Convention Room, San Felipe De Austin.
Thursday, April 4, 1833.
On motion of David G. Burnet, it was
Resolved; That, whereas it has been reported to this Convention,
that a vessel under foreign colours has recently arrived in, and de-
parted from the Bay of Galveston; that she came direct from the
Island of Cuba, and was laden with negroes.— And whereas it has
also been stated, that these unfortunate beings are recently from
the African Coast, and speak only their vernacular tongue. The
Convention do hold in utter abhorrence all participation, whether
direct, or indirect, in the African Slave Trade—that we do concur in
the general indignation which has been manifested throughout the
civilized world against that inhuman and unprincipled traffic. And
we do, therefore, earnestly recommend to our constituents, the good
people of Texas, that they will not only abstain from all concern
in that abominable traffic, but that they will unite their efforts to
prevent the evil from polluting our shores; and will aid and
sustain the civil authority in detecting and punishing any similar
attempt for the future.
Resolved, That the Island of Cuba, as pertaining to the Kingdom
of Spain, is an enemies country, and by necessary consequence, all
commercial, or other intercourse with it, or its inhabitants, is an
infraction of our most sacred duties as good and faithful citizens of the
Mexican Republic.
Therefore, This Convention would advise, and enjoin upon all the
good people of Texas, that they discountenance by all possible means,
every attempt to fix upon the moral and political character of our
young community the odious epithet of treason, or the still more
detestable stigma of Piracy.
The Convention feel a proud satisfaction in believing that the
late shameful violation of law, and of every patriotic duty, was
perpetrated by transient foreign adventurers.
On motion of Ira Ingram, seconded by Thomas Hastings.
Ordered, That the resolution, relative to the introduction of
African negroes from the Island of Cuba, or elsewhere, and relative to
the prosecution of commerce with the Island, be signed by the
President and Secretary of this Convention, and be published in the Texas
Advocate, and transmitted to New-Orleans for publication in the
papers of that city; and also to the several presses of Mexico, for
publication throughout the Mexican Republic.
W. H. Wharton, Chairman.
Thos. Hastings, Secretary,