“That man certainly carries his clothes regardless,” admitted Leo. “You really don’t notice what he has on when he gets in action. Well, first thing they elected Branch Archer president of the meeting, and then they appointed Wharton and Houston and ten others to draw up a declaration that would tell the people in Mexico and the United States what we were fighting about.”
“I’d like to know that, myself,” invited Sion. “Haven’t got it through my head yet!”
“I brought a copy with me,” continued Leo. “There were a thousand printed. Here ’tis.”
“Let Dick read it,” proposed somebody. “He’s a boss reader; never shies at a word.”
So Dick Carroll took the handbill, and read:
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 defense of their rights and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defense of the republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico, of eighteen hundred and twenty-four.