The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905 Page: 253
xiii, 358 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Explanation by Stephen F. A ustin.
253
in regard to the sentence for his imprisonment. Such was his de-
termination to avoid any disagreeable consequence that might
occur; and in truth the communications of Austin had the desired
effect, for his constituents yielded to his counsels and suggestions.
Let this conduct attest his good faith.
Perhaps it will be asked, Why did Austin not inform the general
government of his letter of October 2 at the time when he wrote
it or before leaving Mexico in the month of December, if his in-
tentions were so good? Austin might have done is certainly; but
his doing otherwise does not belie his good faith; rather the sin-
cerity itself with which the letter was written clears him of the
charge. And this sincerity and his good intentions are corrob-
orated by the fact that the author of the letter remained in Mexico
two months after writing it, urging reforms, and that he returned
to Texas by the principal road to Monclova, the capital of the state
and the residence of the authorities of Coahuila and Texas.
But would it have been prudent that Austin should make an-
other representation to Sefior Farias concerning the deplorable
consequences that were impending on account of the evils that
Texas suffered, when his excellency had been so disturbed upon
another occasion, through having interpreted Austin's frankness
in a sense contrary to that in which he wished to express himself?
The measure that he proposed in his letter was directed toward
escaping from anarchy and total ruin; the object being, of course,
since it was difficult to form any idea of the result of the civil
war, that Texas should not become involved in it. If, then, the
letter referred to a case which, although it was very probable from
the political situation and by the coincidence of certain circum-
stances that it would happen, yet might not take place-as indeed
it did not through the providence of heaven-it was undoubtedly
useless to trouble his excellency, already well on his guard, about
a future contingency.
Austin was so far from believing that he had committed any
fault that, as has been shown, he remained in Mexico two months,
after having written the letter of October 2, furthering the inter-
ests of Texas in whatever manner it was possible. And when,
thanks to his efforts, he obtained the repeal of article 11 of the
law of April 6, 1830, he, by his communication during the same
month of October in which he figured so conspicuously, and before
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905, periodical, 1905; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101033/m1/260/?rotate=90: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.