To the Members of the Congress of the Republic of Texas

        We the subscribers, citizens of the counties of Shelby and San Augustine, most respectfully represent to your Honorable Body that feeling a deep interest in the prosperity of Texas generally a wish to see the laws of the Republic fully and faithfully administered for the protection of the life and property of her citizens and to secure every man in his rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and to avert what we now fear a civil war, would ask the indulgence of Congress and the protection of the same.
        We do not wish nor shall we attempt to detail to your Honorable Body the hundred violations of the Law nor the thousand injuries what have been, and are now being inflicted upon the citizens of these counties. Nor do we ask for aid to avenge any particular personal wrong, but approach you having the good of the county at heart, and feeling conscious that you will afford that protection so much desired.
        Armed bands of self styled Regulators assuming and gating to themselves the right and power to distribute justice to whom it belongs, have assembled and are now in daily action, governed and influenced by the worst feeling of a mans nature, loosing sight of all that is just – pursuing their victims to the grass – proscribing others – laying the finest farms in the county waste – driving from their homes and useful pursuits honest citizens – spreading terror abroad in the land and sapping the foundation of all that’s peaceful and social. Holding themselves in readiness to serve the citizens or stranger for hire, (?) to be influenced by prejudice or partiality – having no final principle tending to the good of the community in any way – and no law but force.
        Under such a state of things we now live and fearing without the speedy interference of Congress this will increase. We humbly ask of your Honorable Body that protection, that we have a right to expect.

Respectfully------   

    /S/

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