To the People of Texas.
Arriving this day from Monterray the capitol of the state of of New
Leon, which place I left on the 10th inst. and being requested by the
Chairman of the Committee of Safety and Correspondence for the
jurisdiction of Columbia, to detail the information which I possess in regard to
the designs of the Mexican Government towards the people of Texas,
I make the following communication, for the truth of which I stake my
reputation, and appeal to time to establish every fact herein stated: I left
the state of New Leon on the 10th of this month with a request from our
republican friends to say to the citizens of Texas that our only hopes of
future liberty and security depended upon our immediately taking steps
to oppose the military in their establishing a Central Government or an
arbitrary despotism which is without doubt their intention.
I have been for the last few years a close observer of their movements
respecting Texas. I have frequently conversed with their principal men,
Civil, Military and Ecclesiastical.
I may say almost daily for years, and particularly since the downfall of
Zaccatecas, about their intention toward Texas, and I can assure you that
this is their intention; first, to move large numbers of troops, at least
thousands to Texas, for the purpose of being at hand when the change of
Government takes place, which change is intended for next month; 2d.
to establish their posts or Custom houses; 3d. Using their own language
to burn the houses and drive from the country a number of our principal
citizens which they have, and have had on a list for a year past, principally
those that were engaged with the soldiers three years since; 4th. put their
slaves free and let them loose upon their families, as they express
themselves; and 5th- call up the empresarios and demand of them their colonizing
contracts with the Government, and say to them you are here authorised
to settle so many hundred families, instead of which you have settled
thousands of families.—I replied to them that there had been decrees of
Government permitting emigration of foreigners and the sale of lands
to which they say that these decrees emanated alone from the government
from or through the intrigue of Empresarios or the all powerful influence
of a few doubloons; and that these lands must be given up for their own
natives.
I have seen Gentlemen from different parts of the Government,
responsable Gentlemen, all foreigners who passed troops on every road Marching
for Texas; one Gentleman from Mexico told me that the complaints from
different sections of the Country to Foreign Ministers have lately been so
loud and numerous, together with a late attempt to rob the foreigners—
and some insults given to a British armed vessel off Vera Cruz, by the
officers of the Castle would, as he was told by the English Minister Mister
Packingham bring down a declaration of war upon them by the British
Government. These facts with the outrageous conduct of the Commandant
now at San Antonio (Col. Condey) calls loudly for immediate steps to
be taken for our preservation. These facts are stated by request and for
the benefit of the people of Texas. I pledge my life and honor that these
Statements are correct.
Horatio A. Alsberry.