts the reader may find corroborated by the last North American Review. But the question between the United Slates and Mexico, is another and a different question. I agree to the doctrines advanced in the very sensible letter of .Mr. / saac Preston of N. Orleans; nor do I think Col. 1V. C. Preston of the Senate would be inclined to deny them.- Being in amity with the l\fexican Government, the United States are bound to strict neutrality between Mexico and Texas. And the movement of General Gaines over the boundary line, must be sat- isfactorily explained. I presume it can be, though I do not see at present, how it can be. The United States Government is not bound to impossibilities. The emigration of individuals into Texas cannot be prevented, unless by a cordon of troops and vessels to keep the whole boundary line in a state of actual blockade. Is this possible? The individuals go at their own risk in defiance of our proclamations; and who can prevent them? we are to do what we can; we are not required to attempt what is manifestly out of power to succeed in. But the cold-blooded murder of troops that had surrendered, and the treacherous imprisonment of envoys with passports, are circum- stances that put the :Mexicans out of the pale of civilized nations; and I doubt whether we are not disgraced by any alliance with such a nation. At any rate, we are bound only to a bare fulfilment of this contract of amity, with a people who set all compacts at defiance. The land speculators of the United States are usually the middle men_between the native Empressarios or Contractors, and the purchas- ers and settlers. No doubt, frauds as numerous [unfinished]
No. 420. "TEXAS." ANONYMOUS
[Newspaper clipping] [July? 1836] The National Intelligencer at Washington, somewhat to the sur- prise of the New York .Tournalists, has received Mexican papers of later date than any that have reached this port. They contain various public despatches relative to Texas, which have not befo1·e been pub- lished, but the substance of which was known. .-\ decree of the pro,·isional President appeals to the pntrioti::-m of the Mexican people to carry on the Texian war until the national honor is vindicated, the interest of the Republic saYed, and the liberty of the President restorecl. A reward will be giYen to any citizen who mny co-operate in effect- ing the escape of Santa Anna. Another dec-ree from the same source says: "With a Yiew to m1111ifcst the just fel'iing of the> nation and the
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