It is generally admitted that the war in portant view of the subject. The Slaveholding Texas has assumed a character which must Interest is now paramount in the Executive seriously affect both the interests and the ho- branch of our national government; and its in. nor of this nation. It implicates the conduct fluence operates, indirectly, yet powerfully, of a large number of our citizens, and even the through that medium, in favor of this Grand policy and measures of the government are Scheme of Oppression and Tyrannical Usurpa deeply involved in it. The subject, as now tion. Whether the national Legislature will join presented to our view, is indeed one of vital hands with the Executive, and lend its aid to importance to the people of the United States; this most unwarrantable, aggressive attempt, and it particularly invites the attention-the will depend on the VOICE OF THE PEOmost solemn and deliberate consideration-of PLE, expressed in their primary assemblies, all who profess to be guided by the true prin- by their petitions, and through the ballotciples of justice and philanthropy. It is not only to be viewed as a matter of interest, at the present day. The great fundamental principles of universal liberty-the perpetuity of our free republican institutions-the prosperity, the welfare, and the happiness of future generations-are measurably connected with the prospective issue of this fierce and bloody conflict.

boxes.

The writer of this has long viewed, with intense anxiety, the clandestine operations of this unhallowed scheme, and frequently warned the public of the danger to be apprehended, in case of its success. He has carefully noted the preparatory arrangements for its consummation-the combination of influence-the concentration of physical power-the organi zation of various means-and, finally, the undissembled prosecution of it, by overt acts of violence and bloodshed:-and he now stands pledged to prove, by the exhibition of well attested facts and documentary evidence, that the original cause, the principal object, and the nature of the contest, are what he has, above, represented them to be.

But the prime cause and the real objects of this war, are not distinctly understood by a large portion of the honest, disinterested, and well-meaning citizens of the United States. Their means of obtaining correct information upon the subject have been necessarily limited; and many of them have been deceived and misled by the misrepresentations of those concerned in it, and especially by hireling writers To give a correct detail of the plan of opefor the newspaper press. They have been rations, adopted by the instigators and fomentinduced to believe that the inhabitants of Texas ers of this Texian war, as well as an exposition were engaged in a legitimate contest for the of the character and identity of those who have maintenance of the sacred principles of Liberty, been the active instruments of carrying it into and the natural, inalienable Rights of Man:- execution, I will commence with a brief histo whereas, the motives of its instigators, and their rical narration of the settlement of the country chief incentives to action, have been, from the by the Anglo-Americans. Their proceedings, commencement, of a directly opposite charac-in connexion with others, relative to the subter and tendency. It is susceptible of the clearest demonstration, that the immediate cause and the leading object of this contest originated in a settled design, among the slaveholders of this country, (with land speculators and slave-traders, to wrest the large and valuable territory In reviewing the history of colonization in of Texas from the Mexican Republic, in order Texas by the Anglo-Americans, it will appear to re-establish the SYSTEM OF SLAVERY; to that the first regular plan adopted, was the open a vast and profitable SLAVE-MARKET privilege granted to Moses Austin, of Missouri, therein; and, ultimately, to annex it to the United by the Spanish authorities, in the year 1820. States. And further, it is evident-nay, it is Previous to that date, a few persons from the very generally acknowledged-that the insur-United States had temporarily established rectionists are principally citizens of the United themselves in the eastern part of the Province, States, who have proceeded thither, for the as Indian traders and unauthorized adventurers. purpose of revolutionizing the country; and that A large tract of country was marked out on the they are dependent upon this nation, for both map, and Austin was invested with the privi the physical and pecuniary means, to carry the lege of introducing three hundred families of design into effect. We have a still more im-industrious, orderly settlers, professing the

ject before us, will be duly noticed in the course of my remarks. In the performance of this duty, I shall make use of facts and illustrations, drawn from personal observation, and from numerous documents in my possession.

had done.

None of them, however, have succeeded in fulfilling their contracts, except De Witt, and Powers and Hewitson. Some of the others have introduced a part of their settlers; but the most have disposed of their "grants" to joint stock companies, organized for the purpose, in New York and Nashville. These companies are extensively engaged in speculating with said "stock," (and "scrip," which they pass off as preparatory titles to land,) among the credulous, the ignorant, and the unsuspecting, wherever they can find such willing to purchase. In no age or nation, perhaps, have unauthorized and illegal speculations in lands been carried to such extremes as

Catholic religion, within a given time.-When he had obtained this grant, or privilege, he returned to Missouri, and proceeded to make the necessary preparations for carrying his colonial enterprise into effect. Before completing his arrangements, however, Moses Austin suddenly died, and his son, Stephen F. Austin, took the business in his hands, as the legal heir and representative of his father. He soon repaired to Texas, with a considerable number of settlers, the most of whom emigrated from the states of Tennessee, Missouri, and Louisiana. But prior to his obtaining legal possession, or effecting the settlement of the families who accompanied him, the revolution occurred, which annulled the authority of the govern-in Texas, within the period of a few years ment, and resulted in the separation of all the Mexican Provinces from the Spanish Crown. The circumstances here referred to, rendered it .. necessary for Austin to apply to the new Government for a confirmation of his father's grant. This was obtained with little difficulty, in a modified form, and both the contractor and settlers were liberally supplied with lands, gratis, on the condition of occupying them and pledging themselves to be obedient to the laws of the country: yet the settlement of the colony was still restricted and confined to persons of the Catholic persuasion.

During the brief reign of the Emperor Itur. bide, and the succeeding administrations of the Federal Government, Austin proceeded with the settlement of his colony, under the same regulations as before, and procured an extension of privilege to introduce settlers in other parts of Texas. Laws were enacted by the Federal Government, regulating the terins and plans of colonization;-and when the Provinces of Coahuila & Texas were united under a State Government, special regulations were made, by the legislature, in conformity with those of the general Congress, all of which were submitted to by the colonists, and binding on them.* The settlements rapidly progressed, (the terms being extremely liberal,) and Austin succeeded in fulfilling his contracts with the government, relative to the introduction of the number of settlers for which he had stipulated-receiving the fee simple of large tracts of land as a reward for his trouble.

The spirit of enterprise, adventure, and speculation was now aroused; and divers other persons obtained grants, (the privilege of introducing settlers,) with the view of colonizing the remaining vacant lands in Texas. The most prominent "empresarios" (contractors) were Zavala and Filasola, of Mexico; De Witt, of Missouri; Ross and Leftwitch, of Tennessee; Milam, of Kentucky; Burnet, of Ohio; Thorn; of New York; Wavel and Beales, of England; Cameron, of Scotland; Vehlein, of Germany; M'Mullin, Powers, and Hewitson, of Ireland. All these entered into contracts with the government upon the same principles that Austin

past. The swindling operations in the Yazoo land speculations of Mississippi, were mere child's play in comparison. The government has thus been defrauded, and its liberal munificence abused, by the overweening and reck. less spirit of avaricious adventurers. As I have before said, the terms offered by the government to bona fide settlers, were of the most liberal nature throughout. They were not only authorized to select large quantities of land, and hold the same, in fee simple, on condition of settlement,-but they were also permitted to introduce all articles necessary for their own accommodation, for the space of ten years, free of the customary duties paid by citizens of the Republic.-This, indeed, opened a wide door for smuggling goods into the country, to supply the Indian traders, as well as the native inhabitants. The colonists did not fail to improve the opportunity; and many foreigners took lands, professedly with the view of settlement, and engaged extensively in this illicit traffic. Contraband articles--such as arms, ammunition, &c. for the savage tribes-were also introduced in great quantities whenever the vigilance of the government revenue officers could be eluded. Slaves were likewise taken in and held, in violation of the constitution and laws of the State and the decrees of the General Government.

In this state of things, propositions were made by the government of the United States to that of Mexico, for the purchase of the Texas country, with the view of incorporating it into this Union. The overture was instantly rejected by the Mexican authorities, as they neither possessed the inclination nor the constitutional power to alienate any portion of the territory of the Republic. Many of the newspapers in the United States now teemed with

There were several others who obtained "grants" from the State. Grant & Beales, and Soto & Egerton, were of the number: but theirs were located in Coabuila.

Sundry "grants" were also made, by the general goof Santa Fe. These were, Dominguez; Wilson & Exter; vernment of Mexico, to various persons in the Territory Royuda & Beales, and Chambers. A large portion of the "grants" made to these persons, as well as those in Coahuila, have been transferred to the companies, as aforesaid, in New York--not a settler having been placed * The Colonization Law of Coahuila & Texas will be upon any of them, except that of Grant & Beales în Coainserted, at the conclusion of this article.

huila and a very few have settled there.

HISTORY OF TEXAS COLONIZATION.

5

adopted the plan of taking in slaves under formal indentures, for long periods, (in some cases for ninety-nine years,) in order to evade the law. The State Legislature passed a law, as soon as these facts were made known to it, requiring the registration of all slaves that had been legally imported, and declaring that no

essays and remarks, tending to urge the acquisition of Texas by any practicable means; and the agent of the government was charged with intriguing for the purpose at the Mexican Capital. The idea was also held out by the colonists, that the laws prohibiting the introduction of slaves could be easily evaded, and that they would soon be strong enough to de-indenture should, in any case whatever, be clare and enforce the perpetuation of slavery (although it was abolished by the general and state governments) in that part of the country. The emigration from the slaveholding States to Texas was thus accelerated, in the hope of eventually accomplishing this object. In order to counteract these efforts, the operations of the colonization system were suspended by law in the year 1830. A few troops were then sent to Texas, in addition to a small number previously stationed there, to prevent the illicit and contraband trade, the introduction of slaves, and to enforce obedience to the laws generally; but their number was insufficient for the purpose; and the regulations of the government were daringly and continually violated with impunity.

The native inhabitants of Mexico are, almost to a man, opposed to slavery.-The system has been totally abolished in every section of the Republic, except in Texas. There it has been prospectively extinguished, as in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and some of the other states of this Union. But, to explain more particularly the manner in which this was effected-the Constitution of the Mexican Republic, adopted in 1824, expressly provided that no person should thereafter, be born a slave, or introduced as such in the Mexican states; that all slaves, then held, should re. ceive stipulated wages, and be subject to no punishment but upon trial and judgment by magistrates. The Constitution of Coahuila & Texas, promulgated on the 11th of March, 1827, also contains this important article:

"13. In this state no person shall be born a slave after this Constitution published in the capital of each district, and six months thereafter, neither will the introduction of slaves be permitted under any

pretext."

1

obligatory upon others for a longer period than ten years. It was also provided, by law, that all children of persons, thus in the condition of apprentices, should be free from the control of those who held their parents, at the age of fourteen years, and be placed by the municipal authorities under the care of suitable persons, to learn some useful trade or industrious occupation, and receive a portion of common school education.

About the beginning of the year 1832, a revolution commenced in the administration of the general government of Mexico. In the course of the ensuing summer, it was consummated so far as the state of Coahuila & Texas was immediately interested, and the government troops were all compelled to leave the colonies. The foreign settlers and traders united with the party opposed to the administration, in this case; and when the troops were expelled, the custom houses were all closed in that portion of Texas which was principally inhabited by foreigners. Nothing was then in their way, to hinder them from evading every law which they chose to disregard, and many of them expressed their determination to suffer no more government troops to be stationed there in future, if they should be enabled to prevent it, under any Mexican administration. For some length of time thereafter, the political affairs of the Republic were somewhat unsettled, and the colonists in Texas were permitted to pursue their own course, subject only to the civil authority of the State. they heeded no further than it suited their whims or their interests; and the laws, forbidding the introduction of slaves, the trade with the Indians in arms, &c., and the swindling speculations in land, were considered by them as mere blank leaves in the statute book.

This

Among the settlers in the colonies, at this On the 15th of September, 1829-the Anni- period, were some ambitious aspirants from versary of Mexican Independence-President the United States of the North, who having Guerrero, in conformity to an article in the lost the confidence of the people in their own Federal Constitution empowering him to that country, here sought a new theatre where effect, issued a decree totally and immediately they might press their claims to public favor abolishing slavery throughout the Republic. and political distinction. These, with the large A change in the administration of the govern- slave-holders, land-speculators, &c., were ment took place soon after, and representations clamorous for the speedy adoption of measures were made to the general Congress, setting to form a State government for Texas. The forth that many of the slaves, introduced by population of that particular section_of_the the Texas colonists, were so extremely igno- country was far less numerous than in Coarant as to unfit them for freedom; and a huila;-and, consequently, their influence in dispensation of the aforesaid decree was grant- the state legislation, and means of obtaining ed, so far only as related to Texas. The lucrative offices, were very limited. All hopes former system was, of course, revived in that of a voluntary cession of Texas to the United particular section of the country, and the slaves States by the Mexican government, were now introduced previous to the year 1824, are still at an end. Therefore, unless the measure of legally held as apprentices. The colonists then establishing an independent State, separate

from any district containing a large native population could be carried into effect, their views of political aggrandizement would be thwarted, and i would also be impossible to carry out their schemes of slaveholding, &c., when the government should determine to enforce obedience to the laws. The idea was entertained, that an "independent State," under the confederated system, might stand upon its "sovereignty?' and nullify the decrees of the general government, to suit its purposes. This doctrine was promulgated throughout the Texas country, and embraced by a considerable portion (perhaps a majority) of the colonists, who were mostly from our slaveholding States, and easily induced to believe that their pecuniary interests would be eventually promoted by the change, as proposed. Many of the substantial settlers, however, were opposed to the measure at the time. The most of those who had taken lands, and honestly engaged in improving them, evinced no desire for its speedy adoption, as the burthen of supporting a State government must fall with its heaviest weight on them; and being, generally, persons in middling or low circumstances, and having but recently established themselves in business there, they would be scarcely able to bear it. The office-seekers were principally men of little or no capital; engaged in no business enterprises; would be subject to slight taxation, if any; and of course, they had nothing to lose, but every thing to gain, from the success of the proposed measure. And by their clamorous efforts, with the aid of the specula-ings of some of the other colonists. Instead tors and extensive slave proprietors,, they succeeded at length in calling a Convention, to draft a State Constitution for Texas, in the early part of the year 1833.

obviate the objections that were anticipated on the score of informality in the proceedings, the Convention had instructed its agent to put in the special plea that other States had previously been admitted into the confederacy, without complying with all the formalities required by the Federal laws. But whatever might have been the inducement to dispense with the prescribed rules in other cases, the general Congress did not see fit, in this instance, to deviate therefrom; or else the other causes of objection to the Texas Constitution, were considered of themselves sufficient for the rejection of the application.

The course to be pursued in the establishment of new States, either in the Territories of the Republic or by divisions of existing States, was clearly defined by the laws of the Federal Government. Certain formalities were prescribed, which required more time than was consistent with the anxious haste of the officehunters, &c. in Texas. The Convention aforesaid assembled without having been legally authorized to enter upon the performance of the duties which it assumed. A draught of a Constitution was prepared by that body, and Stephen F. Austin was deputed as the bearer of it to the capital of the Republic, to apply for its ratification by the general Congress. Although the then existing Constitution of Coabuila & Texas contained an express prohibi. tion of slavery, as before mentioned, the subject was not even adverted to in this one proposed for Texas.* For this and other reasons, the application of Austin, as agent for the Convention, was promptly rejected. To

Many of the colonists, and even some of the members of the Convention, openly admitted, in conversation with citizens of the United States, that it was the special design of the framers of that instrument, to leave it open for the re-establishment of slavery under the sovereign authority of the contemplated State Government.

On learning the fate of their proposition, the clamors and complaints of the movement party in Texas, were loud and general. To preserve his popularity with that party, Austin was said to have acted very insolently towards the Federal authorities. A little difficulty, at least, occurred between them; which, however, was soon adjusted. But finding that he could not then obtain the sanction of Congress, to the measure of establishing a State Government for Texas, separate from Coahuila, he wrote to the Ayuntamiento (Council) of the municipality of San Antonio de Bexar, recommending an immediate organization, for the purpose. It is also believed that he recommended the same thing to the other municipalities in Texas. A majority of the Ayuntamiento of Bexar were native Mexicans; and they were indisposed to second the rash proposition of Austin and the reckless proceed

thereof, that body passed resolutions severely censuring this act of Austin, and sent an official statement of the whole proceedings to the Governor of Coahuila & Texas. He immediately communicated the same to the Federal Executive, and orders were issued for Anstin's apprehension. The latter had been informed of the measures adopted by the Ayuntamiento of San Antonio de Bexar, and quitted the capital before the Executive had received the documents. A force was instantly despatched in pursuit of him, and he was overtaken at Saltillo, having merely crossed the boundary line and entered the. State of Coahuila & Texas. He was forthwith remanded to the seat of government, and committed to prison, to await his trial upon a charge of treasonable conspiracy, or insubordination to the laws of the Republic.

While his case was pending, and he was thus in a state of confinement, Austin wrote to the leading politicians in Texas, advising them to desist from the further prosecution of agi tating measures, and then recommended strict obedience to the laws of the country. Many severe denunciations were uttered by them, both against the government and Austin himself-against the former for its resolute proceedings in thwarting their insatiate ambitious

The letter written by him upon this occasion, will be inserted hereafter.

had long been and were still so glaringly apparent. At this juncture, also, the Mexicans having become wearied with the disorders arising from the principles of nullification, which had taken deep root in their confederated system, a proposition was submitted for their consideration, to change their form of government to that of a consolidated Republic. Austin was finally liberated, through the clemency of the Federal authorities, and he again left the capital-having pledged himself, it was stated, to use his influence in preserving the political tranquillity of Texas.

designs; and against the latter, for his ill-authorities of the republic determined to send digested and unfortunate measures. But not a few troops into the Texas country, to refeeling themselves yet strong enough to cope establish the custom-houses, and check the with the disposable force of the nation, (the various abuses and violations of law, which native inhabitants, even in Texas, were almost unanimously opposed to their disorganizing schemes,) they endeavored to suppress their feelings as much as possible, and the tranquillity of the country remained undisturbed. The trial of Austin was protracted, and he continued in durance a period of nearly two years. Some excitement was produced among the Mexicans by the aforementioned turbulent proceedings of the Texas colonists: but as the latter did not at this period appear disposed to push their measures to further extremes, the excitement at length died away, and friendly feelings towards the foreigners were again en- In their determination to resist the constituted tertained by the natives generally. The law authorities of the Mexican Republic, the Texas enacted by the general Congress, in 1830, colonists calculated largely on receiving aid prohibiting the migration of citizens of the from the United States of the North. United States to Texas, was repealed in 1833; the commencement of their settlement in that and the colonists were again admitted, upon Province, we must bear in mind, the most of the same liberal terms as before. The Legis- them anticipated its eventual separation from lature of the State of Coahuila & Texas the government of Mexico, and attachment to established the trial by jury; and it also enacted the Northern Union. This was early resolved that no persons in the State should be molested on by them, unless indeed other measures on account of their religious profession, be it could be adopted for the perpetuation of slavewhat it might. The adjoining State of Ta- ry. A full and complete understanding existed maulipas, likewise guaranteed the freedom of between them and the advocates of the system religious opinion by law; and the popular in this country and elsewhere. A very active newspaper press, throughout the republic, and extensive private correspondence was kept zealously advocated a change in the Federal up for this purpose. Their plans were all Constitution, by which the free exercise of deeply laid; and the rejection, by the Mexican public worship, by all denominations of government of the proposition to cede the Christian professors, should be permanently

secured.

*

But the spirit of "nullification" had found its way into the Mexican confederacy. It pervaded several of the "sovereign, independent States;" and occasional attempts at insurrection in various places, were the consequence. This still prevented the Federal government from taking efficient measures to enforce the laws in Texas; and the introduction of slaves, the unauthorized speculating in lands, and every species of smuggling and contraband trading went on as before mentioned. It was currently reported and generally believed, that even some of the individuals at the head of the State government of Coahuila & Texas were deeply engaged in these illegal land speculations-and that immense tracts had been disposed of by them in contravention of the Federal regulations. At length the executive

From

territory in question to the United States, lad no other effect than temporarily to frustrate their operations and occasion a modification of their arrangements. A vast combination was then entered into (though not formally orgunized) the ramifications of which may be traced through a great portion of the United States, and some of the British colonies, as well as the Anglo-American settlements in nearly all the north-eastern parts of Mexico. Its imme. diate object now is the establishment of an "Independent" government in Texas, to promote its grand ulterior designs.

As I have said before, the great land-speculators, in New York and elsewhere, (consisting of individuals and companies) have covered with their "grants" almost the whole area of the unsettled parts of Coahuila & Texas, and of the Territory of Santa Fe. These "grants" will nearly all soon be forfeited, as it will be impossible to introduce a sufficient number of Even while the Convention, before alluded to, was settlers in season to comply with the terms in session, a slave-trader boldly landed a cargo of slaves upon which they were issued by the govern in Texas, from Africa, via Cuba. This was such a bare- ment. A recent act of the State Legislature faced violation of the laws of Mexico, and the treaties with other nations, that the Convention felt the necessity prohibits the renewal of them in Coahuila & of passing a formal censure upon the conduct of the Texas; and no hope is entertained that the slaver. Yet some of the members warmly opposed it! and nothing was done to punish the pirate," although general Congress will further tolerate such it was publicly known that he was for a length of time in unlimited schemes of swindling speculation, as the country, making sale of his slaves, not far distant they have heretofore facilitated.-The most from where the Convention met. A short time there: strenuous exertions are therefore made to after, another similar cargo was introduced, and disposed of with like impunity. throw a population into Texas, that will favor