DOCUMENTARY PROGRESS OF TEXAS REVOLUTIONARY SENTIMENT AS SEEN IN COLUMBIA. (Continued.) THE COLUMBIA MEETING (JUne 28). [Clearly straddling now, looking down both directions, claim Texas to be "in a state of anarchy," believe the militia should be organized but declare they are peaceable and loyal, and wish "to remain attached to the federal government of Mexico," nervously anxious to keep well balanced they indulge in considerable repetition of these sentiments.] At a very large and respectable meeting of the citizens of the Jurisdiction of Columbia, on the 28th day of June, 1835, held in pursuance of a previous call for the purpose of considering the present situation of the country, and determining upon the course of conduct for the people of this Juris diction to pursue in the present and appalling crisis.-Col. W. D. C. Hall was called to the chair and Byrd B. Waller elected Secretary. The letter of the Political Chief of this department together with a number of documents throwing light upon the situation of the country having been read to the meeting, Messrs. John A. Wharton, W. D. C. Hall, H. Smith, J. F. Perry, J. H. Bell, S. Whiting, G. B. McKinstry, W. C. White, P. B. McNeel, F. Bingham, J. A. E. Phelps, Edwin Waller, E. Andrews, J. P. Caldwell, and E. G. Head were unanimously chosen to prepare a report and resolutions to be submitted for the consideration of the meeting. The committee retired but shortly returned with the following report and resolutions which were unanimously adopted: To the citizens of the Jurisdiction of Columbia: Your committee having given the subject upon which they were to report as thorough an investigation as the time and circumstances will permit, beg leave to submit the following report: Your committee view with the deepest regret and greatest alarm the present political situation of Texas, and recommend to this meeting, and their fellow-citizens generally, union, moderation, organization, and a strict adherence to the laws and constitution of the land Your committee protest against the acts and conduct of any set of individuals (less than a majority) calculated to involve the citizens of Texas in a conflict with the Federal Government of Mexico, and particularly protest against the proceedings of those persons at Anahuac who gave the collector of customs, Don Jose Gonzalez a series of resolutions declaring that they would not obey the revenue laws of Mexico. They denounce such persons as foreigners, and disclaim all participation in the act whatever. Your committee further declare that they are the faithful and loyal citizens of Mexico, and that they are disposed and desirous to discharge their duty as such and that it is their wish and interest to remain attached to the Federal Government of Mexico. Your committee recommend to the Political Chief the adoption of the most prompt and energetic measures to chastise the savages that have lately committed depredations on our frontier citizens; and beg leave to present the following resolutions: Resolved, That inasmuch as Texas is left in a state of anarchy, and without governor, vice-governor, or council, that we recognize the Political Chief as the highest executive officer, and that we earnestly recommend an immediate organization of the militia for the protection of the frontier, and that he suspend further orders until the whole people are consulted, and also that he recommend a similar course to the Chiefs of the other departments of Texas. Resolved, that the Political Chief be requested to correspond with the other Chiefs of departments in Texas, and request them to co-operate with him in electing three depu ties from each Jurisdiction of their several departments to meet the Chiefs of departments in public council, with ful! powers to form for Texas a Provisional Government, on the principles of the constitution, during the reign of anarchy in the state, and that they meet as soon as circumstances will possibly permit. Resolved, That a committee of five be chosen to wait on the Political Chief with the views of this meeting, and that they remain a permanent committee of vigilance, correspondence, and safety. Resolved, That the Political Chief be requested to address the Executive of the Federal Government of Mexico, representing to him the peaceable and loyal disposition of the citizens of Texas, and their great desire to remain attached to the Federal Government. Resolved, That the Political Chief be requested to address the citizens of this department, commanding them to adhere strictly to laws and constitution of the land. Resolved, That we will support the Political Chief in the discharge of all constitutional duties. Resolved, That the chairman of the meeting be requested to address a letter to the Political Chief, enclosing him a copy of the proceedings of this meeting. Messrs. W. D. C. Hall, J. A. Wharton, W. H. Jack, J. G. McNeel, and G. B. McKinstry, were chosen by the meeting the committee of vigilance, correspondence and safety, and to wait on the Political Chief with the views of this meeting. On motion, it was resolved that the thanks of this meeting be given to the chairman and secretary. And then the meeting adjourned. W. D. C. HALL, Ch'n. (From the Texas Republican, July 4, 1835.) 66 In another column the editor makes the following note: Organization seems to be the word. We think, however, that every honorable means should be resorted to in order to avert the impending storm, which will be a source of gratification, should it come to the worst. The committee of Vigilance, Correspondence, and Safety, is now in session at San Felipe, their proceedings will be laid before the public as soon as possible." T. J. CHAMBERS TO J. B. MILLER. Writing from Bexar, June 30, 1835, Chambers says that he has been informed that Carbajal has been stirring up the people by telling them that the general government intended to confiscate their lands. There is no truth in such a statement. Viesca was hoodwinked into approving the sale of 400 leagues of land, and the general government annulled the sale. The government, thinking a revolution probable on the part of the discontented land speculators, is removing troops to Texas. (Summary from the Texas Republican, July 18, 1835.) [An intense, strong restatement of this straddle now follows.] THE COLUMBIA COMMITTEE TO THE POLITICAL CHIEF. To His Excellency, the Political Chief of the Department of Brazos: The committee appointed by the Jurisdiction of Columbia in order that no misconception may ever arise relative to their views, have thought proper to communicate with you in writing on the subject now immediately connected with the welfare of Texas. We recommend your Excellency to send a commission to General Cos, with an exposition from yourself of the feelings and wishes of the people of this Department, of their loyalty to the Government, and of their intense desire to avoid every collision with the established authorities. That this commission bear also a letter to Col. Ugartechea with similar assurances, and that he be instructed to ascertain from Don Ramon Musquiz, the Vice-Governor, whether he is willing to take upon himself the functions of his office, and that the commission immediately communicate the result to your Excellency. We recommend you to write to the other Chiefs of Departments, respecting the wishes of the people here, and requesting them to unite with you in sustaining the laws and constitution of the land and of adopting every necessary measure to promote the public weal. We recommend that you issue orders to the Alcaldes of this Department, commanding them to take the most prompt and decisive measures to organize the militia, that they report to you the whole number of men within their Jurisdiction capable of bearing arms. That they call elections to be held for the respective officers, and on fixed days the men shall rendezvous at the capital of the municipality for inspection and review. We recommend that the Alcaldes be required to choose three or more persons who shall be authorized to obtain subscriptions and receive money for the purpose of purchasing arms and other munitions of war. We recommend that each municipality be required to furnish immediately at least twenty-five men, well armed and equipped for an Indian campaign, and that they rendezvous at Mina on or before the 31st of this month. We recommend that your Excellency issue a proclamation, commanding all the good people of your Department to observe strictly the constitution and laws of the land. We recommend that your Excellency write officially to Don Ramon Musquiz, declaring, if he will proceed to administer the Government, the people of your Department will rally around and sustain and support him. With a wish that your Excellency will be pleased to communicate your opinion to us in writing, we have the honor |