Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 24, Ed. 1, Tuesday, August 9, 1836 Page: 2 of 4
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TELEGRAPH.
COLUMBIA, TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1836.
We have been requested to announce the following citizens as Candidates at
the ensuing election, under the new Constitution.
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN, for President.
HENRY SMITH, " "
BRANCH T. ARCHER, " "
M. B. hnu,for Vice President.
War. H. Jack, Representative for the County of Brazoria.
Moseley Baker, Representative for the County of Austin.
Robert "Wilson-, Senator for the Disticrt of Harrisburgh and Liberty.
War. H. Jack, Esq. having become a candidate for Congress, has resigned
the Office of Secretary of State.
It has been judged expedient to publish a second time the Constitution of
Texas, and we trust that our subscribers will readily excuse us for again pre-
senting them in the columns of our Paper, with a document which is to be the
Charter of our llighTSTiniotlnrgunrantee of our liberal institutions.
A Minister or Agent from the United States Government, is on his way to
this country.
Several letters, and packages of the "Correo Atlantico," have been sent to our
Office for distribution, which we will deliver when called for.
The following letter from General Austin, to a friend, has been handed us
for publication, from which it will be seen that he, (Gen. Austin) is before the
public as a candidate for President:
Columbia, August 4th, 1836.
Dear Sir I have been nominated by many persons, whose opin-
ions I am bound to respect, as a candidate for the office of President of
Texas, at the September elections.
Influenced by the great governing principle which has regulated
my actions, since I came to Texas, fifteen years ago, which is, to serve
this country jn any capacity in which the people might think proper to
employ rare, I shall not decline the highly responsible and difficult one
now proposed, should the majority of my fellow citizens elect me.
My labors and exertions to settle this country and promote its
welfare, are well known. My object has been the general good, and
the permanent liberty and prosperity of Texas. In the pursuit of this
object, I can say with a clear conscience, that I have been honest and
sincere m my intentions, and shall continue to be so, whether 1 am
acting as a private citizen, or as a public officer.
I perceive by the proclamation of the President, ordering the elec-
tion, that the people are requested to say whether they are in favor or
not, of annexing Texas to the United States. On this point, I shall
consider myself bound, if elected, to obey the will of the people. As a
citizen, however, I am free to say, that I am in favor of annexation,
and will do all in my power to effect it with the least possible delay.
Respectfully, your fellow citizen, S. F. AUSTIN.
Our late arrivals from New Orleans inform us that " Agitation is still the
watchword in Ireland," that O'Connell is striving to destroy the British House
of Peers ; and that London and several other towns in England were holding
meetings to second the efforts of the Irish people for an amelioration of their
condition.
"His Majesty's hereditary Councillors will no doubt have to give way in that
anatter, or suffer all the consequences of their obstinacy and opposition to the
desires of the age. Aristocracy is evidently losing ground in Europe, and in
France and England particularly, it may be considered as in a tottering situa-
"on ; which we hail as a good omen for the progress of liberal principles. An
ATistoc?acy of wealth is less to be dreaded by the community than one
founded on prescriptive right, derived from titles ; the latter passes from gene-
ration to generation, whilst the former seldom endures longer than two ; we
sometimes find in society the accidental purse-proud plebian to be more over-
bearing than the hereditary patrician, whose claims to distinction are founded
on ancestorial glory. It is said that a great European Congress is to be held
this year at Johannesburgh in Germany, which may probably be as much cha
racterized by attempts to repress the yearnings of those nations after liberty,
as we hope and expect our own will be, by well-directed labors, to secure the
Texians in the right and tranquil enjoyment of that supreme civil blessing.
A Congress of Sovereigns and of the Representatives of Sovereigns, and one,
of the People's delegate0, are typical of tyranny and liberty ; the two grand
extremes of the governing power and its respective aim ; but unlike Printers''
type, they cannot be set together in the same chase.
Portugal appears to be comparatively qui it, and of the important subjects
for tittle-tattle in that Court, was the speculative opinion as to whether the
forthcoming scion of royalty will be a son or a daughter.
The war in Spain between the Queen-Regent and the bloody tyrant Don
Carlo3 continues. Notwithstanding all the efforts of the Liberals, it is lament-
able to see that the Spaniards are not yet sufficiently advanced in TRUE
CIVILIZATION to shake off effectually and speedily the trammels imposed
by the priesthood and by rancid notions of descent.
WASHINGTON JN THE HOUSE.
July 4. The principal item of interest transacted this day, was
the passage of the following resolutions, the first by a vote of 128 to 20,
the second by 113 to 22:
"1. RestfJved, That the independence of Texas ought to be acknow-
edged by the United States, whenever satisfactory information shall be
received that it has If? successful operation, a civil Government, capable
of performing the duties ,nnd fulfilling the obligations of an independent
Power.
"2. Resolved, That the Ho'ise of Representatives perceive, with
satisfaction, that the President of the' U. States has adopted measures to
ascertain the political, militar1" and civn condition of Texas."
After some other business, and the usua' forms, the House adjourn-
ed sine die. iV. O. Bulletin.
In confirmation of the cheering intelligence coiiTTOunicatcd in our
last paper, we give the following extract from the Charleston Courier,
(July 8th) as communicated by Mr. Fisher, of New Orleans, to General
S. F. Austin:
"The Independence of Texas is recognised by the U. S. by unani-
mous voice."
The following article from the New Orleans Courier, is also of great
interest:
Latest from: Mexico. The brig Carroll, arrived this morning,
in eight days from Tampico, brings late Mexican letters, from which "it
appears that a revolution was inevitable, as will be seen from an ex-
tract below, furnished us by a highly respectable commercial house of
this city.
The Warren and Grampus had arrived at Tampico.
The Mexican Government had sent an apology to our Government
for the insult offered our flag, in the case of the Jefferson. Gomez,
the commandant of the port, had, in consequence, been removed.
All was quiet at Tampico: no troops had been raised there, nor
was it expected there would.
The schooner Cora, for this port, was to sail about the 20th inst.,
with $200,000 in specie.
The Carroll sailed in company with the brig Zealand for this port.
The French brig Gustave, of and from Bordeaux; schr. Creole,
Capt. Schneider; schr. Atalanta, both hence, and two others unknown,
had been lost on the bar. Cargoes and crews saved.
"City of Mexico, June 29th, 1836.
"Congress is still in session, the treaty between Santa Anna
and General Houston has arrived, and is now under consideration;
what will be done with it, I have no means of ascertaining."
Tampico, 15th July, 1836.
The whole country is now in a state of convulsion, and, in a very
short lime, the former federal government will be proclaimed again.
In Guadalajara, Guanajuato and several other places, revolutionary
movements had already taken place, but were suppressed by the mili-
tary. In Mexico, a "Grito" was every moment expected to be given.
In the province of Puebla, a "Grito" has been given, which, as it ap
pears, is of some importance. The troops sent there from Mexico to
Mexico than his person is worth to us here. Until the eveniuo- of the
26th instant, I had not the most distant idea that the Cabinet had deter-
mined upon such a course of policy: had this been intimated to me a
few days sooner, I should not have accepted the office which I now have
the honor to hold; because I should have foreseen that it would certain-
ly bring me in direct collision with men, whose honesty cannot be
doubted, whose devoted patriotism cannot be questioned, and whose po-
litical opinions are entitled to such high respect and even veneration
that a difference of opinion upon such an important and leading question
must necessarily be a source of the keenest regret.
I am not opposed to the mission itself. There is nothing which
my heart so earnestly and so ardently desires as a recognition of our
Independence by Mexico and the consequent establishment of a peace
upon terms, just and honorable to both parties. But, Gentlemen, I am
opposed to the release of Santa Anna, on any terms.
Inasmuch as the question was definitively settled before I had the
honor to become a member of the Cabinet, and as the faith of the Na-
tion seems to be pledged for its performance, it may be considered in-
delicate for me, at this crisis, thus to obtrude my views. I do not cal-
culate that any change of policy can now be produced: but iustice to
nfvself demands this exposition, lest silence might be construed into
tacit -quiescence. I predicate my opposition upon two points; Fist, 1
That the professions of Santa Anna are utterly false and heartless:
that he never Resigns to comply with his engagements, and that the
flattering promised which he has lavished upon youre intended for no
other purpose than to oroducc his release from his present captivity.
Secondly. Even admitting that Santa Anna now has the inclination
to comply with all his engagements, still a high sense of imperious
duty to my country, to the memory f my slaughtered countrymen, and
to offended law and justice, impels' mC t0 the unchanged conviction that
he ought to suffer death as a felon, as a murderer, and as an enemy to
the human family. My professional habits aZ?d education, Gentlemen,
have convinced me that all compacts, engagement or promises made
by one in Santa Anna's present situation, are absolutely null" and void,
both in morals and law. If this be true, is it not unreasonable to sup-
pose that a compliance with stipulations should be expected, cvu from
one whose character is unimpeachable; when his hopes and fears'oT'C-
rate to produce his consent; when a treaty, with life, is presented to
him with one hand, and the sword, with death, is uplifted with the other?
If then, under such circumstances, a good man might violate his eri
gagements, what should we expect from one, who is literally covered
with perfidy, with treachery and with perjury; who acknowledges no
law, but his own will, and submits to no moral restraint which impedes
the advancement of his ambition, or the gratifiaation of his diabolical
passion?
But it is said that his own interest will impel him to pursue the
desired course, and that he is now fully satisfied that Texas must be a
separate and independent nation. Of this, we have no other assurance
than his own professions. But, where is the man credulous enough to
believe the asseverations of him who has made oaths nd pledges
merely to break them, and sealed his perjury with the blood of five
hundred of the most gallant and chivalrous sons of freedom?
But, Gentlemen, admitting, if you please, that Santa Anna
sesses the power and inclination, when in Mexico, to carry into effe
nis engagemenis to me iuuest extern; aamnimg mat, oy nis discharge.
operate against the Federal party, pronounced themselves on the road from captivity, our beloved country might be placed in the most desira-
in favor of the same. In short, from all sides, we hear nothing but
"Jb ederacion, and the whole seems to be as it it were a matter already
settled.
Extract of a letter, dated Tampico, July 13, 1836.
The Mexican army, about 4000 strong yet, now under the command
of General Jose Urrca, whom General Andrade accompanies as the
second in command, is assembled In Matamoros, but it is in such a state
of wretchedness, that it arill not bo able to move before two or three
months, to begin the new campaign against the Texians.
COMMUNICATION.
(gj The people of Texas are requested to give their vote as to the
sanction, amendment or rejection of the Constitution adopted by the
last Convention.
My vote is for the Constitution as it is; because I believe that
however defective it may be, the public good will be more effectually
promoted by an organization at once, under that Constitution, leaving its
defects for future amendment, than by opening the door for discord, and
perhaps anarchy, by investing Congress with conventional powers. Q
HONEST MAN.
The following lines were written by a gentleman residing near
this place, on receiving the last call for assistance, which was made by
the gallant Travis.
They breathe a spirit of patriotism and prophecy, and so far as our
judgment extends, we have no hesitation in declaring them 'o be fromJAgriirlairsybtem
no inferior pen. --""
They have not been previouslypubHshed, because about that time,
the two presses had beenfitoppeaT
Tune: "Scots wha hae," S$c.
I ---" Texians, to your banner fly,
Texians now your valor try,
Listen to your country's cry;
( Onward to the field.
Armed in perfect panoply,
Marshalled well our ranks must be :
Strike the blow for liberty,
Make the tyrant yield.
Who is he that fears his power?
Who is he that dreads the hour?
Who is he would basely cower?
Let him flee for life.
Who is he that ready stands
To fight for Texas and her lands ;
Him his country now commands,
Onward, to the strife.
Small in number is our host;
But our cause is nobly just:
God of battles is our trust
In the dread affray.
To War. H. Jack, Esa.
Sir You have been announced to the public as a candidate for
Congress, and earnestly desiring to support you, I desire you will an
swer the following questions. They are asked from no idle curiosity,
but from a belief that, in times like the present, no man ought to be
voted for, without previously knowing his opinions on the leading ques
tions in which our country is so deeply interested. Should your views
be those which many, and I believe a large majority of the people of
Texas, consider necessary and politic at this particular juncture, 1 have
no hesitation in saying you will receive an almost universal support, in
my section of the country.
1st. What have been and what are your present notions in rela-
tion to the disposition of General Santa Anna and the other prisoners
of war? .
2d. Whatis-yctnopimon relative to the establishment of the
3d. What is your opinion about giving liberal compensation in
land, to those who served in the last campaign, and do you think they
ought to be allowed the privilege of first selection?
4th. What is your opinion relative to 'annexing Texas to the Unit-
ed States of the North?
5th. What is your opinion of the propriety of vesting in the next
Congress conventional powers to amend the Constitution?
A Resident Citizen of tiie Jurisdiction of Brazoria.
And when the war is o'er we
Texas safe, and Texas free:
Glorious will our triumph be,
On each bloody day.
'II see
H.
To the Editors of the Telegraph:
Gentlemen You will accept my cordial thanks for the kindness
which you have evinced towards me, in furnishing me with a copy of
the letter signed " A resident citizen of the Jurisdiction of Brazoria,"
which is to be published in your next paper. I recognise the right
which the people have, to be fully informed of the views of those per
sons, who are candidates, upon all subjects of importance ; and admit-
ting tins doctrine, I shall proceed in a summary manner to answei cata-
gorically the several queries proposed by the writer above mentioned.
First. As to what have been my views in relation to the disposi-
tion to be made of General Santa Anna and the other prisoners, I
cannot better answer, than by furnishing you with copies of my two
letters, addressed to the President and Cabinet, under date of 27th and
30th May last.
They are as follows :
Office of the Secretary of State,
Vclasco, 27th May, 1836. 'j
To His Excellency the President, and Cabinet of the Government ad
interim, of the Republic of Texas:
Gentlemen The appointment made this morning of Messrs.
Zavala and Hardiman, as Commissioners to accompany General Santa
Anna to Mexico, for the purpose of ncgociating a treaty wtth that
Government, involves a question of policy so doubtful and dangerous,
that silence on my part would probably be highly culpable. Do not
understand me as having any objection to the gentlemen named; on
the contrary, I have the fullest confidence in both, and if I had the
whole continent from which to select a minister for such a pnrpose, my
eye would naturally turn to Mr. Zavala. But it appears these gentle-
men are to accompany Gen. Santa Anna. Hence this prisoner is to be
released, under the desperate hope that he will do us more service in
ble situation; still, I say, it by no means follows that he ought to be
released.
Crime, in its essence, is the same whether the offender be prince
or peasant, and the punishment should be meted out with even-handed
justice, without regard to the state or condition of the convict. We
must not permit ourselves to be dazzled by the radiant, glittering glare
which may be thrown around the person of our distinguished prisoner:
He stands charged and convicted before the world, of wilful and
deliberate perjury; of a wanton violation of the laws of .honor, of war
and of nations ; and of a cold-blooded, murderous massacre of five
hundred victims, who were immolated upon his bloody altar, and whose
manes now stalk abroad and invoke your retribution.
Justice, with her uplifted sword, stands ready to strike the guilly
culprit, while mercy, instead of raising her imploring hands to invoke
your pardon, admits that clemency, to him, would be the most savage
barbarity to the whole human family, and yet this man, thus covered and
deformed with crime; this man, who is guilty of the violation of every
law, both human and divine; this man, whose hands are still reeking in
the blood of our slaughtered countrymen; this man is to he liberated,
turned loose upon the world to seek for other opportunities to glut his
cannibal thirst !
Forbid it, justice, forbid it mercy, forbid it, Almighty God !
Thus, Gentlemen, in a hasty manner, I have expressed my feel
ings, and with an earnest hope tnat your efforts in the service of your
country may be crowned with the most signal success, I have the
honor to be,
With highest considerations of respect and regard
Your obedient servant, WM. H. JACK,
Secretary of State.
Office of Secretary of State,)
Velasco, 30th May, 1836. )
To His Excellency the President, and Cabinet of the Government ad
interim, of tiie Republic of Texas:
Gentlemen The determination, made this morning by the Pre
sident and a majority of the Cabinet, that General Santa Anna should
be released to-morrow and sent to Vera Cruz, again drives me to the
necessity of dissenting and of putting that dissent into writing; so
that my views may not be misunderstood or misconstrued.
I shall forbear to make any remarks, further than such as are
merely necessary to express my decided disapproval of this measure.
My feelings and opinions upon the general question, are avowed
in my letter under date of 27th instant, and a recapitulation here is
J -r. . .7 -i- i i a. ,i k e 7,:
unnecessary.
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released. Let me askyou-, Gont!eraKiiBg njagfc arwWg5ffi&,ffi
has been complied with: '
I refer you to General Rusk's last official communication, which
states that the enemy had halted at La Bahia, and that Col. Smithjiad
been dispatched with the treaty. Hence it is clear, that it has not yet
received the ratification of Gen. Filisola, the commanding officer, and
may at last be rejected entirely. It is insisted, however, that unless
oania .finna is speixuiy uisuhuijjuu wv may iusi; uu me ueneius wnicn
might result from his freedom, and that we ought to act towards him,
upon the presumption that all his stipulations will be performed. The
proposition is a dangerous one, and we have surely a right to expect a
rigid performance, on his part, before he can, with any degree of pro-
priety, hope for mercy at our hands.
I will conclude this letter, Gentlemen, by remarking, that if you
succeed in this daring, and I conceive, desperate experiment, you will
certainly be entitled to a nation's gratitude; but, if you fail, the execra-
tions of millions will be on your heads.
You will be pleased to accept my assurances of the highest consi-
deration. I have the honor to be, very respectfully.
Your obedient servant", WM.' H. JACK,
Secretary of State.
These were my views and opinions at the time these letters were
written : they wore the result of much reflection, uninfluenced by vio-
lence passion, or prejudice; and since that time I have seen or heard
'
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G.& T.H. Borden. Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 24, Ed. 1, Tuesday, August 9, 1836, newspaper, August 9, 1836; Columbia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth47873/m1/2/: accessed May 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.