USA > Texas > History of Texas : from 1685 to 1892, volume 1 > Part 17
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" That justice, that liberality, we now most respectfully, solemnly, unanimously and confidently invoke.
WILLIAM H. WHARTON, Chairman.
LUKE LESASSIER, JONAS HARRISON, GEORGE SUTHERLAND, PATRICK C. JACK."
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On the 16th of October, ten days after the adjournment, Francis W. Johnson, who had been both a member and sec- retary of the convention, and who was made chairman of a standing central committee, created as an advisory body to the people, made the following report:
" To the Ayuntamiento of Bexar :
" Pursuant to a call of the Alcalde of this municipality, a general meeting of the inhabitants of Texas, through delegates, took place in this town on the 1st inst., fifty-eight delegates being present. The object of the meeting was to make to the general Congress an exposition of the situation of Texas. After full deliberation it was concluded to represent to the Congress, agreeably to article 2d of the law of May 7th, 1824, that Texas has the proper requisites to form singly a State separate from Coahuila. It was further agreed to claim a reform of the maritime tariff, and the abrogation of article 11th of the law of April 6th, 1830, prohibiting the immigra- tion of natives of the United States of the north. A request was also made to the government to appoint a commissioner for the settlement of land matters, and to establish an Ayunta- miento between the San Jacinto and Sabine rivers; also to grant certain lands to the Ayuntamientos of Texas, by the sale whereof they might raise the funds needed to erect school houses and support schools of the Spanish and English lan- guages. In view of the exposed situation of the country to Indian depredations, the convention agreed upon framing a provincial regulation for the militia. They also appointed a standing, or central, committee in this town and subordinate committees in every section represented in the body. It was made the duty of the central committee to correspond with the subordinate committees, inform them concerning subjects of general interest, and in case of emergency, to call another general meeting or Texas convention. This committee was further instructed to open a correspondence with the people
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of Bexar, and to invite them to co-operate in the furtherance of the foregoing objects.
" The general meeting, under a sense of the high impor- tance of the matters discussed and acted upon, agreed upon sending a delegate to Saltillo and Mexico, charged with the duty of earnestly urging them upon the consideration of the government, and to that end they selected citizen William H. Wharton as their representative.
" It was the earnest wish of the convention that some suit- able person, either from Bexar or Goliad, should accompany the delegate from this town, and co-operate with him in the presentation to the government of the matters confided to his management, but they took no step in that direction, not knowing whether the people of those sections would approve of what had been done. But, after the meeting had con- cluded their business, the delegates from Goliad arrived and, having manifested to the committee their hearty acquies- cence in the conclusions reached by that convention, and expressed the wish of the people of Goliad that a delegate should be appointed from their district to accompany citizen William H. Wharton on his mission before mentioned, and Don Rafael Manchola having been suggested, it was agreed by the committee jointly with the delegates from Goliad that he receive the appointment, subject to the concurrence of all the subordinate committees. It was also agreed that the expenses of the delegates should be defrayed by means of voluntary contributions, and for this purpose the subordinate committees are instructed to open subscriptions aggregating the sum of four thousand dollars, out of which each delegate shall be paid the sum of two thousand dollars. All the foregoing I communicate to your body, by order of the con- vention, hoping that the people of Bexar will approve the measures adopted and proceed to the appointing of a com- mittee in that city, charged with the duty of a correspondence with the committee of this town.
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" It is hoped, also, that you will approve the appointment of Don Rafael Manchola to proceed to Saltillo and Mexico in company with Mr. Wharton for the purposes above stated and that you will acquaint the central committee in this town, as soon as possible, with your decision and furnish them the names of the members of the committee appointed in your city. So soon as the documents embodying the several sub- jects acted upon by the convention shall have been translated into Spanish, copies thereof will be sent to the committee of your city, for the information of the public. God and the prosperity of Texas.
JAMES B. MILLER, Secretary."
F. W. JOHNSON, Chairman."
The petition for a new State was adopted, and the several memorials were forwarded to the State and general govern- ment. Wm. H. Wharton and Don Rafael Manchola, of Goliad, appointed to bear them, were unable to go in person.
The notice for the elections had been short, in consequence of which the delegates from Goliad did not arrive till after the adjournment of the convention, which occurred on the night of October 6, after a laborious session of six days, but they indorsed unreservedly the action which had been taken. The convention also created a central committee, F. W. Johnson, chairman, with power to call another convention if necessary. San Antonio, however, stood aloof, in sullen opposition, which, in connection with other matters, betrayed the gross igno- rance of many influential Mexicans in regard to all that relates to constitutional liberty and the elementary rights of the citizens in a free Republican government. This ignorance was conspicuously displayed in their holding that this assem- blage was virtually a treasonable body, than which a more ridiculous idea can be scarcely conceived.
CHAPTER XXII.
Events following the convention of 1832 - Important official communi- cations.
Regarding the events connected with and following this first convention of the people of Texas as the key to the subsequent actions leading to independence, and believing that they afford the most ample justification of those steps, the spirit of truth and justice demand that the facts in full, never before given in a historical work, should be handed down to posterity.
Will any enlightened man, born or adopted into a common- wealth of freemen, deny the inherent right of the people peacefully to meet, either in primary or conventional capacity, and petition those in authority for a redress of grievances or the enactment of laws for the promotion of their welfare, provided such enactments inflict no injury upon others? This is precisely what the people of Texas did through the conven- tion of October, 1832, and its successor in April, 1833. This and no more.
About the time of the convention in 1832, Don Jose M. de La Garza, Political Chief of Texas, stationed in San Antonio, wrote a letter to Stephen F. Austin, among other things saying :
" It can not be doubted that certain measures adopted by the government in regard to colonization, were neither frank nor liberal. Nor can it be doubted that abuses have been committed by military men in Texas since 1830; nor that they have not been remedied, and that the government of the State has, in several instances, been disregarded and insulted. The wish of every true patriot is to see the end of all such evils, the country in peace, and its happiness and progress uninter- ruptedly established."
These were cheering words from the highest Mexican official (214)
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in Texas to Austin, president of the convention of 1832. But there is another side to the character of Don Jose M. de La Garza. Almost in the same hour he wrote to the Governor of Coahuila and Texas the following :
" In view of the actual state of affairs in this department, ( ¿. e., all Texas) and especially of the peculiar situation of the district of Nacogdoches, in consequence of the determined and wide-spread insurrection that took place in the North American settlements from the Colorado to the Sabine, of which I informed your excellency by last mail, a true Mexican can but bitterly deplore his misfortune and feel sorely the foreign hand that came boldly to rob him of his rights, employing physical force, while even rational arguments from such a source ought hardly to be tolerated, when we consider how lately these Americans have been admitted to Mexican citizenship."
This letter from Don Jose to his superior, exhibits a system of mental gymnastics, peculiar to those who embody the two detestable traits of sycophancy to superiors and deceit towards equals and inferiors. For a generation before the Americans came to Texas, it was not an unusual occurrence for bands of wild Comanches to ride into the plaza of San Antonio, dis- mount and compel Mexicans to hold their horses, while they frolicked through the town, demanding and receiving contri- butions.
Since the advent of American riflemen, however, these same Comanches were content to come in and ask permission to camp in the vicinity of the town for the purpose of bartering their hides and peltries for such commodities as they desired.
These facts and the letter to Austin it suited his purpose to treat as if they were not.
Machiavellian as he was, however, he was not gifted with the foresight to see that a month later, his august master, Bustamente, would be compelled to surrender up the Presi- dency he had seized by violence and revolution.
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The Ayuntamiento of San Antonio, through a letter from Angel Navarro, opposed the convention. On the 22d of November, among other missives sent forth, was one from Don Jose de La Garza, demanding to know of the Ayuntam- iento of Gonzales what part, if any, that body had taken in bringing about the convention. The Alcalde of Gonzales was Ezekiel Williams, a bachelor and a worthy, law-abiding citizen, averse to turmoil and bloodshed. There was a direct road seventy-six miles in length, from Gonzales to San Antonio and not a house between, an open way for military detach- ments to approach. Only the Sandy creek, the Forty-mile water hole, the Cibolo and the Salado intervened. On the 16th of December Alcalde Williams replied to Political Chief Garza:
" We acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's commu- nication of the 22nd of November, 1832, in which you request this body to say how far they have taken part in the conven- tion held in Austin's colony, for the purpose, it is said, of making representations to the government. They answer that in no manner have they been officially concerned in said con- vention, and that the colonists of this jurisdiction have taken officially no part in it. God and Liberty.
EZEKIEL WILLIAMS, Alcalde."
The Alcalde was ever recognized as a kind-hearted man of truth till his death which occurred after long service as county clerk under the Republic - many years later. He could not tell a lie. Hence used the word " official " to qualify his negation. But the convention itself was not " official " in a technical sense; yet in a fundamental sense it was an official assemblage sprung from the people, under which Henry S. Brown and Claiborne Stinnett were elected by and represented the people of DeWitt's colony in the convention. That their action was satisfactory was proven by their election of the 1st of the next March to the convention of April, 1833.
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This first convention of the people of Texas, the facts attending which, as before stated, have never been recounted in any history of the country, stirred the Mexican mind throughout the nation, as will be seen by translations from numerous documents emanating from Mexican officials.
The Ayuntamiento of San Antonio, through Alcalde Angel Navarro, wrote to that of San Felipe that while they deemed the object of the convention in every way commendable, they regarded it as " untimely and uncalled for," and further in this connection wrote: " no hope can be entertained at pres- ent of a successful issue of the matters urged - all such meet- ings " (i. e., the exercise of the sacred right of petition by the people in convention assembled ) " are prohibited by the supreme power and existing laws - the Political Chief of the department should have been consulted before such action was taken ; and that on hearing of the event, that official ex- pressed his surprise and displeasure that a movement so unu- sual should have been entered upon without his knowledge and consent."
The next document is a letter from Ramon Musquiz, suc- cessor of Garza as Political Chief, to Stephen F. Austin, president of the convention, inclosing one to the Ayuntami- ento of San Felipe, written on the 8th of November. Only the latter letter was found in the Mexican archives. In it Musquiz informs the Ayuntamiento that their action in re- gard to the convention was "illegal and unwarranted by the constitution and existing laws, and must be considered as derogatory to the supreme government" (that is the govern- ment headed by the usurper, Bustamente), that the step taken by them was in direct violation of " the supreme order of January 10th, 1824," (an order by the provisional govern- ment before the republican constitution of 1824 was adopted - a startling fact in this connection ) " which prohibits as dan- gerous, all such popular meetings," and gives it as his opinion that their conduct " vindicates the wisdom of that supreme
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order." He charges them with exercising " powers that belong exclusively to the sovereign authority of the State," that their actions were nullities; hints at punishments, and charges them forthwith to dissolve their standing and all subordinate committees.
This arrogant and impudent communication from one whose ignorance of the principles of free government must be taken as an apology for its insulting utterances, was not calculated to pour oil upon the agitations of the period.
To these missives to Austin and to the Ayuntamiento, Colonel Austin replied in terms worthy of his character and position in the country, frankly telling Musquiz, in reply to the letter addressed to him, " that it would have been better not to have written it." It seems from a passage in his reply that the communication of Musquiz related both to the trouble with Bradburn at Anahuac and to the convention at San Felipe. Below is given the whole of the temperate, sensible and patriotic letter of Austin :
SAN FELIPE, NOV. 15, 1832.
ESTEEMED FRIEND : I agree with the sentiment expressed in your appreciated letter of the 8th inst., just received: " He is to be pitied who has the misfortune to be at the head of public affairs in revolutionary times;" but the only safe rule to follow is, to do one's duty regardless of the judgment of others. By this rule I have ever aimed to shape my actions, and my conscience is at rest. On several occasions I have found myself begirt with weighty embarrassments, but to the law of duty just mentioned, as to a polar star, I have looked for guidance and my aim has ever been to promote the true interests of the nation and of Texas.
With regard to the convention of which you speak, I can assure you it did not originate with me, but I am satisfied some good will result from its action. Already the public is better satisfied, and we have had more quiet than we had
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some time anterior thereto. As to your communication to the Ayuntamiento in relation to the convention, I believe that it would have been better not to have written it. Revolu- tionary times are not like peaceable times. Colonel Bradburn could, with the least prudence, have avoided all the evils that, like a pall, have for some time mantled the country. I tell you candidly, that in my opinion, it would be very impolitic to translate and print your communication. I shall not do so. The Ayuntamiento may do as they please. In times like the present, any measure is bad that tends to irritate and pro- duce excitement ; every measure is good that is calculated to soothe, bind up and bring about tranquillity and good order.
I have but little hope of obtaining anything from the Gov- ernment of Mexico. There is little probability that we shall soon have a stable and peaceable order of public affairs; and I give it as my deliberate judgment that Texas is lost if she take no measure of her own for her welfare. I incline to the opinion that it is your duty, as Chief Magistrate, to call a general convention to take into consideration the condition of the country. I do not know how the State or General Gov- ernment can presume to say that the people of Texas have violated the constitution, when the acts of both governments have long since killed the constitution, and when the confed- eration itself has hardly any life left. I cannot approve the assertion that the people have not the right to assemble peace- ably, and calmly and respectfully represent their wants. In short, the condition of Texas is bad, but we may fear to see it still worse.
I am settling up all my affairs, and in April I will go to the north for six months or a year. In Texas things present no hopeful aspect, but still when away I shall be glad to be in- formed how matters go on. I hope you will, from time to time, let me hear from you, telling me of current events, es- pecially of such things as indicate the vitality or death of the constitution ; also as to whether or not a presidential election
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has occurred, and what new hope may have sprung up as to an early and peaceful settlement of the affairs of our country. In the meanwhile, please command
Your affectionate friend,
S. F. AUSTIN.
This was a straightforward, manly and discreet reply on the part of Colonel Austin. It will be seen, however, that his anticipated trip to the north was abandoned for a long and painful one to the capital of Mexico, begun in May, 1833.
The next translation on this subject is a letter from Eca y Musquiz, acting Governor of Coahuila and Texas, to the Political Chief at San Antonio. After some preliminary re- marks he says:
" Your lordship will give the Ayuntamiento of San Felipe de Austin and other authorities of your department to under- stand, that this Government views with high displeasure all proceedings opposed to the constitution and existing laws, and that it will be compelled to take efficient measures to repress every disturbance of good order that may arise under any pretense whatever."
On the same day in a second communication, he says that the San Felipe convention "betrays artful intentions;" that " disturbances are in view ; " that " your lordship should endeavor to obtain and furnish me confidentially with such information as may lead to the detection of the true meaning of that extravagant step (the convention ) and its possible connection with the revolutionary designs of certain individu- als in Texas, or elsewhere in the Republic." He then sug- gests the employment of spies to watch the suspected and report their movements ; compliments the known patriotism of the chief and feels assured " that he will endeavor to place in their true light the maneuvers of the Ayuntamiento of San Felipe, who have for some time been distrusted by the Government."
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On the very day these letters were written at the State capital, the Political Chief at San Antonio wrote the Governor saying of the convention that " it was in violation of all law and duty that the meeting took place;" that his " main effort will be to put an end to all such serious and deplorable ex- cesses ; " but that "the stubbornness of the people (the Americans) is such as to allow me little hope of being able to recall them to a sense of due obligation to the law and government."
The next quotation comes from a communication, prompted by news from Texas in relation to the San Felipe convention written by the then Mexican idol of the colonists of Texas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, to the minister of State under the recently recalled and installed President, Pedraza. Forget not that at that moment Santa Anna occupied a warm place in the heart of every honest American citizen of Texas. He wrote to the minister :
" I deem it my duty to call special attention of the Presi- dent to the condition of Texas. Satisfied as I am that the foreigners who have introduced themselves in that province, have a strong tendency to declare themselves independent of the republic; and that all their remonstrances and complaints are but disguised to that end, I think it to be of paramount importance that General Filisola should forthwith proceed to fulfill his mission ( ¿. e., to march into Texas ), having first been well supplied with good officers and the greatest number of troops possible, with instructions both to secure the integrity of our territory, and do justice to the colonists. The inter- est of the nation requires a kind policy towards those people, for they have done us good service (by defeating Santa Anna's enemies, Piedras, Bradburn and Ugartechea ) and, it must be confessed, they have not on all occasions, been treated with justice and liberality. That they have grounds to so feel towards our government is derogatory to the honor of the republic, and is deeply felt by them. Moreover, it is
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possible for them to become so exasperated as to make it im- practiable to restore order among them without much trouble." When, on the night of April 22nd, 1836, Santa Anna slept as a prisoner on the field of San Jacinto, this last prediction must have persuaded him that he ought to be crowned as a prophet. Every writer of Texian history and every critic on the character of the Texian people of that day, should ponder these admissions by Santa Anna of the wrongs perpetrated by his own government on the colonists.
The next translation is from a letter from the Minister of State and Relations (to whom Santa Anna's communication was addressed), to the Political Chief at San Antonio, in which he says :
" Your lordship will make use of all means in your power to cause these Coahuil-Texanos to understand that such ex- cesses among them as have lately came to light, must inevit- ably bring down upon them complete ruin, and that it will be well for them that they amend their conduct without delay, and give all due submission to the laws of their adopted country."
While these communications between Mexican officials were speeding over the country, entirely unknown and undreamed of by the American colonists, the latter were indulging the illusive belief that their prayers, so reasonable and so just, would receive favorable action by the Mexican government ; but as their convention had assembled while the centralist, Bustamente, was in the presidency, it was deemed advisable after Pedraza had been seated under the influence of Santa Anna, the champion of popular rights and the accepted friend of Texas, as its people vainly believed, to call a new conven- tion, draft a constitution for the proposed new State and sub- mit the whole question to the assumed friend of republicanism then in control of all branches of the government. In pur- suance of this plan the central committee issued a call in January, 1833, for the people to elect members to a new con-
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vention on the first day of March, 1833, to assemble at San Felipe on the first day of April. With this explanation, a translation of other Mexican documents is continued :
"The Alcalde of Nacogdoches to the Political Chief of Bexar;
" To comply with your lordship's orders of the fifth and seventh of November last, to the effect that I should, by all possible means, prevent the popular elections at those and other places, of delegates to the convention proposed to be held April first, in the town of San Felipe de Austin, for the purpose of taking steps preparatory to the secession of Texas, as I entered upon the discharges of the duties of my office, and became informed of the call for the election, I summoned the Ayuntamiento that I might confer with them touching said subject. Soon ascertaining that the commissioner in this place was resolved, at every hazard, to proceed with the election on the day appointed, without delay I ordered out the militia of my jurisdiction, that by their presence they might prevent the holding thereof. But my order was not complied with on the part of the militia, in consequence of a heavy fall of rain and hail, and the few citizens who had collected for the purpose proceeded with the election. Adolphus Sterne, first register of the Ayuntamiento, was certainly present on the occasion, but I do not know whether he acted as clerk or in any other capacity. Not until to-day could I learn the names of the persons elected. I leave to your lordship to appreciate the embarrassment of my situation, being expected to preserve order in this place, and at the same time utterly without such military force as can be relied on to that end; while on the other hand, with perfect accord, the inhabitants unite to accomplish their purposes.
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