Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 13, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 4, 1837 Page: 1 of 4
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I S T E R
TOIi. II. NO. 13.
WHMMLE NUMBER 65.
WE LABOR FOR OUR COUNTRY.
V
PUBLISHED BY BORDER & MOORE,
PUBLIC PRINTERS. J
TERMS, $5 PER ANN., IN ADVANCE
ADVERTISING, USUAL PRICES.
COLUMBIA, TUESBA1T, APRII, 4, 1837.
MB TEXAS HEft
--
DOCUMENTS
RELATIVE TO TIE POLITICAL CONDITION OF TEXAS, AT THE C03DIENCE-
3IENT OF THE WAR.
CIRCULAR
From Hie committee of safety of the jurisdiction of Austin.
All are aware of the present movements of olunteeis towards the
western frontiers. For the information of every one, this committee
deem it proper to state as briefly as possible, the leading- facts which
have given rise to this excitement.
When the circular of this committee, under date of the 19th ult.
was issued, information of an unquestionable character had been re-
ceived here as to the marching of soldiers from Bexar, to some short
period within the limits of the colonies. The object appeared to be
the apprehension of certain citizens, among whom Don Lorenzo de Za-
vala, now a citizen of Texas, was particularly designated and aimed at.
This "entieman had come to Texas, as to an asylum from the persecu-
tion of the present administration of Mexico. His offence we know
not except that he is the known friend of free institutions. This dis-
tinouished man, the authorities of Texas have been arbitrarily required
by "a military mandate to surrender into the hands of Gen. Cos, who,
in his zeal to secure the person of this patriotic and virtuous citizen, ac-
tually issued an order some time since, addressed to Col. Ugartachea,
commandant at Bexar, to march into the colonies and take Mm, at the
risk of losing all the force he should employ. The mere intimation of
such an order would be an evident disrespect to the citizens of Texas,
but the issuing of it, with the correspondent threats of Col. Ugaitachea,
of putting it fnto execution, is at once an open outrage upon the civil
Authorities of Texas, and upon the constitution. But what is of most
importance, such proceedings serve plainly to show us all, what kind of
o-overnment the present reformers in Mexico are aiming to subject us
to which is thegovernment of the layonct, and the regulation of all
the affairs of Texas by military power, regardless of the constitution,
of the civil authority', and of all the legally vested, equitable, and natu-
ral rights of the people of Texas.
That such is the real and ultimate object of the military power
now reigning in Mexico, and that the reasons assigned for the present
hostile movements are nothing but mere pretexts to cover the main ob-
jects, and thus fill the country with troops is clear and evident, but should
there still remain doubts on the mind of any person, let him weigh and
maturely consider the following facts, and draw his own conclusions.
The constitutional governor of this state, Viesca, and also another
governor, Falcon, who had been constitutionally installed to succeed
Viescahave been deposed by the military at Monclova. The state
authorities were imprisoned, and a governor appointed by the president
of'tHe general government of Mexico. This is evidently an act of mi-
Utaxy.usufpation and despotism, and the state of Coahuila and Texas is
aFwsrttme'-without any constitutional or legal government at all, and
the people of every part of the state, and those of Texas in paiticular,
are left at full liberty to provide for themselves as they may deem best.
But a more general, though succinct view of matters, is necessary
for a full and proper understanding of this subject.
A disastrous and ruinous civil war was kindled in 1S32, by means
of an insurrection against the Bustamente administration, and Gen.
Santa Anna was placed at its head. The avowed object of this insur-
rection was to protect the federal system, and sustain the constitution
orf, which, it was then alleged, was attacked and endangered by the
measures and projects of the Bustamente administration. On this principle
jthe'people of Texas supported Gen. Sauta Anna to defend the constitution
oP24pana the federal system. This general was enthusiastically support-
ed by"every liberal and free Mexican, and by the friends of the federal sys-
tem inevery part of the nation. With this support he triumphed. He be-
came the man of the people, the protector of the federal system, the oracle
of public opinion the arbiter of the nation's political destinies. How-
has he used the power thus acquired? Let the military despotism now
enthroned in Mexico upon the ruins of the federal system let the
friends of that system who are now groaning in prisons or wandering
in exile let the constitution of 1824, which still raises its dying voice
from beneath the feel of military usurpation let the free and impartial
in Mexico, and in the whole civilized world give the rcpty. They all
say he used it to destroy what he avowed to take up arms to protect; he
used the federal party as blind instruments to destroy the federal sys-
tem; he abandoned his federal friends who had given him power, and
united with the military, ecclesiastical, and central party, against whom
he took up arms in 1832. This same party is now governing in Mexico,
and they say to the people of Mexico, in the language of friendship and
persuasion in that of sugar-plums and honey, that in the new consti-
tution or central government that is organizing in Texas, guarantees
shall be given to the people of Texas, their rights shall be protected
and secured, and they are told that the government expects from their
"docility" a submission to all the reforms and alterations that may be
.agreed to bv the majority of the nation. See the official letter of the
.minister of relations, a translation of which is published at the end of
this paper, numbered l.J But who compose, and what is this majority
of the nation spoken of by the minister, and how are these reforms to
be effected? It is composed of the same military power before spoken
of, who have assumed the voice of the nation, and have suppressed by
military influence, the free expression of public opinion, and the reforms
arp to be effected by unconstitutional means a sufficient proof of which
js, that the present congress in Mexico, which was elected with consti-
tutional powers alone, have, by their own act, declared themselves to be
invested with the powers of a national convention, to frame a new con-
stitution, or reform that of 1824 as they think proper.
What is here meant by "reforming" the constitution of 1824, may
be clearly deduced by the "reform" of the militia made by this same gene-
ral congress. This "reform" reduced the militia of the stales to one militia-man
for every five hundred inhabitants, and disarmed all the rest.
The people of Zacatecas resisted this iniquitous law, but were un-
fortunate, and compelled for the time hcing, to submit to the military
power of the reformers : so that, in fact, "reform" means destruction.
From this condensed view of the past, let ever' impartial man
judge for himself what degree of faith or credit ought to be given to the
professions of the present government of Mexico, and ask himself whe-
ther a subtle poison may not be concealed in the sugar plums, orji
sting in the honey, that is now offered to the 'docile' people of Texas.
But, in addition to this general view of matters, information of the
. most positive and unquestionable character is in the possession of the
committee, that every possible effort is making by the government in
Mexico to jalse troops, money and resources to fit out an expedition
an army of invasion against Texas. Infantry, artillery and cavalry,
have been ordered from San Luis Potosi, Saltillo and Tamaulipas; and
all the disposable infantry at Campechc has also been ordered on to
Texas by water, as it was supposed they would stand the climate better
than other troops. Magazines of arms and ammunition arc forming at
Matamoros, Goliad and Bexar, and the old barracks and fortifications at
tto latter place are repairing to receive a large force In short, the
Hr38Ilatalk al1 over Mexico among the military is the invasion of
Now, if the present government of Mexico is sincere in its profes
sions of liberal guarantees for Texas, why all this preparation for a
military invasion? Why has Gen. Cos marched with all the disposa-
ble force at Matamoros (about 400 men) to Bexar, where he now is,
according to last accounts? Can it be that the government in its father-
ly care for Texas, fears that there are servile slaves in this country,
who will oppose liberal guarantees? Or is it that the promised guaran-
tees, are only a cover and a false show, to quiet Texas until the gene-
ral government is prepared to give to it a military go eminent.
It is weu known to all that the reforms spoken ot by the minister,
and now being made in Mexico, contemplate the abolition of the whole
federal s stem, the establisement of a central or consolidated govern-
ment, which is to absorb and swallow up all the powers and authorities
of the nation; military commandancies will supply the place of the
state governments, and the vested rights of Texas under the constitu
tion and law of May 7, 1824, are to be disregarded and violated.
Ought, or can, or will the people ot lexas submit to all this I .Let
each man study the subject, and answer for himself. If he will submit,
et him go to the military power and prostrate himself. It he will not
submit, let him give his answer from the mouth of his rifle!
In regard to the present movements of the military, the leiter from
Gonzales, and extracts from other letters of unquestionable faith, (num-
bered 2.) will inform the public. By these letters the people of Texas
are informed that their fellow citizens at Gonzales have been attached
the war has commenced! They will also perceive that general Cos has
arm cd with a reinforcement of troops, and is preparing for a campaign
of extermination against the people of Texas.
The head quarters of the ariy or the people for the present is
at Gonzales. It is already respectable in numbers, and invincible in
spirit.
This committee exhorts everv citizen who is vet at home, to march
as soon as possible to the assistance of his countrymen now in the field.
Ike campaign is opened. 1 exas must be freed from military despots
before it is closed.
S. F. AUSTIN,
Chairman of Hie committee
of the jurisdiction of Austin.
San Felipe de Austin, October 3, 1835.
f NO. 1.1
Extract of an ojjicial leiter from the Minister of Interior Relations of
Mcxiqo, to the Municipality of Gonzales.
"When the genoral congress takes into consideration the reforms
of the constitution which ha e been requested unanimously by almost
all the towns of the "republic, that august assembly will bear in mind the
wants of the inhabitants of Texas, for the purpose of providing a rem
edy; and the government will very cherfully co-operate in that object,
by making the propositions w hich may most conduce to so laudible an
end, reckoning always on the good sense and docility of the colonists,
who, on adopting this for their country, subjected themselves to the al-
terations that, respecting the institutions, the majority of the nation may
think fit to agree upon; which disposition the government is decided on
supporting m fulfilment of its duty, as it is, also, of protecting all the
inhabitants of the republic, lovers of order, and of punishing those
who foment sedition.
Signed "BONILLA."
Dated Mexico, August 5, 1835.
NO. 2.
"Gonzales, September 30, 1835.
Fellow Citizens of San Felipe and La Baca,
A detachment of the Mexican forces from Bexar, amounting to a-
bout one hundred and fifty men, are encamped opposite us : we expect
an attack momentarily. Yesterday we were but eighteen strong, to-
day one hundred and fifty, and forces continually arriving. We wish
all the aid, and despatch, that is possible to give us, that we may take
up soon our line of march for Bexar, and drive from our country all the
Mexican forces. Give us all the aid and despatch that is possible.
Respectfully j'ours,
Captain ALBERT MARTIN,
" R. M. COLEMAN,
" J. H. MOORE.
Exlractsfrom a letter, written by a gentleman of unquestionable veracity,
dated La Baca, October 1, 1835.
"The alcalde of Goliad was struck or whipped in the street by an
officer, for not being able to get the carts ready as soon as he wanled
them, to transport the arms, &c. to Bexar. A Mexican from Victoria
was also insulted, as being one of the zalicntcs of Guadalupe; the sol-
diers saying that it would be only a short time until they visited us, and
helped themselves to what cash and other things we had. The new of-
ficers who came with the arms, said that, as soon as general Cos should
reach Bexar, it would be the signal of march for San Felipe de Austin."
"Cos is about to pass on to Bexar. He has t guard of thirty men
with him, and the Morelos battalion of lancers is close at his heels. Cos
has about $00,000 in specie, for the purpose of paying off the troops,
lie informed the alcalda of the Nueces, that he intended to overrun Tex-
as, and establish custom-houses and detachments of his army where he
thought fit."
A letter from Bexar says, "the people must either submit, or pre-
pare for defence; as the intention is to march into the colonies, and reg-
ulate the land affairs, and a great many things, by military force: also,
to clear the country of what thev choose to call vagrants, &c."
Information which is relied on, has been received from the interi
or, that the states of Zacatecas, and Guadalaiara have risen and taken
up arms in defence of the constitution of 1824, and in support of the
federal s'stem: also, thatthare are insurrections in the state of Tamau
lipas, in favor of the same cause: also, that the republican general, Ju
an Alvarez, has gained a victory over the government troops in the
south of Mexico.
All these, and all the freemen of Mexico, are now fighting for the
same cause that the people of Texas are defending. It is the cause of
freedom it is holy and just, and must triumph.
Gonzales, October 3, 1835.
Your letter of September 27, has been received, and we are rejoic-
ed to hear that volunteers are on tl eir march to our assistance. The
rubicon is crossed, and it is now of vital impoitancc to Texas that we
should be immediately ieinforced.
About 12 o'clock on the 20lh the military, about two hundred in
number, arrived on the western bank of the Guadalupe, and attempted
the passage of the river, butweie icpulscd bv eighteen menflhc whole
force then in this place;) they then encamped on the mound at De
Witt's. On the 1st of October, about 12 o'clock, they then took up then-
march and encamped about seven miles above 1 his place, in a very
strong position. -Suspecting that their object in this movement was eith-
er to wait for a reinforcement from San Antonio, or to cross at the upper
crossing, about fifteen miles above, it was determined-to attack' them'
before their plans could be carried into execution. Accordingly, on the
same night, the whole force, on foot, amounting to about one hundred'
and sixty men, from the Gualalupe, Colorado, and La Baca, commanded
by colonel J. H. Moore, crossed the river, attacked the enemy about day-
break, and put them to flight without the loss of a single man. Inas-
much as we expect a formidable attack from Ugartachea, should the for
ces long remain idle, the determination. is to attack San Antonio, as5
soon as we can receive reinforcements, to prevent this country, as far
as possible, irom becoming tne oattie grouna. itiis committee, there-
fore, earnestly desire that you would use your influence to send to this
place, as soon as possible, as many volunteers as possible.
xours. respectfully,
' WM. FISHER, Chairman.
Colonel S. F. Austen, vr
Chairman of committte of Austin. '
CIRCULAR.
FR03I TIIE C03DUTTEE OF SAFETY OF THE JURISDICTION OF AUSTIN, Tq
THE COM3HTTEE OF NACOGDOCHES AND SAN AUGUSTINE.
San Felipe de Austin, October 4, 1835.
War is declared against military despotism. Puplic opinion has
proclaimed it with one united voice. The campaign has opened. Th.er
military at Bexar has advanced upon Gonzales. General Cos has ar-s
rived, and threatens to overrun the country.
But one spirit, one common purpose, animates every one in this
department, which is to take Bexar, and drive all the military out of Texs
as before the campaign closes. ?
1 here are about three hundred volunteers at Gonzales at this time.
and there will be upwards of five hundred in a few days.
It is confidently believed in this quarter, that the people of the de
partment of Nacogdoches will turn out, and join the army of the peo-
ple, now in the field, and facing the enemy,
Anns and ammunition are needed; we have more men than mins.
Could not some muskets be procured from the other side of the Sabine?
This committee will contribute, and is responsible that the people here
will do the same, to pay a lull proportion ot the expense. This is all-
important; a few wagon loads of muskets and fixed ammunition would
be of the utmost service at this time. Could not volunteers also be' had
from the United States? Our cause is one that merits the moral and
physical aid of a free and magnanimous people, and those who now step
forward, may confidently expect that Texas will reward their services.
1 hat distinguished and virtuous patriot, Don Lorenzo de Zavala,
formerly governor of the state of Mexico, and late minister to France,
has just arrived from his residence on San Jacinto, and is now here, at
the house of the chairman of this committee. lie is a citizen of Texas,
and enters fully and warmly into the cause of the people. He also ap-
proves very much'of the position they have 'nlcen against military des-
potism, and of the circular of this committee of the 19th ult.
1 his committee relies on you to forward copies of this communica
tion to San Augustine and the other committees in that quarter, and
also to send the enclosed papers to some printer in the United States
for publication, in order that the public may be generally informed of the
present state of affairs in Texas.
An express has been sent to San Jacinto and Trinity. It would,
however, be important for that committee to communicate with the peo-
ple of Trinity, and of Bevil's settlement, asjt inspires confidence to
know that the whole country is acting in union, and with one and the
same spirit and purpose. This, as I before observed, is to take Bexar,
and drive the military out of Texas before the campaign closes.
Respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
S. F. AUSTIN, Chairman of committee.
Circulars of this committee, of 19th ult. and 3d inst. and public proceed
inrs of other committec-s. ' " "
Great Snow Storm. The English papers are filled with accounts
of one of the severest snow storms of which we ever remember to have
read. The storm began on the 24th of December, and it continued for
several days. It created a complete paralysis in England. The mails
were all stopped and the roads were made impassable. Vessels were
thrown out of their course and the damage to shipping was great. Bu-
siness was at a stand and all communication between the cities and coun-
try obstructed. The storm raged furiously for several days and the
roads were not all open when the England left. Captain Watts informs
us thai when he left Liverpool, the London papers of the third January,
had not arrived on account of the storm.
Whiskers and Weepers. Miss Louisia Caroline Franklin sum-
moned a very dandy-looking young lady, named Susannah Jenkins, on
Monda3', at the court of requests, Kingsgate street, for the sum of 11.
19s. for work and materials supplied to the fair defendant. The read-
ing of the bill excited some facetious remarks from the commissioners,
and the commissioners and the whole court highly enjoyed the affair: a-
mong the items were making a dress, 8s ; padding and wadding, 2s 4d ;
bobbin and piping, Is; a new shape, Is 6d; a pair of ears, 6s 6d; two
pair of weepers, Is; a pair of whiskers, 4s Gd. I was accosted by his
friend thus. "I am about to wish you to know, sir, said the "defendant,
the shape wasn't a fashionable shape; there was not stuff enough in the
whiskers (laughter;) and I was obliged to give the pair of ears away
because they wasn't long enough; and as to the weepers they're to be
got any where at half the price (laughter;) bosides they wasn't deep
enough; a good sized weeper Stop J Miss Susannah Jenkins,Jsaid the
commissioner, we are not sufficient judges of weepers to decide upon
the value of them; as to the whiskers and the oars, why you know the
length and color of them are mere matter and taste. Miss Louisa Car-
oline Franklin swears you owe her 11 19s, and you must pay it to her.
"You're a hignorant feller," muttered Miss Susannah Jenkins, as she
flirted out of the court. "Poor thing," said Mr, commissioner Dubois,
"these whiskers have altogether got the better of her." BelVs Messen
ger.
A Terrible Calamity A Nation 'without a National Debt.
Under this title an Euglish paper makes the following remarks : It is
calculated that on the 1st of January next the surplus revenue in the
treasury of the United States will he 46,830,520 dollars. It is to be re-
turned in fair proportions to the different states, and employed in sonle
way or other, but how seems to he the question which puzzles poor broth-
er Jonathan. An American paper says : "We will most cordially unite
in the effort to annihilate the surplus at thp next session of congres,
and will with that view, advocate a reduction of the tariff and price of
public lands, and a limitation of sales to actual settlers, w-ith a view to
that object." Another American paper says "A national surpUiz h
one of the greatest evils the country has to fear." What a consolation
to the people of Great Britain, who "are in the peaceable and undisturb-
ed possession of a national debt, the bare interest of which amounts to
between 30 and forty millions annually.
K a
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Borden & Moore. Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 13, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 4, 1837, newspaper, April 4, 1837; Columbia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth47926/m1/1/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.