City of Mexico, July 24, 1833.
To the Central Committee:
My letter from Vera-Cruz, dated 3d instant, informed you of the
many untoward circumstances that retarded my journey to that
place. When I wrote from Matamoras, on the 30th May, I expected
to have reached Vera Cruz in Six days, and this place in six or seven
more, I left Vera Cruz on the 5th in the stage, and arrived at
Jalapa on the 6th, where I received information of the siege of
Puebla by Arista and Duran—-and that the road was occupied on
both sides of the city of Puebla by their troops, and all
communication with Mexico cut off. On the 8th I was told that the stage was
allowed to pass the lines, though the danger of robbers was great—
and I intended to have proceeded in the stage on the 9th, But on
that day a new and unexpected difficulty arose—my passport was
from the Commandant General, D. Vincente Filisola, and it was
therefore necessary to present myself to the military authorities on
the road. At Vera Cruz I called twice (on the 2d, the day I landed,
and on the 3d) on the Commandant General of that place, and
exhibited my passport. He told me verbally I could proceed on my
journey, but did not endorse my passport. Owing to the want of
this formality, I was detained at Jalapa by the commandant, and
could not proceed until I sent to Vera Cruz, so that I did not reach
this place until the 18th inst. Puebla was heroically defended by
Gen. Guadalupe Victoria, with the militia of the city, hastily
collected for the purpose. The regular troops had all gone over to the
other side previously, and left Victoria without any resources except
the patriotism of the people of Puebla. With the militia he defeated
Arista and Duran in their attempt to get possession of the city; and
they retreated to the vicinity of this city. They are now within
four leagues, on the retreat, in the direction of Queretaro. Santa
Anna is in close pursuit of them, and no doubt is entertained of a
speedy termination of the crusaders and the final triumph of the
liberal party. I presume you have seen the Plan of Arista and
Duran—its basis is Religeon and a large standing Army. They will
fail in toto, and the result will be another triumph for Santa Anna
and a complete dissolution of the aristocratic party and influence.
I called on the Ministers on the 19th, and they appointed the
23d (yesterday) to have an interview on the subject of my mission.
I also called on the Vice-President; my reception was truly kind
and friendly, particularly in the interview yesterday with the two
Ministers of Relations and Justice, Garcia and Arispe. They were
fully informed of the objects of my Mission by my communication
from Matamoras through the Commandant Gen. and had received
the memorial of the Convention which I forwarded from that place.
I explained at large and with some detail the situation of Texas
and the necessity of erecting it into a State. The leading points on
which I rested our claims were:
First—The wish of the people and their declaration that they
possessed the necessary elements to sustain a State Government.
Second—The natural right of Texas to occupy its station alongside
of its sisters, the other States of the Confederation. It has always
been a distinct member of the Mexican family and as such fought
for the Independence, etc., and its being for a time under age did
not in any manner weaken its rights now that it was in a situation
to enter upon them, etc.
Third—The law of the 7th May, 1824. I positively denied the
right of Coahuila to approve or disapprove of our separation.
also stated that Texas did not, and would not, recognize the principle
that it was necessary to apply to the other states of the
confederation for their approbation. We were now entering upon a natural
and imprescriptable right, which belonged to us before the formation
of the Constitution, and one which the provisional union with
Coahuila did not, and could not, weaken in any manner whatever, etc.
Fourth—The duty and the interest of Texas to cement and
strengthen its union with the Mexican confederation—the indirect
union as an appendage of Coahuila being very precarious, and liable
to be broken at any time.
Lastly—The right and the duty of every people to save
themselves from anarchy and ruin! On this last point I enlarged very
much, as I also did on the 4th. I distinctly stated as my opinion
that self-preservation would compel the people of Texas to organize
a local government, with or without the approbation of the General
Government—that this measure would not proceed from any hostle
views to the permanent union of Texas with Mexico, but from
absolute necessity, to save themselves from anarchy and total ruin. How
such a measure would affect the union of Texas with Mexico, or
where it would end, were matters worthy of serious reflection.
I will give the answer of the two Ministers, Garcia and Arispe,
as nearly verbatim as I can recollect. I do not pledge myself for
the accuracy of the words, but I do for that of the substance:
This Government will examine the pretensions of Texas to become a State
of this Confederation, with the most friendly disposition towards the people
of that remote section, and in conformity with the broad and liberal
principles of the federal system, adopted by the Mexican Republic, We wish to
see every portion of the confederation governed in accordance with these
principles, and of those of the age in which we live. We admit that Texas
has just cause to complain of the Legislature of Coahuila, The people of
Texas may therefore expect that their application will be considered, and
their just requests granted, so far as it is within The Constitutional powers
of the Government to grant them.
The interview was long, and frank. I was requested to put my
ideas in writing. They are pretty much all embraced in the
Memorial, but I thought it would be better to condense them under
separate heads or points.
So soon as I get the Constitution translated and a new translation
of the Memorial (the first being defective) I will lay the whole
matter before the Government.
I believe that Texas will be a State of this Confederation with
the approbation of this Government before long. I form this
opinion from the information of many persons of influence, all of
whom confirm the friendly disposition expressed by the Ministers.
Should I be incorrect in this conclusion there will be but one course,
one remedy left, and that is for Texas to adopt the alternative I
informed the Ministers self preservation would compel it to adopt.
The people therefore must organize without any more applications
or delay.
It is pretty well known in Texas that I have pursued conciliation
as a system; some think I have adhered to it too long, and too
obstinately. I do not think so, placed under the circumstances I
was. However, this is a mere matter of opinion and is of no
consequence. My conciliatory course has not compromised any of the
rights of Texas; on the contrary, it has settled that country, and in
times past saved it from many evils. Clamors and importunities
could not force me from my old rule. You ought, therefore, to
believe that my judgment is now convinced that Texas, in this
question of right to become a State, must be uncompromising. I
am placed in a situation here to form a more correct opinion as to
what course will be best calculated to secure the prosperity of Texas,
and its permanent union with Mexico, than I was in that remote
section.
I therefore reiterate the opinion, and I place it on the footing of
a recommendation, that should our application be refused, Texas
ought to organize a local government with as little delay as
possible—but always on the basis that it is a part of the Mexican
Confederation, a younger sister who adopts this mode of entering
upon her rights, now that she is of age, because unnecessary
embarrassments are interposed which are unconstitutional, unjust,
inexpedient and ruinous.
I also recommend tranquillity and obedience to the laws—these
are the first duties of a citizen. Wait for a definite answer. The
moment I get one, or am convinced that delay is the object, I will
leave here and hasten home to unite in executing the
recommendations I have made.
Your Fellow-Citizen and Obedient Servant.
Stephen F. Austin.