in conjunction with the citizens located in the said municipality. Those however who had the management of the said election thought it an improper interferance & calculated to deprive them of their representation of men whom they might prefer -- We who came to defend and sustain the country felt unwilling to excite jealousy towards us and anxious to conciliate proceeded to hold an election amongst our own body for two individuals belonging to the volunteers   Whereupon David Thomas and Edwd Conrad were chosen to represent us in said convention --

We felt anxious that the Municipality of Refugio should have their representation, but with great respect to your honorable body we likewise conceive we have an equal right to representation which right we hope and trust will not be denied us

Our situation being unknown to the council our claims have not been explicitly provided for in the decree, but no principle will be violated, no injustice done to any one in permitting the individuals selected by us to take their seats in a body the proceedings of which is to be submitted to the people for their acceptance or rejection

We hold it to be a correct principle that the military should in all cases be subject to the civil department of Government     We assume nothing on the ground of being attached to the Army -- We consider ourselves as citizen soldiers having a common interest with every citizen of Texas. We are equally anxious for its prosperity many of us here fought