USA > Texas > Tarrant County > Fort Worth > History of Texas : Fort Worth and the Texas northwest edition, Volume I > Part 25
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"Much division, on our arrival, we found to exist among the peo- ple ; but the letters of Colonel Austin, and the actual invasion of the country, had the happy effect of producing unanimity of sentiment and instant unison of action. And the ardor and enthusiasm which pervaded every one when we left does credit to that section, and is a guarantee to this that in the hour of danger we will by them be sup- ported. About eighty men immediately prepared, and 'started to join the army at San Antonio, and we presume by this have arrived at headquarters. About eighty men are now on the road, and crossed the Brazos at Washington, probably on yesterday evening. This
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latter company are entirely from the jurisdiction of San Augustine, under the command of Colonel Sublet. Although that section of the country can probably raise one thousand men, the difficulty of pro- curing horses, arms, and the necessary equipments is so great that it is not to be expected that they will send a large force at once. Under all the circumstances we think they have so far done very well; and we have no doubt they will still continue to do so, and that we may expect to be aided from that quarter as fast as the people can prepare. The committee of Nacogdoches were very active, being constantly engaged in procuring arms and horses and provisions ; and they deserve the thanks of Texas. We had no opportunity of judging of the committee of San Augustine, not having been there. The manner, however, in which the citizens have turned out mani- fests that they have done their duty. We regret to have the morti- fication to state that the people on the Sabine have refused to aid the cause of Texas. From Bevil's statement, we are informed, a company of about sixty were to have started about a week since : and the people generally, through the country along which we passed. were preparing to come on. But late Indian depredations along the road will probably detain many at home.
"Much excitement existed through the country from Trinity to Sabine about the time of our arrival at Nacogdoches on the supposi- tion that the northern Indians were unfriendly. We have taken much pains to investigate the facts ; and, although appearances were then very much against the Indians, no doubt now exists of their friendly intentions. About one month since a general council of the twelve northern tribes was held at the Cherokee village, at which no white man was permitted to be present. During the session of their coun- cil, many hostile indications appeared, and the general opinion of the Americans was that the Indians intended siding with the Mexi- cans. Upon the breaking up of the council, however, the Indians manifested friendship, and the reasons for their conduct during the session, we consider, are these. The war chief of the Cherokees and other chiefs had just returned from San Antonio, to which place they had gone at the request of Ugartechea, who endeavored to enlist them on his side.
"The chiefs, on their return, called this general council and debated the questions what course to pursue. All the supposed inva- sions of the Americans in their rights were regularly called up, and discussed. The killing of three Cherokee Indians, not long since, also the killing of Cushates, and the surveying of their lands. The result of their consultation was to remain friendly with the Ameri- cans, and to appeal to the convention for protection and redress. One of us (Mr. Baker) was present at the meeting held with the chiefs, at Nacogdoches, and no doubt can exist of friendly feeling of the northern Indians. Secure them in their possessions, treat them in a frank, manly, independent manner, and you secure their friendship, and hereafter, if necessary, their co-operation.
"Bowles, the war chief, and Big Mush, the civil chief of the Cherokees, with three other chiefs, are now on their way, as members
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of the convention, with full powers to represent all the northern Indians. It is questionable whether they could be induced to act against the Caddos, Ionies, Kechies, and Huacos. Owing to the many misrepresentations which have, of late, been made, the Indians have appointed their present delegation to represent them, and desire that the Americans will listen to nothing but what comes from them. They also desire to have one particular channel of communication. on the part of the Americans; Colonel Austin, or General Houston, would probably be the best, and during their absence, we would sug- gest the propriety of appointing a standing committee to com- municate with them.
"Many persons are in the country, receiving lands, who have never been on an Indian campaign, and who now refuse to aid in the war. As such people do not benefit the country, we can see no good reason why the country should benefit them; and we would suggest the propriety of your adopting a resolution, recommending that such persons should receive nothing until the convention can decide upon their merits. Many persons are also detained at home for the purpose of speculating on land, and for the purpose of surveying ; we would suggest to your body the propriety of recommending to the commis- sioners to close their offices, until the present critical moment shall pass over, when they can again open them.
"Some few persons are also endeavoring to create the impression through the country that the government is very friendly, and that the people ought to stay at home, and that by turning out they will be guilty of treason. We suggest to your body the propriety of re- porting some of these individuals to the army, in order that some steps may be taken in regard to the matter.
"We have already, in a separate communication, transmitted to you the resolutions of Natchitoches. forwarded from the committee of Nacogdoches.
"We cannot close this letter without particularly bringing to your notice the generous and patriotic conduct of Mr. Joseph Durst, on the Angelina. During the nineteen days we were at his house, he was always active in forwarding the expresses, and furnishing horses; charging nothing, and desires us to say that whatever he had, was at command.
Respectfully. "MOSLEY BAKER, "F. W. JOHNSON."
Public opinion in East Texas at this time is further illustrated by the following address from the committee of safety and correspondence of Liberty :
"Fellow-Citizens :
"The committe of safety for the municipality of Liberty, in the exercise of the functions delegated to them, feel it their duty to address their fellow-citizens of the municipality, on the present in- teresting nature of our public affairs.
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"The committee are sensible that many worthy and patriotic citi- zens have been opposed, on principles which they esteemed sound and correct, to a rupture with the authorities of Mexico. The committee know how to appreciate such opposition and the motives from which it proceeds. But they would earnestly solicit such as still adhere to an opposition which may have been innocent, and even praise-worthy in its origin, to reconsider the subject, and to inquire whether the present situation of the country does not essentially change the ground on which their opposition was predicated. The committee are free to declare that they, too, were advocates for peace, while peace was practicable on terms compatible with the welfare, the honor, and the future safety of Texas, and of the constitution which we have all sworn to support and obey. The hope of such a peace has departed, without leaving a single ray of light to guide the most credulous in the indulgence of it. We, therefore, call upon all such, to abandon an opposition which, however commendable in its origin, can now have no application to the circumstances of the country. Right principles never change; but, in the application of principles to facts, there are many modifications. The federal constitution and the con- stitution of the states have been violently destroyed, and the actual powers of the government are usurped by the military, who are exer- cising them with the wonted cruelty and recklessness of the rights of citizens that has always characterized the dominion of the sword.
"Of those of our fellow-citizens who regard the sanctity of their oaths of allegiance and allege it as a reason for opposing their countrymen now in arms, we would enquire what is the obligation of that oath? Most clearly, it is to support. the federal and state constitution. But where are those constitutions? They have been rent to atoms, and their scattered fragments are to be traced, in lines of blood, beneath the trampling of the usurper's cavalry, on the plains of Zacatecas.
"Texas is but pursuing the noble, unsuccessful example of that high minded state. She has resolved to sustain a legitimate govern- ment, or to perish in the attempt; to oppose the tide of military and ecclesiastical usurpation, and to roll it back upon the unholy league. And she looks with confidence for the aid of her adjacent sister states, who have already experienced the bitterness of military misrule. For this purpose the sword is already drawn ; our fellow- citizens are in the field, the banner of liberty is unfolded, and the high example of lawful resistance to unlawful usurpation is exhib- ited in the gleam of their rifles and the thunder of their cannon, before the walls of San Antonio.
"The committee would, therefore, affectionately appeal to such of their fellow-citizens as are still holding back from the good work, in the language of the holy prophet, 'Why halt ye between two opinions?' If the constitution be the object of your allegiance, then rise up, like men, and support the constitution. If Santa Anna and his military vassals be the government you desire. then avow your- selves the degraded minions of an unprincipled and infuriated despo- tism. The contest is for liberty or slavery; life or death; for the VOL. 1-12
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tranquil possession of the country we have redeemed from bar- barism, or a forcible ejection from it. It admits of no neutrals. Those who are not for us are against us. Those who refuse to save the country cannot hope to participate in the benefits of its salvation. Our numbers are few, but they are a band of heroes, and fear not the issue. Union is always important. The concurrence of every citizen is desirable. The few who still maintain their opposi- tion are not dreaded; their number is small, their influence insignifi- cant. But 'Texas expects every man to do his duty.' The door of conciliation is open, and all are invited to enter. They will be re- ceived with cordiality, the past forgotten, and the future only will be regarded. The times are critical, the emergency is pressing, and calls for promptitude and energy. Texas is at war; and every citi- zen who shall be found in practices inimical to her interests will be dealt with according to the utmost rigor of military law.
"The committee urge these things, not in the spirit of dictation, but of friendly admonition; not to alarm, but to convince and to allure every misguided citizen into the path of duty, of interest, and of honor. The aged and the infirm who cannot take the field can con- tribute of their substance ; the young, the robust, and the gallant, are exhorted to repair to the camp, to unite with their brethren in arms, and to exhibit themselves the worthy descendants of the heroes of '76. Horses, arms, and ammunition are wanted, steady hands and brave hearts are wanted to repel the storm of desolation that lowers over our beautiful country. Let no man hold back too long ; there is danger in delay : there is mischief in disunion : there is safety, happiness, and a speedy peace in a united, prompt, and decisive exer- tion of our strength. The committee would repeat the motto of the gallant hero of Trafalgar, 'Texas expects every man to do his duty.' "EDWARD TANNER, "DAVID G. BURNET, "WM. HARDIN, "JESSE DEVONE, "B. K. SPINKS, "HENRY W. FARLEY.
"LIBERTY, OCTOBER 24, 1835."
On receipt of this address by the General Council, it was ordered, on motion of Mr. Bryan, of Liberty, that two hundred and fifty copies should be published.
On October 23, following Baker and Johnson's report, the council adopted an address to the people of Texas, designed to counteract the influence of those who continued to urge non-resistance and conciliation ; and on the 26th, moved no doubt by the Natchitoches resolutions, it extended an eloquent invitation to the citizens of the United States to assist the Texans in their struggle for liberty.
"To the People of Texas.
"FELLOW-CITIZENS: The General Council of all Texas, invested with full power to direct the political affairs of the country, earnestly desiring that you should be fully and satisfactorily informed of the
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actual condition of the Mexican government, and of the posture of affairs in Texas, again address you.
"We ask you to discard from your recollection the thousand rumors you may have heard of the political condition of the Mexican government, and of its intentions towards Texas, and to listen to what we have to say to you. We have been appointed by the dele- gates of Texas to represent the country until the Convention shall meet, and what we say to you is true, and no good citizen will doubt it. We solemnly warn you against the insidious and dangerous reports you every day hear ; and we as solemnly warn you against listening to the equally insidious and dangerous doctrines of those who, too ignorant to understand the true condition of things, would persuade you that no danger exists, that no unfriendly feelings are entertained by the Mexican government against you, and that if you stay at home all will be well. We declare to you that such assertions are not true, and that if you act under that belief, your country, your property and your liberties are lost.
"Under a republican federal government you emigrated to Texas, you abandoned your own dear and native republic, your relations and friends, and all the tender associations of life. You settled a wilderness, and encountered hardships and privations of every kind; you battled with, and conquered the Indians, and instead of the country which a few years since was one wide extended uncultivated forest, you now present to a wondering and admiring world, one that abounds in plenty, with wealth overflowing from every portion, and population scattered from the Sabine to the Rio Grande. You have added a flourishing country to the Mexican nation, and for all this you were promised protection to your lives, your persons and property. In consideration of this protection, you swore to support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the republican federal government of the Mexican United States. Up to this period you have been faithful observers of that oath, you have been scrupu- lously circumspect in adhering to the laws and institutions of the country, and the people of Texas may fearlessly challenge the whole world, and ask, 'in what have we offended?' With the form of government you were content, with the laws you were satisfied. You sought no change, and you desired no revolution ; you dreamed not of war, and made no preparation for it. But, in the midst of this peace and prosperity, and supposed security, General Santa Anna was secretly undermining the Constitution; secretly and de- liberately planning the destruction of your form of government, and paving the way for a military, ecclesiastical, consolidated govern- ment, one which he was to rule as supreme chief. Eighteen months ago he laid the plan of his future operations. Abandoning the republican party, who had made him president, he attached himself to the military and the clergy, and the remnants of the old Spanish aristocracy. He banished from the country every liberal of influence, and finally drove the members of Congress from their seats at the point of the bayonet. By his individual influence he returned to the next Congress a large majority of the aristocrats, and, at the last ses-
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sion of that body, he caused a resolution to be passed, declaring that the form of government should be changed, that the civil militia should be disbanded, and that only one gun should remain in the hands of every five hundred men; that the system of colonization should cease, that all foreigners should quit the republic, and finally, to consummate his ambitious views, he himself was declared, by the same Congress, dictator of the nation, with absolute power, having for his rule and guide nothing but his own will and pleasure. Against these outrages on the Constitution, these usurpations of power, the state of Zacatecas protested. To compel her into obedi- ence, the dictator marched against her, and defeated her citizens in battle. The town was pillaged, and the citizens massacred by the soldiery, and that gallant and soverign state was reduced and made a military garrison. The State of Coahuila and Texas also protested against the same proceedings of Congress, and General Cos was ordered to put her down. He arrested the governor, dis- persed and made prisoners many members of the legislature, dis- armed the citizens, and garrisoned Monclova and was ordered with a large force to Texas, but was prevented. by the disturbances of the interior, from coming until now.
"On the 19th of July last the Congress met in the City of Mexico, and resolved itself into a constituent Congress, and, with only nine dissenting voices, resolved that the form of government should be changed into a central one, and appointed a committee to report a con- stitution. The committee reported that there should be a supreme chief to rule the nation, who should be elected for eight years, re- eligible for life. That the senate should be compounded of twelve members, six generals and six bishops, to be appointed by the chief. That the house of representatives should be elected by the people own- ing a certain amount of property. That the states should be called districts, to be governed by a military commandant and bishop.
"This, fellow-citizens, is the new form of government under which Santa Anna proposes to bring you; and the question occurs have you the right to resist? The oath you have taken compels you to resist it-but independent of that, you have the undoubted right to do so. The Mexican government is a confederacy of sovereign and independent states, formed by their voluntary union. Texas, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, in 1824, was a sovereign member, and one of the parts that formed the con- federacy ; and she was so acknowledged by the general constituent Congress who formed the Constitution by their decree of the 7th of May. 1824. The form of government into which she entered was a republican federative one-one congenial with the interest, and feelings, and education of her citizens. So long as this form of government continued, so long Texas was in duty bound to adhere to it, but the moment that form of government is destroyed, that moment Texas returns to her original sovereignty and has the un- doubted right to reject or acquiesce in any form that may be pro- posed. The republican federative government is now destroyed ; Texas is now sovereign and independent, and has the right to say
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whether she will come under a new form of government, planned by Santa Anna, formed by the clergy and military, over which Santa Anna is to be chief.
"Texas has decided that she will not submit to the new govern- ment ; and the question is now left to the fate of war. The strength of arms is to decide the issue ; and the American and Mexican forces are now arrayed against each other. Fellow-citizens of Texas, one thousand of your number have already gone to the field of war. One thousand brave and generous spirits, one thousand true devoted Americans have already, like their fathers of the revolution, sworn to live free or die,-like their fathers in 1776, have pledged to each other 'their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor,' and have sworn to drive every Mexican soldier beyond the Rio Grande, or to whiten the soil with their bones. The cause in which they are engaged is not the cause of any party ; it is the cause of Texas, it is a contest for liberty, it is an issue in which are involved the lives, the property, and freedom of the settlers of our country. They are fighting because Texas, by almost universal acclamation, has so ordered it; and no man can any longer be permitted to remain a silent and inactive spectator. There can now be no retreat, and he who is not the active friend of Texas, the convention will shortly determine is her enemy. Will you longer remain idle? Will you longer refuse to turn out? Will you still continue to be passive spectators? No, fellow-citizens, we believe you will not. We be- lieve some of you have been deceived ; but now you can be deceived no longer : And we entreat you, by the sacred and endearing name of liberty, in the name of your patriotic and devoted fathers of the revolution, by all the tender ties that should bind one American to another, to rouse from your lethargy, and march to the field of war. Shall your friends, your neighbors? Shall Americans be slaughtered by a Mexican soldiery, and you not avenge their deaths? Shall they brave the cannon's mouth, and you not participate in the glory? Shall they shout victory from the battlements of San Antonio, and you not be there to join in the cry ?
"Fellow-citizens of our common country, we again solemnly warn you of your danger ; we again tell you that your aid is required ; we again entreat you, without delay, to march to San Antonio. If you refuse, our duty constrains us to tell you that Texas in her prosperity, the convention in its indignation, the army flushed with victory, will remember you. The present generation may brand you with infamy. Posterity will remember it towards your children. He who does not now protect Texas, Texas will not protect him hereafter. He who confers no benefit on the country, the country will confer none on him. The public lands of Texas are for its protectors alone ; punish- ment and disgrace alone for those who are secretly, silently, or openly its enemies. To Americans, to freemen, to the countrymen of Washington, to the friends of Texas, we have said enough. When you next hear from us, you will hear, in all probability, that the blood of our enemies has crimsoned the soil of our country.
"R. R. ROYALL, President. "A. HUSTON, Secretary."
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"To the Citizens of the United States of the North:
"The general council of all Texas, by a resolution unanimously adopted, have determined to address you in behalf of suffering Texas, and to invoke your assistance.
"A few plain facts will suffice to explan to you the political con- dition in which we are placed, and to satisfy you that we are en- gaged in a contest just and honorable and one which should com- mand universal admiration and sympathy.
"Our citizens were invited to settle Texas by a government of a federal republican character, having for its model that of the gov- ernment of the United States of the North. Under that invitation, and that promise of protection to our lives, persons and property, thousands emigrated here, and have subdued a vast and extended wilderness to the purposes of agriculture, and in place of the solitary region inhabited hitherto only by the savage and the beast, now present a country prosperous in the highest degree, with a pop- ulation varying between sixty and one hundred thousand inhabitants, and having on its whole face inscribed one universal assurance of its future greatness and prosperity.
"Under this form of government and this invitation, thousands have brought their property to this country, and invested thousands upon thousands of dollars in land. They have expatriated them- selves from their native country, torn themselves from connections dear, given up to the conveniences for privations of every sort.
"They have given security to the Mexican frontiers from Indian depredations, and made the mountains the boundary of the savages. And now, when we have accomplished all this, when we had just fairly established ourselves in peace and plenty, just brought around us our families and friends, the form of government under which we had been born and educated, and the only one to which we would have sworn allegiance, is destroyed by the usurper, Santa Anna, and a military government established in its stead.
"To this new form of government the people of Texas have refused to submit. They ground their opposition upon the facts that they have sworn to support the republican federative government of Mexico, and that their duty requires them now to stand out in opposition.
"Texas was one of the units that composed the government by the national constituent congress of 1824. She was acknowledged a sovereign and independent member of the confederacy. As a sovereign member she voluntarily united with the confederacy that forms the government, and upon the breaking up of that govern- ment she has unquestionably the right to accede or to reject the new one that may be proposed.
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