D. C. Barrett to Citizens of Mina, 08-23-1835
Summary: Political advice. Means of reconciliation with Mexico
To the Citizens of Mina
When at the call of the Political Chief, by and with the advice of his counsel, then in session, I submitted to undertake a hazardous Mission in behalf of my adopted Country. I did not give a full consent, until I had consulted your "Committee of Safety" and obtained their approbation. . . .
I wish now to give you a brief account of the occurrences connected with my public duties since the letters of Mr. Gritten and myself by Messrs. Drown and Turner.
The United States Government [of Mexico] have through their officers at Matamoras and this place, fully recognized the objects of the Mission, and the public character of your agents.
I have just heard from Mr. Gritten by express, he is at Goliad, where
he expected to have met me, on this day, several late communicationsespecially Mr Zavalla, of Mexico, whose surrender, or
positive evidence, of his not being in Texas, is made a "sine que non" to all
further negotiations, and I regret to say, that the next upon the list
demanded is W. B. Travis Esq, the next in order are Robt M Williamson
and Mosely Bakqr Esqs.- together with the individuals concerned in "abusing"
the Government Messengers, and "Violating" their dispatches the next
in order demanded, is S M Williams Esq. and Judge Johnson, All the
North Americans above named, were first demanded by the Comdt here
in a letter sent here from "San Felepe", signed J H. C Miller urging the
prompt demand of these individuals, Co. U [Ugartechea] in consequence
of such pressing advice, anticipated the order which should have originated
from Genl. Cos, to Col U promptly communicated this act to Genl. Cos,
asking his approbation which he as promptly received. The worst features
in this, to me painful state of things, have arisen since Mr. Gritten left here,
especially the "sine qua non" or condition precedent to all pacific
negotiations, between Texas and the United States, also the positive order from
the Supreme Government to Col U, on non compliance, forthwith to march
with all his cavalry, into Texas, and in this way execute the order himself,
a reply to this demand is hourly expected, by express, from San Felipe,
I have therefore, with the advice of our American friends here, in which
Col. U. decidedly concured. concluded to send for my colleague Mr. Gritten,
without whose knowledge and assistance I cannot advance, a step further.
Copies of all the correspondance of your commissioners, have been and
will be, faithfully preserved. This will prove that in all our negotiations
for Texas, we have been governed by prudence and an unchangeable regard
for the honor and justice of her citizens. Upon this subject, our last letter,
the knowledge of Mr. Drown Mr. Turner and Mr- Pease will fully satisfy
you. I will here add, that I am firmly of opinion, that if the mission be
persevered in Texas will receive a speedy modification of the tariff, and
a new Post Office organization, in this opinion I am sustained, by the
most respectable and intelligent people here. I should now return to Mina
but for the strong advice of our American friends here, not to do so at
present.
Judge Hood and Mr. Milton have been with me, for a number of days, and will be able to give you many interesting details. I have received much support from the Judge in all matters of public concernment.
Again the want of commissioners for making titles for lands, to
unprovided colonists is severely felt. The law passed upon this subject last
suggest my own opinion, of two unexceptionable men, well
qualified, unconnected with Texas parties, Mr. Padilla well known as a
republican and an honorable man. The other my friend and colleague Edward
Gritten Esq. whose good report among you, too recent, to require any
remark from me. These gentlemen are both intimate friends of the acting
Governor, who will only wish to know that they will be approved of in
Texas, when he will promptly appoint them, for the two departments, I
am but one in the matter, shall therefore leave the subject to the People.
It may be proper to add, that Mr. Padilla I have consulted, Mr. Gritten
I have not. Mr. Padilla is too honest to be rich, and too poor to support
himself and family, without some productive employment,—and as he
wishes some pretext to take himself and family to Texas forever, he will if
the people approve gladly accept the office. He desires his best respects
to the people of Mina generally, and especially his gratitude to Capt. Sims
and Capt. Moore for past acts of friendship. I am happy to be sustained
in my opinion by the highest legal authorities in the country, that the
law intending to affect the contracts of Robinson or Williamson, in the
settlemant of their colonies, is ineffectual in its operation For the sake
of my good old friend Col Chambers I rejoice that I am able to give this
statement. . . .
D C Barrett [Rubric]
San Antonio
P. S.
It is said that a plan for the consti[tu]tion of a central Government has
been got up, and is now debating. Should any thing certain be made
known, you will be apprised of it as speedily as possible