USA > Texas > A new history of Texas; being a narration of the adventures of the author in Texas, and a description of the soil, climate, productions, minerals, tons [!], bays, harbours, rivers, institutions, and manners and customs of the inhabitants of that country; together with the principal incidents of fifteen years revolution in Mexico; and embracing a condensed statement of interesting events in Texas, from the first European settlement in 1692, down to the present time: and a history of the Mexican war > Part 19
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
Since the dissolution of the corrupt Legislature of Coa- huila and Texas, the subject had been fully discussed in the Mexican Congress (and the authority there exercised by the President in dispersing a body claiming to legislate for the public, but a majority of whom were only gamb- ling in the public domain) and it was resolved that the gov- ernor being now out of power, new writs of election should issue, for the purpose of giving the inhabitants of
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the State an opportunity of a fair and equitable represen- tation ; and further that an official letter should be circula- ted in Texas explaining the views and intentions of the government in respect to the modifications of the consti- tution of 1824, in accordance with the will of an overwhelm- ing majority of the nation as expressed through the ballot box at the recent elections for members of Congress.
Accordingly, a circular letter of which the following is a true copy, was circulated among the inhabitants of Texas bearing date the 3d of October, 1835. The gen- eral Congress taking into consideration the reforms in the Constitution which have been unanimously requested by almost all the towns of the republic, that august body will bear in mind the wants of Texas for the purpose of providing a remedy against any future cause of complaint ; and the government will most cheerfully co-operate with Congress by making propositions and recommending such measures as may best conduce to so laudable an end. re- lying always on the good sense and patriotism of the Col- onists, who in adopting this for their country necessarily subjected themselves to the alterations which respecting our institutions a majority of the nation may, from time to time, voluntarily agree upon, which disposition the govern- ment is decided in supporting, as also in protecting the lov- ers of order and punishing those who foment sedition.
General Cos was now in garrison at San Antonia (AAla- mo) and in obedience to instructions from his government he ordered Col. - to detail one hundred men and march to the neighborhood of De Valla for the purpose of pro- curing his arrest at all hazards ; a measure that was ren- dered necessary because no aid from the civil authorities could be obtained ; and under such circumstances the government had to choose between a surrender of the
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powers with which all governments, even the most dem- ocratic are clothed, or make use of the military to arrest a culprit, who, not content with former offences, was now the head and front of a seditious few who were most industriously engaged in deceiving the many.
Accordingly, a part of the troops which, from the first settlement of Texas, had protected the country against the incursions of the surrounding Indian tribes, were now called upon to protect the colonists by removing a more savage and relentless enemy from among them, who, like a viper, had been nourished in their bosom. In the dis- charge of this duty they were met an'd attacked by a par- ty of Texans under Col. Moore, on the 4th of October, the very day after the pacific circular of the government had been distributed among the inhabitants. At the first onset the Mexican commander beat a parley, and request- ed a conference ; this being agreed to, he enquired of Col. Moore why he was attacked. Moore replied that his Mexican highness was in pursuit of some of the most popu- lar citizens in Texas, and that the people would protect them, and that he, Col. - with his detachment must at once surrender, or join the standard of the Texans, or fight. - replied that as there was such a show of resistance he would proceed no further until he had additional instruc- tions from his superiors ; that he certainly would not sur- render ; that he came with no hostile intent ; and that his orders strictly forbid him to fire a gun unless he was first attacked, and urged Col. Moore to abandon the dangerous and dishonorable position he then occupied, assuring him that the Mexican government was now desirous of giving Texas a separate organization with a republican State constitution, which should be framed by the representa- tives of Texas, and that in seeking De Valla and others
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no alternative was left but to use the military, the civil officers of Texas having refused to act in the premises.
Upon this the conference ended, and the fight began; Col. Moore commencing the attack with 250 Texans, and after a few rounds the parties separated, having three or four men killed and wounded on each side ; the Texans retiring, and the Mexican commander maintaining his po- sition, near by, but did not proceed in execution of his or- ders until the pleasure of the government could be known. The peace party in Texas now become much alarmed, and by a circular letter, made a most pathetic appeal to their countrymen, lamenting that the interest of the ma- jority of a people disposed to peace should be sacrificed by the rashness of a few ; deprecating the late rencounter as entirely uncalled for, and representing that official com- munications recently received from Gen. Cos and the political chief at Bexar breathed nothing but harmony, and that the authorities of Mexico had never thought of trespassing on the rights of the settlers, of which fact a multitude of proofs had been given, and that there was no manner of doubt but the supreme government would con- tinue to listen respectfully to their representations and omit no means in their power, of promoting the interests and happiness of all the inhabitants of the republic .- That repeated assurances had been received of Santa Anna's friendly feelings towards Texas and his willingness to consent to a separate state government. They ex- pressed a settled determination, to promote by every hon- orable means, union, moderation and adherance to the laws, and to discountenance the acts of any party less than a majority of the people, which was calculated to involve Texas in a conflict with the general government. That they would assist the government in executing the revenue and other laws which had so often been trampled
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under foot, and discharge all other duties which became faithful citizens, and that the continued attempts to de- stroy harmony between Texas and other portions of the Mexican Republic deserved the marked disapprobation of every friend of good order, who ought to consider them- selve not only bound by interest to support the constitut- ed authorities, but also by the most solemn compacts, which had been sealed by judicial and voluntary oaths ; and finally that they considered themselves bound by the most sacred obligations, to support the government, if need be, with property, honor and life. Such were the sincere declarations of a most worthy and patriotic body of Citizens, but now of no avail ; the wicked resolutions of the war party were fixed and immovable, and as well might Jesus have used arguments to the Jews.
Both however were soon actively engaged. The peace party although as yet a decided majority of the people were not organized, which of course prevented any thing like concert of action; their energies were therefore wasted without effect, while from committee to commit- tee expresses were moving across the plains of Texas with the velocity of Uncle Sam's express mail, thus ar- ranging and combining all the elements of discord which were drawn to a focus and concentrated into one solid phalanx.
By keeping these facts constantly in view, the reader need be at no loss to account for the otherwise inexplica- ble fact, that a large majority was actually ruled by a small minority, who had now so far matured their plans that disguise was no longer necessary, and accordingly on the 8th, the fortress of Goliad was attacked and car- ried by a detachment of Texans under Capt. Collingsworth. who obtained possession of stores and booty to the amount of $12,000. The little Mexican garrison here, although
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taken completely by surprise, battled most heroically and for two hours the contest could scarcely have been sup- posed doubtful, but the desperate enterprise upon which the Texans had entered, admonished them of the necessi- ty of extraordinary exertions, and no doubt they prefer- red death at the cannon's mouth, to another that awaited them in case of non-success. They therefore rushed upon danger, regardless of consequences, and the result proved that the battle is not always to the strong, nor the race for the swift, for the Mexicans although ensconced behind a huge mass of stone walls situated on a hill of rock from whence they could seemingly pour destruction on a besieg- ing foe, were yet compelled to capitulate and surrender their comfortable quarters to the indomitable courage of the Anglo Saxon, who when " taking the responsibility," knew no fear, nor felt any danger, but to all appearance had laid aside life in the bare hope that he might want to resume it again.
Success is a talisman, and proved such on the present occasion; the discomfiture of the Mexicans infused re- newed vigor throughout the ranks of the revolutionists, while it dispirited their opponents, and a force of 1000 men under Col. Edward Burlesson was soon marshaled with the avowed intention of driving every Mexican be- yond the Rio Grande River. Gen. Cos was yet at San Antonia and thither the Texans repaired, volunteers join- ing them every day, and among such was - Milam, one of the Empresarios in the early settlement of Texas, who had rendered himself so notorious in Mexico, that he even boasted of having been imprisoned in almost every jail in the republic. Ile was in fact a remarkable man, pos- sessed of many amiable qualities, but an inordinate thirst for gain had driven him to the commission of foul deeds, and he had alternately suffered the penalty of his offences,
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and never failed to visit tenfold vengeance on the heads of all who crossed his path. This man was placed second in command of the Texan forces, which arriving at the mission Conception on the 28th day of October 1835, encountered a party of about an equal number of Mexi- can troops, who were stationed there for the purpose of checking the progress of the Texans against San Antonia. The conflict was most bloody, both parties fought with a courage bordering on desperation, but the impetuosity of the Texans and their unerring rifles, proved again om- nipotent and the Mexicans were routed, horse, foot and dragoons.
Meantime an election had been held for the purpose of procuring a consultation of delegates from all parts of Texas, and these were voted for, as well by the peace, as the war party ; the former of whom hoped for some ami- cable adjustment, the latter relied upon their skill in man- uvering, until they could unitedly assail every vulnera- ble point of their adversaries and then carry all before thein by storm. Some of the members elect according- ly conveved at San Felipe De Austin, on the 16th of Octo- ber 1835, but it did not suit the policy of the war party to be very punctual in attendance, and it was not until the 3d of November that a quorum could be obtained. in which time the success of their arms at Gloiad and con- ception had struck with dismay those who had hoped for peace, while it emboldened the revolutionists and en- abled them to win over to their ranks the unprincipled crowd (who are ever prone to swim with the current) as well as to secure the co-operation of many worthy men, and among them Stephen F. Austin, whose friends now saw that like him, the alternative was presented of butch- ering their own neighbors,-fighting the Mexicans, or quitting their homes, property and country where so ma-
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ny fond hopes had been cherished ; all of which must be exchanged for the sneers, jests and execration of the world, who would in their time of extreme need brand them as cowards and traitors.
It was under such circumstances that the deliberations of the consultation of delegates commenced, and such a combination of distressing circumstances induced the good, the patriotic Austin to accept the command of the Texans then beseiging Cos within the hitherto impregna- ble fastness of the walls of San Antonia. Here he adopted the fabian system of delay, hoping to pre- vent the unnecessary effusion of blood, and doubtless thought there was yet a glimmer of some pacific termina- tion of the whole affair-but the consultation now in session proclaimed abroad the fact that a very general sympathy throughout the United States had been excited in favour of their cause ; and among the proofs of the fact exultingly pointed to a most soldier-like company of volunteers, (New-Orleans Greys), already arrived, with $7000, which the good citizens, half French, half Americans, had raised by voluntary contribution. These things however were all the effect of previous arrange- ment. Agents from Texas had long been domiciled in most of the large cities of the Union ; but until a recent date had worked by stealth; by gradually paving the way for public operations, interesting men of influ- ence in Texas lands, and rousing the honest indignity of our religious communities, by pathetic appeals in behalf of their priest-ridden protestant brethern west of the Sa- bine, who, if the whole truth had been told, were then and for more than 18 months before had been living un- der a government of as perfect religious freedom as that of our own.
No man more than myself entertains a higher respect
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for the truly upright and pious ; no man more sincerely reverences his Creator ; but the experience of the world and the age in which we live should teach us to discrimi- nate between the appropriate duties of the followers of a crucified Saviour and that sectarian and intolerant spirit that has too often marked the progress of professed chris- tians while promulgating their tenets from the pulpit, or spreading their doctrines with fire and sword. But the mass of mankind have in all time been made to a fearful extent the sport of ambitious political aspirants, and the dupes and instruments of intolerant religious bigots, who, under the guise of piety, scruple not to deluge with hu- man blood the fairest portions of the earth; and it is a disagreeable but incontestable fact. that although as before noted, the decrees respecting slavery were abrogated, and religious toleration established in Texas ; yet their repeal was unknown among the mass of our people ; and while the law of emancipation was looked upon as rob- bery by one part of the American people, the religious feelings of another part was plied with such success, that an almost universal sympathy for the Texans burst forth ; and for a time enlisted under their banner the otherwise antipodes of political parties in the United States.
On the memorable 8th of October, 1835, before attack- ing Goliad, there had been a grand caucus of the head men and warriors of Texas, who were called together for the purpose of issuing a manifesto setting forth the grounds and motives for taking up arms; for althoug. their agents had long been busy, they had never heard of an insurrection where the leaders had not furnished the public with some declaration by which the merits of the controversy might be judged ; but on the present occasion, after having spent a few hours without being able to agree
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upon any thing. they unanimously resolved to rebel first, and find out the reason afterwards.
It is true there were weighty reasons with each man. but these were all of a personal nature, and if disclosed would have defeated their own end : they therefore very prudently contented themselves with musing in anticipa- tion of coming events ; and while all had fixed on large bodies of public land, a few fixed on the presidency ; not a few had filled in imagination all the subordinate offices under a new dynasty; and the only serious accident which befel them was a mighty war of words between two delicate men who were both extremely anxious to become Mayor at the new seat of government, where- ever that should chance to be placed.
Gen. Austin being now fairly committed, his services as a military man were soon dispensed with, and Col. Bur- lesson and Milam with upwards of 1200 men, commenc- ed on the Od of November a vigorous attack on the town of San Antonia, which was defended by Cos and about 1,500 Mexicans. The contest was perhaps the most ob- stinate and bloody that came off during the war; both the besiegers and besieged displaying the utmost coolness and courage for two days and nights, with scarcely an intermission, and with dreadful slaughter, the Texans hanging round the town in disconnected parties. and constantly picking off the soldiers within, while the Mexi- cans availed themselves occasionally with advantage of peculiar constructed houses, and through loop holes in the walls poured a most destructive fire upon the singular sort of an army with which they now had to contend. Even the venerable cathedral of near a century and a half standing, which yet graces a central spot in San Antonia. served as a rampart for the Mexican artillery, where from its top they vomited forth the messengers of death in suf
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ficient profusion to test the courage of the most experi- enced army of veterans.
On the third night, the Texans ceased firing, and the Mexicans retired to rest, vainly hoping that the siege would be raised while they were taking that repose which exhausted nature so loudly called for. The citizens, too, had been worn out by anxiety of mind and want of rest, sunk down in slumber, and soon all was buried in a most welcome sleep, when scarcely a sound fell upon the ear, save the gentle murmur of the little river, whose wa- ters were yet transparent, but soon to be tinged with hu- man blood. It was the calm that precedes a storm. At 4 o' lock the detached parties of Texans made a simul- taneous assault and after contending hand to hand for two hours with the newly awakened slumberers, the Mexican forces retired within the walls of the Alamo, from whence they continued until 10 o'clock to pour a most galling fire upon the unconquerable enemy without, nor did they cease until their whole stock of powder was exhausted ; when : ; is often the case, prudence became as they thought the better part of valour, and the white flag was displayed from the ramparts.
Terms of capitulation were now agreed on, the Mexi- cans surrendering the the military chest with lots of Ben- ton's yellow boys, and all their ordinance and arms, glad no doubt to escape with nothing but their bodies, which they speedily locomoted beyond the Rio Grande, where many of them probably are yet, without the least desire to come in contact with such desperate men as slayed about one half of the Mexican army at the town of San Antonia.
The particulars of this siege I obtained from various unquestionable sources ; about one half of both armies was sent to the shades below, and among the number of
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Texans the eccentric Milam, who closed his career of blood and carnage in a halo of renown. Often have I listened to the vetran Col. Neil when he fought this battle over and over again. That the Colonel is a hero I have not the least doubt ; nature has given him a gimt frame and a mind incapable of despondency ; and according to tradition and his own account of himself, from the time that he left the pine tent in which he was born near the Cum- berland River, in Tennessee, his life has been devoted to arms and he most solemnly declares that the only defeat he ever suffered was on the memorable night when he fell down the steps at the Theatre in Houston, and thus put it in my power to bear off a couple of fair prizes which a friendly agreement had made a partnership busi- ness of, and a subsequent friendly agreement made it law- ful for me to allude to in the foregoing part of the work.
Although the hilt of an otherwise concealed dagger in Texas had long been seen in Mexico, the late acts of open resistance and murder were wholly unexpected, and ab- solutely passed belief until confirmation, strong as holy writ, stared them in the face, and came like a thunder bolt to prostrate the fondest hopes of many Mexican pat- riots, to whom I have alluded in the 12th Chapter of this work. Now, however, as the Texans have thus far been eminently successful and have possesion of all the forts and strong holds in the country, the consultation of dele- grtes, at San Felipe are more successful in agreeing upon a declaration than were the heroes before Goliad, and the joint wisdom of the members manufactured. and promul- gated the following, after appointing Gen. Houston Com-
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- mander-in-Chief, and dispatching Gen. Austin to the City of Washington in the character of Minister to the United States. This address was adopted on the 7th of Novem-
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ber 1835, immediately after the news of the fall of San Antonia had reached the Consultation.
. DECLARATION.
Whereas General Antonia Lopez De Santa Anna and other military chieftains have by force of arms over- thrown the federal institutions of Mexico and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and the other members of the confederacy :
Now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, do solemnly declare that we have ta- ken up arms in defence of our rights and liberties, which was threatened by the encroachments of military despots and in defence of the republican principles of the con- stitution of 1824. That Texas is no longer morally or legally bound by the compact of Union ; yet stimulated by the generosity common to a free people, we offer our support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against milita- ry despotism. That we do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal Mexican Republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas. That we hold it a right during the disorganization of the federal system to withdraw from the Union and establish an independent government or to adopt such other meas- ures as we may deem best calculated to protect our rights and liberties ; but we will continue faithful to the Mexi- can Government so long as that nation is govermed by the constitution and laws that were formed for the gov- ernment of the political association, but will not cease to carry on war against said authorities whilst their troops are within the limits of Texas. That Texas is responsi-
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ble for her armies now in the field, and the public faith is pledged for the payment of any debt contracted by our agents. That we will reward by donations in land, all who volunteer in our service in the present struggle, and receive them as citizens. These declarations we solemnly avow to the world, and call God to witness their truth and sincerity and invoke defeat and disgrace on our head should we prove guilty of duplicity.
'To a person unacquainted with the actual position of the general government and the war party in Texas, the toregoing declaration would pass for a patriotic document. and that it has very generally enjoyed that character can be attested by the unanimous evidence of the people of the United States and many more abroad; but that it was circulated at the time for immediate effect, and not from any persuasion in the minds of the members that it would stand the test of time, or that it contained any thing more than a somewhat artful, if not able white- washing of their conduct, I for one do most religiously be- lieve.
For by what system of reasoning, or by what tortur- ing of actual occurrences could these gentlemen have be- come convinced that Santa Anna and military chief- tains had by force of arms overthrown the federal institu- tions of Mexico and destroyed the social compact that exis- ted between Texas and the members of the other confede- racy, certain it is that neither had been done ; certain it is of all the Mexican Republic, Texas was the only por- tion where the people did not sanction a modification of the Constitution of 1324, and what was popularly call- ed a Central government for the time ; and certain it is that even in Texas a majority of the inhabitants sidled with the change. The Constitution of 1324 having prov- ed wholly inadequate to all the purposes of its adoption ;
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and equally certain it is that this love and veneration for the constitution was an afterthought, the central govern- ment having been established by the voluntary consent and desire of an almost unanimous voice of the nation had been in operation from the first day of January, 1835 ; and now in November of the same year, every former pretext is abandoned, and the republican princi- ples of the constitution of 1824, which established the Catholic religion becomes, as if by magic, a most sacred document; such as none but sacrilegious hands would dare to touch, when they, the very promulgators of the foregoing declaration had for years sought, and at last obtainad an infraction of this venerated document, the Mexican government consenting that these most pi- ous Texans should enjoy the privilege of worshiping Al- mighty God in accordance with the dictates of their most tender consciences.
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