In the early 1830s, more and more settlers from the United States moved to Texas. They viewed Mexican/Tejano culture and Catholicism with suspicion, while Mexicans considered these “Texian colonists” as outsiders with little claim to the land. By 1835 these tensions erupted in armed conflict. In the following selection, Colonel Gregorio Gomez calls on Mexicans to defend their nation against U.S. invaders. The next month, Gomez waged a successful battle at Tampico under the leadership of Mexican exile José Antonio Mexia.
October 17, 1835
Gregorio Gomez, colonel of the battalion Tres Villas, and commandant of this town, to his brothers in arms and to the inhabitants.
Friends: It is now proved that the fears of all good Mexicans have been too well founded. The hypocritical and false promises of the Texian colonists have not deceived the enlightened part of the nation: These ungrateful traitors, these unnatural guests, in return for the liberality and the favors shown them by our country, are attempting now to plunge a murderous poig-nard [knife] in her bosom. The crisis in which the republic is now involved has favored their plans. They have openly declared their rebellion; and attempt no less than dismembering that rich part of our territory, where they have been received with such liberal hospitality. By the last official accounts we have learned that they have already begun to act. The weak garrison stationed at Bahia del Espiritu Santo has been captured by the rebels, who have taken military possession of the place. What will be the consequence of such wanton proceedings, if not the complete annihilation of those usurpers? Is there a Mexican who would not be fired with indignation at beholding the national honor and integrity of territory violated by a gang of lawless foreigners? Foreigners they are certainly by birth and principles; and by their treacherous conduct they have forfeited all the privileges and immunities granted to them by our too generous country.
It is now [not?] an internal question, when the members of the same family may be involved in domestic quarrels; but it is a question where adventurous foreigners are preying upon us, to rob us of one of our most precious gems, whilst we are deliberating on the ways and means to regulate properly the whole of our public concerns. Thousand curses on the Mexican who should be dastardly enough to join the murderous and anti-national plot! His name should be branded with infamy; and his crime never forgotten by his brethren. Let us then appeal to arms, let us rally round the government, and, with the native bravery of Mexicans, let us rush on these gangs of perfidious foreigners. Let us dispel them as the wind doth a flying cloud; and let us avenge her [the country’s] honor, sullied in so atrocious a manner. Such are the sentiments of your brother in arms, and of your comrade who is ever ready to sacrifice his life in defence of such a noble cause.
Source: Niles’ Weekly Register, November 21, 1835, 188.