After an absence of sixteen months I have the pleasure of returning once more to the Settlement which it has been the labor of the last three years of my life to the unsettled deserts of this province. Nothing but the interest of the settlers, and the general welfare of the settlement could have induced me to mete make, the sacri?ces of time, of fatigue and money, which this enterprise has cost me; but feeling in honor bound never to abandon those who those who had with me, and animated with hope of rendering an important service to the great, Mexican nation, and particularly to this Province, by the formation-of a ?ourishing colony within its limits, I have persevered through all the dif?culties created by the political convulsions of the last year, and now have the satisfaction of announcing that every necessary power relative“ to the for-formation of the colony is granted to me by the Supreme Executive power and Sovereign Congress power and Sovereign Congress of Mexico; and I shall immediately commence in conjunction wit the Baron de Bastrop, the governmental Commissioner appointed for this purpose, to designate the land for the settlers, and deliver complete titles therefor.
It will be observed, by all who wish to be received into this colony, that the conditions indicated by me in the first commencement of the settlement must be complied with, and particularly that the unquestionable testimony of good character, and industrious and moral habits will be required. No person can be permitted to remain in settlement longer than may be absolutely necessary to prepare to prepare for the removal who does not exhibit such testimony. This regulation is in conformity. With the orders of the Superior Gevernment and will be enforced with utmost rigour.
Being charged by. the Superior Government with the administration justice, the punishment. of crimes, and the preservation of good order and tranquility within the settlement, it will be my study to devote that attention to those subjects which their transcendant importance requires, and I con?dently hope, that with the aid of the settlers we shall be able to -present an example of industry and good morals equally creditable to ourselves and gratifying to the government of our adoption.
The Alcaldes appointed on the Colorado and Brazos in the. month of November last will continue to exercise their functions until the year for which they were elected expires, at which time a new election for those officers will be ordered. The administration of justice by the Alcaldes will be subject to my inspection; and appeals from their decisions will be decided by me. Fixed regulations will be established on this subject, and made known to the settlers as soon as time will permit.
I beg every individual in the establishment to be impressed with the important truth that his future prosperity and happiness depends on the correctness of his own conduct. Honest and industrious men may live together all their lives without a law-suit or difference with each other. I have known examples of this kind in the United States: so it must be with us - no-thing is more easy : all that is necessary is for every one is-to attend industriously to his own business, and in all cases follow the great and sacred christian rule, to do unto others as you wish them to do unto you. As regards the suppression of vice and immorality, and the punishment of crime, much depends on your-selves. The wisest laws and the most efficient administration of justice, in criminal cases, avails but little, unless seconded by the good examples, patriotism and virtues of the people.
It will therefore be expected that every man in the settlement will at all limes be willing to aid the civil authority whenever called on to pursue apprehend or punish criminals, and also, that prompt information will be given to the nearest civil officer, of any murder, robbery breach of the peace, or other violation of the laws.
Being also charged with the commission of Lt. Coronel Commandant of the Militia within the settlement, I shall, as soon as possible, organize a. battalion of millcia, in which every man capable of bearing arms must be enrolled and hold himself in readiness to march at a moment’s warning, whenever called upon to repel the attacks of hostile Indians or other enemies of the Mexican nation.
I am limited to the number of -300 families for the settlement on the Colorado and Brazos. The government have ordered that all over that number who are introduced by me, must settle in the interior of the province, near the ancient establishments.
As soon as the necessary information can be procured, a town will be established as the capital of the settlement, and a port of entry will be designated on the coast for the introduction of all articles required for the use of the setlers. All town scites are reserved, and no person will be permitted to locate them.
Fellow Citizens, let me again repeat that your happiness rests with yourselves; the Mexican Government have been bountiful in the favors and privileges which she has granted to the we settlement, in return for which all she asks is that you be ?rm supporters and defenders of the Independence and Liberty of the Mexican Nation; that you, should industriously cultivate the soil that is granted you, that you should strictly obey the laws and constituted authorities, and in fact, that you should be good citizens and virtuous men.
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
Province of Texas, July, 1823
Resource: San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site