In the autumn of 1835, the Texas Revolution shifted from scattered skirmishes to a deliberate bid for political direction. As Texian militia besieged Mexican forces at San Antonio de Béxar, local committees of safety called for a Consultation—a convention meant to give the rebellion legitimacy, set clear goals, and create a provisional government. Delegates gathered at San Felipe de Austin in early November to decide whether Texas would fight for full independence or seek restoration of the Federal Constitution of 1824, which President Antonio López de Santa Anna had overturned in favor of centralist rule.
Debate was sharp. Some members pressed for outright secession, while others feared alienating potential allies in other Mexican states and preferred to defend constitutional order. The convention ultimately sought a middle path. On November 7, 1835, it issued a “Declaration to the Public,” in Spanish, stating that Texans had taken up arms to defend their rights and liberties against “military despots” and to uphold republican principles under the 1824 constitution—yet reserving the right to form an independent government.
The Proclamation stated, “Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact of union.” This approach framed the uprising as part of the broader Mexican federalist struggle while paving the way for the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836.
To manage civil and military affairs in Texas and legitimize the uprising, the Consultation created the General Council, a provisional governing body. One of the declaration’s principal authors and its Spanish translator was the physician and journalist Lorenzo de Zavala, a noted liberal reformer who within months would become the first vice president of the Republic of Texas.
This proclamation, reproduced below, offered both a legal and ideological foundation for the rebellion. It framed the Texian cause as a defense of constitutional order rather than an outright secessionist revolt—though its language left room for full independence if reconciliation proved impossible.
Image courtesy of the Texas Library and Archives Commission.
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.
[Signatures]Hall of the Convention in San Felipe de Austin, November 7, 1825.
P. B. Dexter, Secretary.
Printed by Baker and Bordens, San Felipe de Austin
DECLARACIÓN 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 fé 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 declaración 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.
| Municipalidad | Delegates |
|---|---|
| Austin | Thomas Barnett, Wyly Martin, Randall Jones, Wm. Menifee, Jesse Burnam |
| Matagorda | R. R. Royall, Charles Wilson |
| Washington | Asa Mitchell, Philip Coe, Elijah Collard, Jesse Grimes, A. Hoxie |
| Mina | J. S. Lester, D. C. Barrett, R. M. Williamson |
| Columbia | Henry Smith, Edwin Waller, J. S. D. Byrom, John A. Wharton, W. D. C. Hall |
| Harrisburgh | Lorenzo de Zavala, Wm. P. Harris, C. C. Dyer, Meriwether W. Smith, John W. Moore, D. B. Macomb |
| Gonzales | J. D. Clemens, Benjamin Fuqua, James Hodges, William Arrington, William S. Fisher, G. W. Davis |
| Viesca | S. T. Allen, A. G. Perry, J. G. W. Pierson, Alexander Thompson, J. W. Parker |
| Nacogdoches | Samuel Houston, Daniel Parker, James W. Robertson, William Whitaker |
| Bevil | John Bevil, S. H. Everett, Wyatt Hanks |
| San Augustin | A. Houston, Wm. N. Sigler, A. E. C. Johnson, A. Horton, Martin Palmer, Henry Augustin, A. G. Kellogg |
| Liberty | J. B. Woods, A. B. Hardin, Henry Millard, C. West |
P. B. Dexter, Secretary
En la imprenta de Baker y Bordens, San Felipe de Austin
