José Trinidad Cabañas letter of resignation to his life pension

In May 1851, the government of Honduras, through legislative decree, granted a lifelong pension to General José Trinidad Cabañas, of which the «Soldier of the Nation,» in yet another display of his honesty, integrity, and love for the country, declined with the following letter:

Mr. Minister General of the Supreme Government of the State of Honduras.

I had the pleasure of receiving your highly esteemed note dated the 5th of this month, in which you were kind enough to include the Decree issued on the 31st of last May by the Legislative Body, granting me a salary corresponding to my rank for life, and half of it to my widow, mother, and legitimate children, if any, upon my death. Upon being informed of this act of distinction and generosity with which the Chambers have honored and favored me, I have been filled with the deepest gratitude, and influenced by it, and with the ardent desire to testify to the high esteem in which I hold the decisions of the worthy representatives of the people, I would accept that grace without hesitation. However, the following considerations prompt me to renounce it:

First and foremost: all citizens have the closest obligation to be useful to the Fatherland and to defend it when it is threatened by danger. When we have had the opportunity to render some outstanding service to it, we have done nothing more than fulfill our duty. If constant efforts to defend the democratic institutions, freedom, and independence of my country have been able to attract the attention of my fellow citizens, they have already bestowed upon me the most flattering reward in the Decree of May 11th, in which I am honored with the title of «SOLDIER OF THE NATION,» a declaration that is a more than sufficient reward for any services I may have rendered, and which leaves my ambition abundantly satisfied. After this, it is not possible for me to accept a pension.

I am also impelled to renounce it by the idea that the enemies of order, who are always lying in wait to distort the actions of defenders of popular rights, will not fail to raise an outcry, either accusing the Chambers of their benevolence toward me or slandering my intentions, interpreting my actions sinisterly as the result of selfish calculations for their future well-being. I do not forget the deficient state in which the Treasury finds itself, and I, who would desire to possess abundant riches to provide for it, so that it may meet so many important obligations that cannot be fulfilled due to a lack of means, how could I want to worsen its difficulties by burdening it with accepting a pension?

Therefore, I formally renounce it. Please, Mr. Minister, convey these brief remarks to the knowledge of the President, and respectfully request him to transmit them to the Chambers at the appropriate time, expressing my eternal gratitude for the unequivocal demonstrations of esteem with which they have honored me.

With the utmost consideration, I remain your most attentive servant.

José Trinidad Cabañas