USA > Texas > Johnson County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > Part 3
USA > Texas > Hill County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > Part 3
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EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS
to San Antonio, where they were imprisoned and inhumanly treated. They were then sent across the Rio Grande and remained prisoners for many years, some of them dying and three escaping; one was shot. This expedi- tion and several other matters then in dispute increased the natural hostility that a mon- archist had against republicanism. Philip II. declared that nothing but Spanish com- merce should be conducted on the Gulf of Mexico, whilst on land non-intercourse with the United States was proclaimed. The claim of France to Texas was renewed on the part of the United States, after this Government had purchased Louisiana. If Texas had be- longed to France, and was a part of Lonis- iana, the United States Government had purchased it. At this time General Wilkin- son was in command of the American forces on the border, and General Herrera in com- mand of the Mexican forces opposite on Mexican territory. These two generals, through some trickery, and the passing of a considerable sum of money to Wilkinson, who is charged, was mixed up in the scheme of Aaron Burr, came to personal terms, and the result was the withdrawal of the American ferces, much to the disgust of the soldiers. In the adjustment of matters between the two generale, an agreement had been made that a strip of country lying between the Sabine and the Arroyo Hondo should be re- spected as nentral ground, and remain unoccupied by either government. This strip of country became the resort of free- boeters and desperados of all kinds, and the troops stationed at Natchitoches were princi-
pally engaged in protecting travelers and traders passing across it. Lieutenant A. W. Magee was one of the officers detailed upon this duty. This officer, with a number of others, conceived the idea of assisting the Mexican republicans and bettering their for- tunes at the same time. The project of Burr was in Magec's mind, and he hoped to rescue Texas from Spanish domination and organize a republic. This he hoped to accomplish by getting the assistance of leading Mexicans. An alliance was formed with some of the Indian tribes in the vicinity, through John McFarland and Samuel Davenport, who had been Indian agents. The services of Bernardo Gutierrez were secured. He had been engaged with Hidalgo in the Revolutionary movement in Mexico, and had taken refuge at Natchi- toches.
About the middle of June, Gutierrez, with 158 men, crossed the Sabine and had a skir -. mish with the Spanish guards. They marched forward and reorganized on the Trinity river, at that time having about 400 inen. They reached Goliad and finally drove the Spaniards into San Antonio. Here the city was cap- tured, and the private soldiers released; but the officers, including the Governor and Gen- eral Herrera, fourteen in all, were slaughtered by order of Captain Delgado, whose father had been murdered by the Spanish. The republicans held San Antonio for some time, but were finally defeated and slaughtered in the usual Mexican fashion.
Although this defeat was complete for the republicans in Texas, a new organization was formed in Mexico, under Moreles, and one of
22
EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
the features of the movement was the occu- pation of the coast of Texas, including of course the harbor and island of Galveston, which would afford the republicans an outlet to the world by water. They oecnpied the island, and in November were reinforced by about 200 men under Xavier Mina, a native of Navarre. While Mina and Aury were occupying the island, Perry had taken pos- session of Bolivia Point, with 200 men.
The details of what followed from this time till Mexico became a republic are too homogeneous and prolix to relate here. Suf- fice it to say that Spanish domination ceased in Texas forever.
In 1812, Hidalgo was the first to unfurl the republican flag in Mexico, and, although he failed, Moreles and others kept up the or- ganization, struggling for freedom from the Spanish yoke. The mother country herself was passing through the ordeal of a change in dynasty, and it was a favorable time to strike for independence. Iturbide, the ablest of the loyalist generals, favored the move- ment, and a conference of the republican leaders was held. The result of this inter- view was known as the " Plan of Iguala." This plan was somewhat modified afterward; but the result was the termination of Spanish rule in Mexico.
COLONIZATION RESUMED.
In 1819, after Spain had sold Florida to the United States, by which sale the latter Government agreed to relinquish all claim on Texas, efforts were made on the part of Mexico to colonize her province. Several liberal
propositions were made; but none accepted till citizens of the United States took the matter in hand. The survivors of the Magee expedition had given glowing accounts of Texas and its possibilities and of the liberal disposition of the Mexican authorities, and a number of Americans set out for the new field of enterprise. Moses Austin, who had moved into Missouri when it belonged to Spain, resolved to become the founder of a Texas colony. To make preparations, he visited San Antonio, but was at first coolly received by Governor Martinez, and ordered to leave the province; but, happening to meet Baron de Bastrop, whom he had previously known, that gentleman, who was one of the alcaldes of the municipality, became warinly favorable to Austin's plan, and through his influence the governor was induced to give the colonial project his sanction. With the aid of De Bastrop, Austin succeeded in get- ting the signatures of all the officials of the city to his application, which was forwarded to Arredondo, the commander of the eastern interior provinces.
Ilaving no doubt of the success of his ap- plication, Austin returned to Missouri to make arrangements to introduce his colonists; but on his journey he was so much exposed that he took sick and died after reaching his home. During the time that he was in Mexico, his son, Stephen Fuller Austin, was in New Orleans maturing plans to co-operate with his father. Arredondo promptly gave his assent to the colonial project, and Vera- mendi and Teguin, two prominent citizens of San Antonio, were appointed commissioners
-
23
EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
to ineet Anstin at Natchitoches. Stephen Austin, hearing of these commissioners and the meeting place, set out to go there, but on the road heard of the death of his father. The authority of the elder Austin was trans- ferred to the son. Being cordially received at San Antonio, he returned to New Orleans, and with the assistance of citizens of that city purchased a vessel, loaded it with sup- plies and started it for the mouth of the Colorado river; but the schooner was never afterward heard from.
Austin at onee departed by land, and was joined on his trip by ten companions. The lands selected were upon the Brazos and Col- orado rivers, and the party reached the bank of the Brazos December 31. The conditions upon which the colonists were permitted to settle were at first quite stringent. They must be Roman Catholics; citizens of Louis- iana; must take an oath to support the Span- ish monarchy and be of exemplary character. Each man was to receive 640 acres of land, his wife 320, and cach child 160. To the heads of families eighty acres were given for each slave brought in. The land was to be paid for at the rate of twelve and a half cents per acre.
But the condition of affairs was so unset- tled that Austin was compelled to wait a whole year before a government sufficiently stable was formed by which he could arrange his colony on a firm basis. As an induce- ment to colonists a clanse was inserted in the Inw, which is quite lengthy, exempting all colonists from taxes, tithes, etc., for six years. The settlements filled up and grew with con-
siderable rapidity. Anstin had opened a farm on Red river, where he raised a large quantity of produce for his colony. He gained the friendship of General La Garcia, commander of the eastern interior provinces, and made friends of all the leading persons with whom he came in contact. In conse- quence of the restless and rambling disposi- tion of a majority of the colonists, they scat- tered from San Jacinto on the east to Navidad on the west, and from the coast of the gulf to the old San Antonio and Nacog- doches road. Ferries were established, farms opened, stores set up, and the condition of the colonists was assuming quite a comfort- able aspect.
Hayden Edwards also obtained a contract for the introduction of some 800 families, with grants of land sufficient for all that he might bring. Ile was unfortunate, however, in his location, as it was in the neighborhood of Nacogdoches, which had been settled by a roving band of dangerous characters. Be- sides this, Edwards got into trouble with the Mexican authorities, and his contract was an- nulled after he had spent several thousands of dollars in bringing out his colonies. He or. ganized a party and attempted to regain his possessions, but was finally defeated. These transactions occurred in 1826.
Numbers of other impresario grants were made throughout the country, too numerous to give in detail here.
The people in Austin's colony enjoyed all their rights and privileges for several years without molestation, and for six years, as previously stated, were exempt from taxation.
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KARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
The government gave them liberal grants of lund, and those dissatisfied with their first lo- cations were permitted to change.
Austin filled the position of military as well as civil ruler, and up to 1828 was the superior judge. Although he did everything that he could to bring in colonists, and he was eminently successful, yet the history of frontier expansion shows that it is no easy task. Especially in Texas the difficulties . were great, it being remote from other set- tlements and in the midst of a conntry so vast that one fails to appreciate the extent of it. These colonies were, in addition, in a foreign country, with laws and a government entirely different from that whence the set- tlers came, and in a country, too, filled with hostile Indians, and scarcely less treacherous and cruel Mexicans. Taking into considera- tion these facts, the success of the Anstin movement was most marvelous. But he was no ordinary man, and his colonists were sturdy, brave and industrions. They asked no favors of the Mexican government, and were left to pursue their business uninter- rupted. They knew how to protect their homes, and were more than a match for a dozen savages. From that race of pioneer heroes came the stock that afterward threw from their necks the Mexican yoke, and gave rise to the mighty arms and masterly heads which are now so numerous in the Lone Star State. The statesmen and warriors who have been and are now lending luster to the American name sprang from that grand old body of fearless men and women.
POPULATION.
In 1834 the population, as estimated by Almonto, whom Santa Ana sent into Texas to gather statistics, was 36,300, of whom 21, 000 were civilized and 15,300 Indians. An extract from Almonte's report shows that while the Mexican population fell off nearly one-half from 1806 to 1834, the Americans had grown from nothing in 1820 to 7,000, exclusive of negroes. Ile says:
" In 1806 the department of Bexar contained two municipalities, -San Antonio with a population of 5,000 souls, and Goliad with 1,400; total, 6,400. In 1834 there were fonr muncipalities, with a population re- spectively as follows: San Antonio, 2,400; Goliad, 700; Victoria, 300; San Patricio, 600; total, 4,000. Deducting 600 for the minnicipality of San Patricio, an Irish settle -. inent, the Mexican population had declined from 6,400 to 3,400 between 1806 and 1834. The department of the Brazos (Anstin and De Mitt's colonies) had the following innnici- palities: San Felipe, 2,500; Columbia, 2,100; Matagorda, 1,400; Gonzales, 900; Mina, 1,- 000; total, 7,000 to 8,000, exclusive of ne- groes."
TAXATION.
Matters were progressing satisfactorily in Texas, but the question of taxation was aris- ing,-how to obtain revenue to support a government for the rapidly increasing popn- lation; for colonists, as well as other people, must be ruled with officers, and those officers
25
EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
must be paid for their services. Withont lawful restraints society lapses into anarchy, no matter how well contented the people may be at the start. The colonists of Texas were not only exempt from all internal taxes and tithes, but could bring what they liked into the country free of duty. From the founda- tion of Austin's colony up to 1830-'31, Texas from one end to the other was exempt; but the exemption of so large a portion of the State could not have the effeet of producing plethora in the treasury at Saltillo; so, not having the funds to pay officials, very few officials were to be found in Texas. A number of expedients for raising the de- wired amount of revenne were tried. The Texans, no matter how good they were as citizens, did not feel kindly toward assess- ors and tax collectors. They had lived so long without those burdens that they dreaded worse than ever to return to them.
The time of expiration of tax exemption in the case of many of the colonists had now arrived, und in 1830 the government took steps to collect. It was not nnreasonable that it should do so, if the process came about in the usual manner; nor would it have been objected to by the people. If the assessors and collectors had gone abont their work without any display of force, all would have been well. But the Anglo-American ean not brook in silence a civil officer parading around with armed bands of soldiers at his heels and accompanied by ch dictatorial pow ers. The question of slavery had some infin- ence, of course, in the growing discontent, as the Mexican governinent had abolished that 2
institution, after guaranteeing the colonists protection for their slaves when they first came.
The Fredonians at Nacogdoches had caused suspicion against the Americans, and, besides, the United States had renewed its claim on Texas.
All these things were but precursors to the storin that was shortly to burst npon the peo- ple and by which Mexico was destined to lose much of her fair territory. It was evidently the intention of the authorities thoroughly to Mexicanize Texas, as in April, 1830, a decree was issued prohibiting any further immigra- tion into Texas from the United States, which was followed by a still more odious one, di- reeting that Mexican convicts be banished to Texas. Customhouses were to be established at several points at the border, and abont a thonsand soldiers were to be distributed throughout the settlements. These soldiers were the vilest wretehes that ever wore a uniform, and their officers, elothed with abso- Inte power over the citizens, were unprinei. pled and restless. Many aets of oppression are recorded against the minions of Baste- mente, but the tyrant Bradburn stands con- spicuons. This officer seems to have taken special delight in annoying the Texans. He endeavored to close all the ports in Texas ex- cept Anahuac, in order that he and Teran might reap the benefit, their headquarters being at that port; but his action was so un- just that it called forth the leading citizens, who demanded the instant nullification of the order, and they succeeded. Ile then en- deavored to set the slaves of the Texans
26
EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
free, eausing them mneh trouble and incon- venienee.
llis next net was the arrest of William B. Travis, Patrick A. Jack, Monroe Edwards and others. The news of this outrage flew like fire before the wind over the plains of Texas; and the smothered indignation broke out in the raising of a military company and mareh- ing to the Anahuac, who upon approaching that place captured seventeen of Bradburn's soldiers. The citizens then demanded the release of the prisoners held by Bradburn, which was at first refused; but at the inter- eession of a liberal Mexican officer, Colonel Souverin, Bradburn agreed. The citizens re- leased the soldiers, but the treacherous Brad- burn broke his word and retained the citizens.
The citizens now resolved to take the fort, and sent for cannon at Brazoria; but in the meantime Santa Ana had pronouneed against Bastemente, which materially changed the aspect of affairs. Bradburn was relieved from command and the prisoners in the fort re- leased. The citizens of Brazoria, not knowing of this change in the situation and smarting under the order of Bradburn, rose in arms and demanded the surrender of the fort at Velasco, then held by Ugartechea. The fort finally surrendered.
The three most important forees sent to Texas had now been disposed of. The rem- nant, that is, those who had escaped the Texan bullets, were now gathered together and sent to Tampico + assist in the revolution against Baste Mente. "Thusended the warlike commotions of these colonies," says Edwards. "On the 2d of September, 1832," he con-
tinnes, "just as the inhabitants were informed that their greatest arch enemy, General Teran, and his troops, on their way from Mexico to Matamoras, had been surrounded by the Lib- eral forees of General Montezuma, and that, too, on the identical plain where the inju- dicious Iturbide lost his life, Teran, having determined within himself neither to unite with the Liberals nor submit to them as a prisoner, returned to a private place and fell on his own sword, appearing, to those who found him still alive, as inexorable in the hour of death as he was uncompromising in politi- eal life."
"Texas," says another writer, "now breathed one enthusiastic feeling of admira- tion for Santa Ana as the undoubted hero and main support of the Federation." But one short year, even, can make mighty changes in a man's opinions and actions. Who would have thought at that time that the apparently patriotic Santa Ana would be- come the tyrant he afterward proved to be, and the butcher of the gallant martyrs of the Alamo?
The legislature at Saltillo, in April, 1822, repealed the liberal colonization law, and passed another based upon the decree of April, 1830. The new law forbade anybody but Mexicans from becoming empresas, but the influence of the delegation from Texas was so far felt that a law was enacted creating new municipalities, and allowing the people to elect their officers. A movement was made to form a separate State of Texas, and to a separation from Coahuila, as the former had sufficient population, and the junction of the
- 27
EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
two States was considered only temporary when in 1824 they came together for conven- ionce. The project fell through, and Austin, who had gone to Saltillo to consummate the separation, was arrested and placed in prison, where he remained for nearly two years, sometimes in solitary confinement without any of the comforts of an ordinary prison.
Texas was quiet during this time (1834), but Coahuila was in a state of revolution. Santa Ana now began to show his cloven foot in matters touching Texas. At a convention to consider the Texas question, he drew up a set of resolutions which bore hard on the Texans. Anstin seemed to confide in Santa Ana, and wrote favorably of his project, but the Texans did not have faith in him, and his actions a little later proved them to be correct in their estimate of him.
THE REVOLUTION.
At the beginning of the revolutionary period the colonists were in quite a pros- perous condition. They had found in their new homes just what they lind sought. A steady increase was going on in the population; their cuttle and horses were multiplying; cot- ton, corn, sugar and all that they needed in the way of produce was easily cultivated, and in large quantities. They were contented and happy, but the political sky was begin- ning to un east with dark and portentous clouds. Santa Ana, who had taken the reins of government as a Republican, was getting into full accord with the aristocratic and church party, and was preparing to overthrow the
Republic. He was ambitions, unprincipled, eruel and treacherous. He betrayed the party which had elevated him to the highest position in Mexico. Ile still held Austin in confinement, who was ignorant of the charges against him. There could be no justifiable accusation against the Texan leader. A few concessions were made to Texas, in order to cajole the settlers. An additional delegate was allowed that State in the general legisla- ture. In the fall elections of 1834, the Cen- tralist party, headed by Santa Ana, was vic- torions everywhere except in Texas, Zacatecas and Coahuila. In revenge for the action of Zacatecas, that State was declared to be in rebellion, and the number of militia was re- duced to only one in every 500 persons, the balance being disarmed. Many acts of usur- pation were perpetrated upon the citizens of the three seetions which had not endorsed Santa Ana at the late election, and finally that general, at the head of abont 5,000 men, * started for Zacatecas to reduce that Republi- ean State to submission. The governor of Zacatecas, Francisco Garcia, was a Republican of high standing, but lacking military ex- perience and ability. He had under him fully as many soldiers as Santa Ana. He evacnated the city and made a stand on the Guadalupe plains, and after a bloody battle he was disastrously defeated, losing 2,000 killed or wounded, and the rest taken pris- oners. This was a terrible blow to the Re- publican cause, and in addition Santa Ana was clothed with unlimited power. lie soon nsed this power by dissolving all State Legis- latures. The people of Texas were thus left
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EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
without a civil government. True, the politi- cal Shiefs and alcaldes exercised their func- tions, but the laws were all of Spanish origin and distasteful to the Americans. Being mostly farmers, the Texans were averse to any warlike measures, if they could honor- ably be avoided. Some were for submission to Santa Ana, but the slumbering lion in the nature of these hardy border men foreboded a terrible storm when the lion should be aroused by too much prodding from the keeper. Santa Ana, in the meantime was preparing, under cover of collecting the revenne in Texas, for the military occupation of the province. HIe landed 500 men at Lavaca bay, and forwarded them under Gen- cral Ugartechea to San Antonio. The custom- house at Anahuac was taken in charge and enormous dnes were demanded. So excessive were they that W. B. Travis raised a com- pany and captured Captain Tenorio and the soldiers at the customhouse. They were shortly after released, as the act of Travis was thought by his friends to be too hasty. When Tenorio reported these proceedings to his superior officer, he was sent on a still more uncalled-for errand. A Mexican Republican, Lorenzo de Zavalla, had taken refuge in Texas, and Santa Ana, fearing his influence, ordered his arrest, but no one would under- take the task. Another order was sent from headquarters to arrest R. M. Williamson, W. B. Travis, Samuel M. Williams, Moseley Baker, F. W. Johnson and John Il. Moore, and a subsequent order included the names of J. M. Carravahal and Juan Zembrano. The two last being Mexican citizens, they
were carried off; but the job of arresting the first six persons was considered so dangerous that no officer had the temerity to attempt it. In addition to these Mexican outrages on the Texans, the Indians were becoming trouble- some. Merchants and traders were inter- cepted and killed, and their goods carried off. But these Indian outrages served one impor- tant purpose: they gave the Texans an excuse for forming companies, procuring arms and drilling ostensibly for operations against the savages, but really to resist the encroachments of the despotic Mexican government. The companies were called "committees of safety," and their business was to disseminate infor- mation, secure arms, ammunition, etc. A central committee was also formed which met at San Felipe, and an administrative council was organized. The council sent Messrs. Bar- rett and Gritton to San Antonio on a mission of peace to General Ugartechea, but nothing was accomplished. Stephen F. Austin in the meantime was returning, when he was made chairman of the council at San Felipe. Ile expressed regret at the action of his friends and stated that he had hoped to find every- thing peaceful.
Santa Ana still professed to have the kind- est feelings toward the Texans, and he authorized Austin to tell his people that he was their friend, and that he desired their prosperity; that he would do all he could to promote it, and that in the new constitution he would use his influence to have conditions therein to give Texas a special organization, suited to their education and habits. But Santa Ana could be nothing but treacherous,
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EARLY HISTORY OF TEXAS.
as the treatment of the people in that por- tion of the State occupied by his troops but ill necorded with his professions of good-will. Citizens were arrested, money forced from those who fell into the hands of the despot's minions, and communities stripped of their arms, the soldiers compelling families to sup- port them, the attempt to disarm all citi- Zelis being a principal feature of the plan of subjugation. Captain Castenado was sent to Gonzales to seize a small eannon which had Wwen given to the corporation for protection against the Indians. The citizens were un- willing to part with their gun and prepared to resist the demand of Castenado, who had 150 soldiers to back him. A company was organized, which charged the Mexicans and jout them to flight in disorder. The news of this conflict roused a warlike spirit in the Texans. A company was raised to capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad. Captain George Collinsworth led the party and almost without firing a gun the exultant Texans tunde prisoners of the whole force, about twenty five, including Colonel Sandoval, be- Bidder obtaining 300 stand of arms and military stores to the amount of $10,000. The Mexi- can fort at Lipantitlan was also captured shortly after.
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