Question

You are the governor of Coahuila Y Tejas and have just intercepted a letter from Stephen F. Austin to the Ayuntamiento (City Council) of San Antonio. He is complaining about the lack of progress in Mexico City and also that he is not being taken seriously. You order Austin's arrest on charges of treason. Write a short statement explaining why you are having him arrested.

Answer 1

Stephen F. Austin was arrested for treason as a precaution to prevent further destabilization during a period of rising tensions between Texas settlers and the centralized Mexican government under Santa Anna's rule.

Step-by-step explanation:

As the governor of Coahuila Y Tejas, I have ordered the arrest of Stephen F. Austin on charges of treason. Austin's correspondence with the Ayuntamiento of San Antonio indicates his dissatisfaction with the Mexican government and suggests actions contrary to his loyalty pledge to Mexico. Considering the tumultuous period marked by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's centralization of government power through the Siete Leyes, Austin's actions could further destabilize the fragile relationship between Texas settlers and the Mexican government. His arrest is a precautionary measure to preserve the internal stability and authority of the Mexican government within Coahuila y Texas amidst rising tensions leading to the Texas Revolution.