Zavala's translation of the Declaration of November 7, 1835, adopted by the Consulation

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English

November 7, 1835. Declaration of the People of Texas.
Announcing the colonist's intention to fight for the
restoration of the Constitution of 1824 and
independent Mexican statehood for Texas.

DECLARATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS

In General Convention Assembled.

Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and
other military chieftains, have, by force of arms,
overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and
dissolved the social compact which existed between
Texas and the other members of the Mexican
confederacy; now the good people of Texas, availing
themselves of their natural rights,

SOLEMNLY DECLARE,

1st. That they have taken up arms in defence of their
rights and liberties, which were threatened by the
encroachments of military despots, and in defence of
the republican principles of the federal constitution of
Mexico, of eighteen and twenty-four.

2d. That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by
the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity
and sympathy common to a free people, they offer
their support and assistance to such of the members
of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms
against military despotism.

3d. That they do not acknowledge that the present
authorities of the nominal Mexican republic have the
right to govern within the limits of Texas.

4th. That they will not cease to carry on war against the
said authorities whilst their troops are within the limits
of Texas.

5th. That they hold it to be their right during the
disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of
despotism, to withdraw from the union, to establish an
independent government, or to adopt such measures
as they may deem best calculated to protect their
rights and liberties, but that they will continue faithful
to the Mexican government so long as that nation is
governed by the constitution and laws that were
formed for the government of the political association.

6th. That Texas is responsible for the expense of her
armies now in the field.

7th. That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the
payment of any debts contracted by her agents.

8th. That she will reward, by donations in lands, all who
volunteer their services in her present struggle, and
receive them as citizens.

These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and
call God to witness their truth and sincerity, and invoke
defeat and disgrace upon our heads, should we prove
guilty of duplicity.

Spanish

DECLARACION

DEL PUEBLO DE TEJAS,

Reunido en Convencion General.

Por cuanto el general Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana,
asociado con otros gefes militares han destruido por
medio de la fuerza armada las Instituciones Federales
de la Nacion Mejicana, y disuelto el pacto social que
existia entre el Pueblo de Tejas y las demas partes de la
confederacion Mejicana, el buen Pueblo de Tejas,
usando de sus derechos naturales,

DECLARA SOLEMNEMENTE,

Primero. Que ha tomado las armas en defensa de sus
derechos y libertades amenezados por los ataques del
despotismo militar; y en defensa de los principios
republicanos de la Constitucion Federal de Mejico,
sancionada en 1824.

Segundo. Que aunque Tejas no est  ya ni politica ni
moralmente ligado por los lazos de la Union Federal,
movido por la simpatia y generosidad naturales   los
pueblos libres, ofrece ayuda y asistencia aquellos
miembros de la confederacion que tomasen las armas
contra el despotismo militar.

Tercero. Que no reconoce en las actuales autoridades
de la nominal Republica Mejicana ningun derecho para
gobernar en el territorio de Tejas.

Cuarto. Que no cesar  de hacer la guerra contra las
mencionadas autoridades mientras mantengan tropas
en los terminos de Tejas.

Quinto. Que se considera con derecho de separarse de
la Union   Mejico durante la desorganizacion del
Sistema Federal y el regimen del despotismo, y para
organizar un gobierno independiente o adoptar
aquellas medidas que sean adecuadas para proteger
sus derechos y libertades; pero continuar  fiel al
gobierno Mejicano en el caso de que la nacion sea
gobernada por la Constitucion y las leyes que fueron
formadas para el regimen de su asociacion politica.

Sesto. Que Tejas se obliga pagar los gastos de sus
tropas en actividad actualmente en la campana.

Septimo. Que Tejas empena su credito y fe, publica
para el pago de las deudas que contrageren sus
agentes.

Octavo. Que recompensar  con donaciones de tierra y
los derechos de ciudadania   los voluntarios que
prestasen servicios en la presente lucha.

Esta es la declaracion que profesamos delante del
mundo, llamando   Dios por testigo de la sinceridad de
nuestras intenciones, invocando su maldicion sobre
nuestras cabezas en el caso de faltar ella por doblez o
intencion danada.

Sala de la Convencion en San Felipe de Austin, 7 de
Noviembre de 1825. P.B. Dexter, Secretario.