Mexico, May 25, 1822.
Sir:
Having become a citizen of this Empire, by the formation of a
settlement of three hundred families from the United States of
America in the Province of Texas, under authority from the Depu-
tation in the Internal Provinces; and participating in the Sentiments
of joy manifested by the nation at the recent political change, I
respectfully approach his Imperial Majesty, and offer my
congratulations on the happy consummation of the independence of Mexico,
by the election of the hero of Iguala, the Liberator of his Country
to the Imperial Throne—
I make a tender of my services, my loyalty, and my fidelity to the
Constitutional Emperor of Mexico; a tender which I am ready to
verify by an oath of allegiance to the Empire.
This solemn act cuts me off from all protection or dependence on
my former government—my property, my prospects, my future
hopes of happiness, for myself and family, and for the families I
have brought with me, are centered here— This is our adopted
Nation:—We look to the Sovereign Congress as the pure fountain
whence those blessings are to flow which will diffuse peace,
improvement, intelligence, and happiness over this new born Nation:
We raise our eyes and hearts to him, whose virtues have elevated
him to the station he merited, as the Father, who is to distribute
those blessings to his people with a firm, impartial, and benevolent
hand—
I therefore supplicate that his Imperial Majesty will have the
goodness to take the Settlement I have formed under his
protection, and that we be may be received as Children of the great
Mexican family.—
I have the honor of presenting Your Excellency with a Copy
of my Memorial now before Congress, and also the translation
of a letter from General Wilkinson, which, in addition to the fact
that I am actually settled in Texas with my property and family,
and to the recommendations afforded by the documents already
before the Government relative to my settlement, will I hope be
deemed a sufficient proof that I come to this Empire in good faith,
and with a firm determination to be obedient to the established
authorities of the Government, and a wish to be useful to the nation
so far as I am able—
Will Your Excellency have the goodness to lay this letter and
accompanying papers before his Imperial Majesty—
Hoping that Your Excellency may find me deserving of your
protection and Esteem.
Stephen F. Austin
To His Excellency José M. Herrera Minister of State etc.