USA > Texas > A Twentieth century history of southwest Texas, Volume I > Part 15
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The new government was confronted with many perplexities and knotty problems to unravel before Texas could take her place among the nations and attain the highest degree of welfare and development
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within. The messages to congress of the retiring and the entering presidents recite many facts concerning the status of the republic after the achieving of independence. The army and navy were objects of prime importance to maintain a national existence. The citizen army naturally dissolved after the invasion was repelled, and had it not been for the many American volunteers coming into the country a military organization would have been impossible, and as it was there was not means to equip and maintain this soldiery. The navy was a matter of much solicitude on the part of the infant republic, and for two years there was practically no navy, after which a few vessels were maintained which were finally consolidated with the navy of the United States.
One of the first acts of congress was to issue bonds, with the public domain as security, and commissioners were sent abroad to negotiate them to the amount of two million dollars. The public land question was one of the most important which came up before the various changes of administration, and policies both wise and unwise were from time to time adopted until the matter was systematized. The first congress of the Republic had many tasks, and it was some time before the new machinery moved harmoniously.
A national seal and a standard were also adopted. The former was much like the present state seal in general design, while the first flag was an azure ground upon the center of which was a golden star. This was later changed to a tricolor, with. a blue vertical field next to the staff on which was the Lone Star, and two horizontal stripes, the white above the red. The boundary between Mexico and Texas as claimed by this first congress was declared to extend from the mouth of the Rio Grande to its source, thus including a large part of what is now New Mexico .- The first session of congress, which was held at Columbia, lasted about two months, and its work was in the main harmonious and beneficial to the republic.
Zavala and Austin.
In the year of Texan independence and only a few weeks after the government was constituted there passed from the ranks of the true and noble patriots Lorenzo de Zavala and Stephen Austin. The latter will always be revered as the founder of modern Texas and the most power- ful of the steadying influences which wrought out the salvation of the state during its most trying crisis.
Land Titles.
There were two sessions of congress in 1837. The most important work undertaken by it was the settlement of the land question. No country ever presented a worse tangle of titles than Texas, over which in less than half a century three successive national governments had held sway, with consequent overlapping of claims. As has been shown, the government was very generous in its bounties to volunteers during the war for independence as also in its inducements to colonists later. This gave opportunity for extensive land frauds, and speculators reaDed rich harvests from the confusion. Claims were brought to light with- out the least cover of justification, forgeries were frequent, head-rights
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were bought and sold indiscriminately, and all kinds of land-steals were devised. Another thing: the constitution provided that the public do- main should be sectionized according to American usage, but the old set- tlers held to the divisions of leagues and labors, and this latter custom in the end prevailed. Toward the end of this year a general land law was finally passed, which, though defective and not preventing all the frauds, provided the best system available at the time which while deal- ing justly with past claims would also give generous opportunities to the new claimants. Proper arrangements were made for surveying the domains, and new county divisions were also effected during this year (the old municipalities having been converted into counties).
Indians.
During this time the Indians were giving no little trouble to the settlers as they pushed out toward the frontier and aggressed on the hunting grounds of the red men. Treaties were from time to time entered into between the Indians and the whites, but Indian depreda- tion and warfare were destined to characterize Texan history during the greater part of the nineteenth century. President Houston's dealings with the red men were throughout marked with a spirit of conciliation and justice on a par with the relations between civilized men, but his successor and the people in general did not emulate his example.
Finance.
The financial outlook during Houston's administration was most depressing. The Texans inaugurated their national housekeeping with greater sumptuousness and liberality than their conditions would war- rant, and they were compelled to suffer the usual penalty for extrava- gance. Despite Houston's economy the public debt at the end of 1838 was nearly two million dollars, and the republic's credit was nearly ex- hausted. The various efforts to raise money had met with only partial success, and Texas paper was below par on all foreign exchanges and the decline still continuing. The commerce of the country was not yet large, and the industrial machinery was not so well organized and ef- fectively working as to produce much beyond home consumption. At this time therefore the prosperity of Texas was more in prospect than in actuality, and despite the encouraging signs there were many prob- lems for the inexperienced government to solve.
The constitution provided that the first president was to hold office two years, and thereafter the term was to be three years; and that the incumbent was not eligible for a successive term. Therefore Houston's first term as president of the Republic of Texas expired in December, 1838, and on the preceding September Mirabeau B. Lamar was almost unanimously chosen president, with David G. Burnet vice president.
Lamar's Administration.
Lamar's administration, which lasted from December, 1838, to the corresponding month in 1841, was in many respects a reversal of Hous- ton's and the Republic suffered more from change in presidential policies than from any other one cause. Lamar's line of action as set forth in
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his message to congress is indicated in his aversion to annexation to the United States, his advocacy of a definite and progressive educational system, a retaliatory and exterminative warfare against the Indians in contrast with the previous merciful treatment of them, and a progressive building up and strengthening of the national bulwarks and powers.
Public Debt.
Problems of finance offered the greatest difficulty, and that they were not well solved is shown by the fact that during this administration the public debt increased from two million to seven and a half million dollars, while the public credit became exhausted, and Texas securities were worth only a few cents on the dollar and scarcely negotiable any- where. The land tax and the various tariff laws were of necessity con- tinued, although free trade was the goal to be early sought. Lamar proposed the founding of a national bank, which, however, was never done. The establishment and purchase of a navy also drew heavily upon the credit of the government, as also an adequate system of fron- tier defense. The bond issues during this period, although backed up by the strongest pledges of the republic and secured by the public do- main and offered at high rates of interest, went begging in the United States because of the wariness of the financiers who had lately passed through a "hard times" period and looked with suspicion on the paper of Texas; while a quarrel between a hotelkeeper and the French min- ister to Texas caused a breaking off of diplomatic relations between the republic and France and at the same time put an end to the bond sale already nearly arranged for between French bankers and the Texas commissioner. Similar negotiations in England also failed. The treas- ury notes of the republic were unredeemed and therefore had to be accepted on pure faith. During this period the excess of imports over exports was in the ratio of seven to one. In fact, the financial bad management in connection with other ill-advised and unsuccessful vent- 11res of the administration made Lamar so unpopular that he retired from the active duties of the presidency and during the last year of his term Vice President Burnet was acting president.
But, admitting a lack of the necessary executive ability for the crises then confronting Texas and that Lamar was visionary and in- temperate in many of his acts, it remains to be said that the exigencies from within and the troubles threatening from without were most try- ing and probably could not have been satisfactorily dealt with by any man.
It is doubtful if any state in the Union has suffered more contin- uously and severely from the Indians than has Texas. From the days of La Salle until their last depredations, only a few years ago, they were a constant menace to all efforts at civilization and permanent habitation. The names Apache and Comanche have become synonyms for ferocity, blood-thirstiness and the worst traits of savagery, and for years the tribes of that race harried the frontier and carried their warfare even to the heart of the settlements. The history of Indian warfare and out- rage in Texas would fill volumes, and of course only a meager outline of facts can be given here.
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Texas Rangers.
It was during Lamar's administration that the famous organiza- tion known as the Texas Rangers had its origin. For hardihood, reck- less daring, ability to undergo hardships, and intelligence and individual shiftiness and skill, these men have never been surpassed. Their deeds have often risen to the highest consummation of personal courage, and vet rough as they were and accustomed to the hardest side of life, they were as big-hearted and tender to those in trouble and generous on all occasions as the most chivalrous of men under any clime in the world. This splendid body of men has been a permanent feature of the military defense of Texas from the days of the republic to the present time, and while in some degree resembling the militia of other states their almost constant service and their effectiveness at all times and places make them unique and peerless among the armed protectors of the civil wel- fare. They could live in the saddle. and while, for the most part, pur- suing the ordinary occupations of their neighbors, they were ready at a moment's notice to fly to the danger point and ward off an Indian raid or hurry in revenge for murderous outrage or depredation committed by Indian or outlaw. During the early part of Lamar's term several large appropriations were voted to support some twelve hundred of these mounted volunteers, who were to protect the line of frontier settlements, the period of service to be six months.
These rangers as well as the private citizens had their hands full during these years. Immigration was pouring in rapidly after the cessa- tion of hostilities between Texas and Mexico, and the hardy pioneers were not particular where or on whose land they settled provided the soil was rich and they could gain a title thereto and defend it. It is not the place here to raise the question whether the Anglo-Saxon race is justified in seizing every country on which it can put its hands and ousting the in- ferior population and making way for civilization, but it is certain that such was the course of history in the United States as between the white and the red men. The Indians in Texas naturally claimed certain tracts as their own hunting grounds and like any sentient creatures they would protest more or less emphatically against expulsion from their domains. So fearless and resolute, however, was the Texan pioneer that he cared not a whit about the dangers incident to settling on Indian ground or any prior claims of the red man thereto. Consequently encroachments on the part of the whites brought on retaliatory raids from the native's, and as the border gradually expanded it was the scene of bloody and relentless warfare, in which homes were desolated and women and children cut down or carried into the horrors of Indian captivity, followed by a like expiation for the crimes on the part of the red population.
As has been mentioned, the Mexican government, impotent itself to prosecute an active war against Texas, resorted to underhanded methods in fostering rebellion and discontent among the inhabitants, and stirring up the natives wherever possible. In 1838 there occurred what is known as
Nacogdoches Rebellion.
the Nacogdoches rebellion, in which the Mexican population about Nacogdoches and a force of Indians . disclaimed allegiance to Texas,
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but before the army of the republic could reach them the malcontents had dispersed. This was probably part of the movement by which Mexico hoped to arouse the natives to ceaseless hostility against the Texans, and shortly afterward one Manuel Flores was sent across the country bear- ing dispatches to the northeastern Indians outlining the methods of war- fare, but this commissioner and his followers, having committed several murders, were pursued and attacked by a number of Texans, Flores was killed, and the dispatches thus fell into the hands of the Texan govern- ment.
The authorities were aroused by this threatened danger from their Cherokee neighbors on the north, and it was determined to remove the tribe beyond reach of the settlements-the Cherokee lands, moreover, be- ing most rich and more than any other coveted by the land-grabbers. When negotiations for peaceable removal of the tribe failed, General Douglass moved against them with some five hundred men, in two en- gagements, killed over a hundred of them, and drove them from their abodes.
The Comanches at San Antonio.
The fiercest and most troublesome Indians of this period were the Comanches, to the north and west of San Antonio. Matters came to a crisis with them in 1840. Showing a disposition to make peace, twelve of their chiefs came to San Antonio and met in council the Texan commis- sioners. Demand was made upon the chiefs to return some captives which it was known they held, and on their refusal to comply soldiers were brought into the council chamber and the chieftains were told they would be held as captives until the white prisoners were produced.1 Then ensued a desperate fight, in which the twelve Indians were killed, and the struggle was continued by the redskins in the town until all were either killed or captured. For this deed, which the Indians considered an act of treachery, a war of retaliation was carried on. Two attacks were made on Victoria, and the town of Linnville was burned, and after killing a number of persons and raiding the stock the Comanches set out for home. The Texans rapidly gathered, and at some distance from Gonzales a con- flict took place in which the Comanches were completely routed and most of the stock and booty recovered. A little later Colonel Moore, with a force of about a hundred Texans and Lipan Indians, followed the trail of the Comanches to their village, where he attacked and nearly extermi- nated the entire population, men, women and children.
The Texas Sentinel, extra, of March 24, 1840, gave the official ac- count of the battle with the Comanches at San Antonio :
On the 19th March. a body of sixty-five Indians arrived at that place, bring- ing Miss Lockhart, a little girl taken by them a year and a half since from the Guadalupe, for the purpose of holding a council with the agents of our government. They said they wished to see if they could get a high price for her; and if so they would bring all the other prisoners, one at a time. Miss Lockhart stated that she
1The meeting between the chiefs and the Americans was held in the court house, according to Mrs. M. A. Maverick's diary. "The jail," she says, "then occupied the corner formed by the east line of Main plaza and the north line of Calaboza (now Market) street, and the court house was north of and adjoining the jail. The court house and jail were of stone, one story, flat-roofed and floored with dirt."
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had seen all the other prisoners at their camp a few days before she left. Col. W. G. Cooke. acting secretary of war, being present, thought it proper to take hostages for the safe return of the prisoners, and Col. Fisher was ordered to march two companies and place them in the immediate vicinity of the council room. After some parleying in relation to the prisoners, one company was ordered to march into the room, and the other to the rear of the building, where the warriors were assem- bled. The chiefs were then told that they were prisoners and would not be liberated until they restored their white prisoners. One sprang to the back door and attempt- ed to pass the sentinel, who presented his musket, when the Indian drew his knife and stabbed him. A general rush was then made for the doors. Captain Howard caught one by the collar and received a severe stab. He then ordered the sentinel to shoot the Indian, which was instantly done. They all then drew their knives and bows for battle, and the whole twelve chiefs were immediately shot.
In the meantime Capt. Reed's company was attacked by the warriors in the rear of the yard, who fought with desperation. The Indians were driven into the stone houses, from which they kept up a gallant fire with their bows and rifles. When- ever their arrows struck, it was with such force that it penetrated to the feather. A small number succeeded in gaining the opposite side of the river, but Col. Wells pursued them with a party of mounted men, and killed all, with the exception of one renegade Mexican.
A single warrior took refuge in a stone house, refusing every offer of life sent him through the squaws. and after killing and wounding several of our men, the building was fired at night and he was shot as he passed the door.
The whole number of warriors, excepting the Mexicans, amounting to thirty- five, were killed, besides two women and three children. Our loss was seven killed, viz : Lient. W. M. Dunningston, privates Kammiski and Whitney, Judge Thomp- son, of Houston ; Judge Hood, of Bexar ; Mr. Cayce, of Matagorda, and a Mexican. Wounded-Capt. G. T. Howard, Ist Infantry ; Capt. Mathew Caldwell, Ist Infantry ; Lieut. E. A. Thompson, private Kelly, Company I; Judge Robinson, Mr. Higgin- botham, Mr. Morgan, and Mr. Carson. Total wounded, eight, Howard, Thompson and Kelly, very severely.
In addition to the above, Judge Robinson was severely wounded with an arrow, and Mr. J. C. Morgan, after receiving two shots from the bow, seized hold of an ax, and revenged himself by killing two Indians.
At the request of the prisoners, a squaw was liberated and well mounted, to go to the main tribe, and request an exchange of prisoners. She promised to return in four days with our captive friends, and Cols. Cooke and McLeod wait until their return.
We learn from Durkee. who arrived from Austin last evening, that Col. Burle- son has been called upon to organize an expedition forthwith to operate against the Comanches. He will raise one company on the Colorado, and at Austin, and take with him the company which left Houston a short time since, under Capt. Pierce, and a body of Tonkwa Indians.
A later account, from the Austin Sentinel, copied in Niles Register, reads as follows :
The fight growing out of the late attempt at a talk with the Comanches at San Antonio, was unexpected on both sides. The Indians depended upon that species of duplicity which had always been so successful in their transactions with the Mexi- cans, and our people did not think they would attempt so bold an adventure-the Indians were hemmed in and thought they were to be sacrificed, and fought desper- ately. The Americans were many of them unarmed, and found themselves in cen- ter of a severely contested fight in a very awkward condition.
Among the number was Captain Matthew Caldwell, Ist regiment infantry (an old frontier man). He stepped in a house near by to see if he could get some kind of a weapon. Finding none there he passed through the house into a back yard, where he was confronted by a gigantic Indian warrior, armed with his rifle, toma- hawk and scalping knife. The yard was surrounded by a high stone wall, and there was no chance for either to retreat. The Indian raised his rifle to shoot Captain Caldwell. but he, in the meantime, was not idle The ground was covered with stones-the only defense in the reach of the captain. He seized one and let fly at the Indian, which struck him so centrally in the forehead that the Indian came very
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near being knocked down. The captain again armed himself with the same weapon, and as often as the Indian attempted to shoot, let fly such a shower of stones about his head that he had no time for taking sight.
At this juncture, John D. Morris, Esq., was passing the door and discovered the critical condition of Captain C. and immediately came to his assistance. The only weapon he had was a small three-inch barrel pistol. As he stepped into the yard Captain C. remarked, "D-n that fellow; Morris, if you don't shoot him, I believe he'll kill me." "My arms are light," said Mr. Morris; "give him the dornicks, while I advance to within shooting distance, and I think we can manage him." Cald- well kept a constant stream of stones about him, while Morris advanced to within four feet of the Indian, and placed his little pistol almost against his breast, shot him through the heart. Then they both armed themselves with the fallen Indian's weapons, and sallied forth to join in the general melee.
Mr. Morgan, of San Antonio (one of old Deaf Smith's men), was attacked in a yard. surrounded by a high stone wall. He was not armed, and the three Indians charged upon him with their bows and spears. He seized a stone and dealt the foremost one such a blow on the head that it fractured his skull. After this he re- treated into a small room fronting the enclosure, where he found an axe. One of the Indians attempted to rush in after him, and received a blow on the head which deprived him of life. The other one followed and was served in the same way, and Mr. Morgan had the enclosure to himself.
Captain George T. Howard, of the First regiment of infantry, was stationed at the door of the council room, when the fight broke out. One of the chiefs sprang upon him and inflicted a severe wound wtih a knife. He had no arms but his sword, which was too long to use in so close an engagement; he seized the hand holding the knife, but wounded as he was, he was not able to disarm him and he called to the sentinel, who was stationed near by, to come and shoot the Indian, which order was promptly obeyed, and he fell dead at the feet of Captain Howard. But Ebawatschouchimachussen (the seven-headed hyena), the largest and most muscu- lar of all the Indian chiefs, sprang upon him with his tomahawk in hand; the cap- tain ran him through the body, and he fell across the body of the other Indian. By this time most of the chiefs were dispatched, and Captain Howard had become so faint from the loss of blood that he was ordered-which order he obeyed very re- luctantly-to resign the command of the company to Captain Gillen.
Lieutenant Dunnington was killed by a woman, who shot him with an arrow, which passed through his body; she was dressed so much like the men that he did not know her sex-and if he had it is doubtful whether it was time for the exercise of gallantry. He drew a pistol and shot her through the head, and her brains be- spattered the wall; he turned around and exclaimed, "I have killed him, but I believe he has killed me too," and fell and expired in twenty minutes.
Judge Thompson was killed by the Indian boys, while he was setting up small pieces of money for them to shoot at. Before he suspected it he received a shower of arrows from the effects of which he died in an hour.
Judge Hood was stabbed in the council room, where he was a spectator of the commencement of the fight; he was nearly out of the door, and was endeavoring to leave the place.
A few of the Indians attempted to make their escape by flight, and were pur- sued by Colonel Lysander Wells, and four or five gentlemen who had just mounted their horses to take a ride. The whole company were badly armed-Colonel Wells had one of Colt's repeating pistols. An Indian warrior seized his horse by the tail, and attempted to jump on behind him. But the horse was fiery and restive, and he could not succeed. He then sprang forward and seized the horse by the bridle, and attempted to stab the colonel with an arrow. The latter kept snapping his pistol at him, but the pin which holds the barrel to the revolving cylinder had dropped out, and the hammer did not strike the cap. The Indian found he could not kill him with the arrow, and seized the barrel of his pistol and attempted to take it from him; the barrel instantly came off; the Indian gave a whoop, and sprang into the river, and swam under water to the opposite shore; but he no sooner put his head above water, than he received a rifle ball, which terminated his adventure. Not one of the party made his escape.
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