USA > Texas > History of Texas : from 1685 to 1892, volume 2 > Part 42
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The Jews have synagogues in the ten towns of Galveston, Houston, Austin, Victoria, Tyler, Waco, two in Dallas, San Antonio, Gainsville and Marshal, in all of which there are lodges of the Jewish society of Bene-Berith: Other societies among them existing in a few towns are : Kesher shel, Barsel, Free Sons of Israel, Sons of Abraham, and benevolent associations in many towns and cities.
In several of the larger towns the Scottish society of St. Andrew, a social and benevolent organization, has long been in existence.
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
THE ARCHIVE WAR.
The disturbances in the country in 1842 awakened a feeling of insecurity with reference to the public archives at Austin and the President on the 5th of February recommended their removal to a place of greater safety. As no action was taken by Congress on the subject, he summoned his cabinet to meet him at Houston, thus, as the citizens of Austin concluded, abandoning their city. They at once took energetic measures to retain the archives. A committee was duly appointed to take possession, box them up carefully and guard them. Fol- lowing the called session at Houston in June the regular session was to meet at Washington on the Brazos and the archives would be necessary in the transaction of public business. President Houston gave instructions to Captains Thomas I. Smith and Eli Chander, to proceed to Austin with the necessary transportation and obtain possession of the necessary books and papers and convey them to Washington. The city was surprised on the 30th of December and the wagons partially loaded, but a volunteer company soon collected and with Capt. Mark B. Lewis as leader, and a cannon which they obtained at the arsenal, fired one charge, hitting only the land office. The wagoners began a hasty retreat. But, to their surprise, on leaving their camp on Brushy Creek the. next morning, they were confronted by Capt. Lewis with his company and the cannon and all returned to Austin together. After the election of Anson Jones, Austin late in 1845 became again the seat of government.
This was the " Archive war."
In concluding this work the author, whose love for and identity with Texas dates from early boyhood, appeals to the youth of the State, irrespective of nativity, nationality or creed, to study its true history, unlike that of any of our 1
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sister States, and in so many aspects exhibiting those civic and heroic virtues, without which no people can permanently preserve the principles of enlightened, constitutional liberty. Let parents teach it to their children. Let all mere personal antipathies sink into oblivion. Honor the memory of our martyrs - revere that of our heroes and patriots - and let the day never come when a son or daughter, whether by birth or adoption, shall be ashamed to say - " I am a child of Texas !"
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APPENDIX.
No. 1.
On the 17th of December, 1835, the commander-in-chief sent the following communication to Gov. Smith :
" HEADQUARTERS,
SAN FELIPE DE AUSTIN, Dec. 17th, 1835.
SIR: On yesterday I had the honor to receive your order, directing. the establishment of the headquarters of the army at Washington. It will give me pleasure to obey the order at the earliest possible moment.
In the meantime, I do most earnestly solicit the attention of your Excellency to the subject of an appropriation, to cover the recruiting contingencies of the army. And I would beg leave to suggest the necessity of establishing a system of accountability in all its disbursing departments; requiring security of all the officers, who may be intrusted with funds, agreeably to the system established in the United States, if the provisions of the organic law are not sufficient.
More than a month has elapsed since the adjournment of the " Consultation," and the army is not yet organized ; and, though I have ordered some officers on the recruiting serv- ice, it has been on my own responsibility.
It is extremely painful to me to feel what I am compelled to experience, and believe to exist. I have never failed to render any information, when, called upon by the chairman of the military committee, and to furnish such books as he wished for his instruction. Yet, I am constrained to believe that he has interposed every possible obstacle to the organ-
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ization of the army; and, so far as I am identified with it, to delay the placing of Texas in a proper state of defense.
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I am careless of whatever individual feeling may be enter- tained towards me ; but as a functionary of the government, placed in the most responsible situation, and so necessary to the salvation of the country, I am constrained to invoke and to hope for the necessary co-operation in discharge of the duties which I owe to the country and its laws.
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This communication is induced by no other feeling than a sincere desire to point out the difficulties which are thrown in the way of all my exertions to promote the cause of the country, and, at the same time, to vindicate myself against the charge of neglect of duty, or any want of the most devoted zeal in behalf of Texas.
I have the honor to be, with great consideration, Your obedient servant, SAM HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief, etc."
No. 2.
HOUSTON TO BOWIE.
In order to place the troops collecting in the southwest for the purpose of attacking Matamoros under control of the commander-in-chief with the hope of a final abandonment of the undertaking, he ordered Col. James Bowie as follows:
" HEADQUARTERS, SAN FELIPE, Dec. 17th, 1835.
" To Col. James Bowie :
SIR - In obedience to the order of his Excellency, Henry Smith, Governor of Texas, of this date, I have the honor to direct that, in the event you can obtain the services of a suf-
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ficient number of men for the purpose, you will forthwith proceed on the route to Matamoros, and, if possible, reduce the place and retain possession until further orders. Should you not find it in your power to attain an object so desirable as the reduction of Matamoros, you will, by all possible means, conformably to the rules of civilized warfare, annoy the troops of the central army, [Santa Anna's, ] and reduce and keep possession of the most eligible position on the frontier, using the precaution which characterizes your mode of warfare. You will conduct the campaign. Much is left to your discre- tion. Should you commence the campaign, you will, from time to time, keep the government advised of your operations, through the commander-in-chief of the army. Under any circumstances the port of Capano is important. If any officers or men, [Mexican, ] who have, at any time, been released on parole should be taken in arms, they will be proper subjects for the consideration of a court-martial. Great caution is necessary in the country of the enemy.
SAM HOUSTON,
Commander-in-Chief."
No. 3.
HOUSTON TO GOV. SMITH.
Having removed his headquarters to Washington, as ordered, he communicated the same to Governor Smith.
" HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, 1835.
To YOUR EXCELLENCY: I have the honor of reporting my arrival here on yesterday, and my finding here Capt. Wyatt, with a company or detachment, consisting of less than fifty- six men, from Huntsville, Alabama, also Capt. King, with about eighteen men, from Paducah, Kentucky, with rifles - Capt. Wyatt having fifty first-rate United States muskets.
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
Under the restrictions of the law, I find myself under the most painful difficulties in accepting the services of these volunteers. I will do the best I can for the country, while I render justice to them. I found in the ranks great discon- tent, and a disposition to abandon our cause. To-day I have spent much time in explaining all matters to them. I hope they are satisfied.
To-day there has been an arrival in six days from San Antonio, which reports all quiet but no discipline. Ere this I hope my order has reached them, and will have a proper effect with the command. It is said that Bowie will be here to-morrow. Should he come to San Felipe, I hope your Excellency will be kind enough to order him to this point, as I can furnish him with a copy of the order which I forwarded to him by your Excellency's order.
I have the honor, etc.,
SAM HOUSTON, Commander, etc."
No. 4.
GEN. HOUSTON TO GOV. SMITH.
Gov. Smith :
SIR - I have the honor respectfully to call your attention to the subject of a speedy organization of the regular army . The organic law has provided for the immediate raising of such force and the general council has said what corps shall compose the same. It is required of me to raise the regular army without delay. I feel the responsibility of my situation at a time when every effort should be exerted and means used to accomplish an object so necessary to the defense, and, I apprehend, the salvation of Texas. I must remain under the conviction, however, that all essential power to meet the requisitions of the organic law is withheld from me.
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
It is true the officers of the infantry regiment have been appointed by the general council, but the field officers proper to command and superintend the several recruiting stations have not been appointed.
The regiment of artillery, so necessary for the defense of the sea-coast, as well as for field service, has no basis upon which it can be raised. No officers are appointed, and it will be impossible for me ever to enlist the rank and file until that is done. An army never has been raised for regular service until the officers have been appointed.
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It must have been contemplated by the framers of the organic law that the army would be immediately organized out of the material then in Texas.
Unless the officers are appointed at an early day, it will be impossible to have an army at the opening of the campaign - which, in my opinion, cannot be delayed with safety to the country, longer than the 20th of February, or 1st of March at farthest.
If only a portion of the officers should be appointed, I apprehend the organization of the army would be incomplete and the intentions of the law unanswered. The necessities of the country seem to require a complete organization. We must have an army or abandon all hope of defending the country. The letters from Santa Anna and the functionaries of the central government, recently intercepted, [at San Felipe, ] are calculated to arouse every generous heart in Texas to active and obstinate resistance. An army amounting to ten thousand men, with suitable munitions of war, must be met. and vanquished, or Texas will be overwhelmed for years to come. Union and confidence among ourselves, and a. generous support of the army, will achieve every thing that is desirable to freemen. Until a full complement of officers is appointed for the regular army, it is impossible that one can be raised.
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I take pleasure in assuring your Excellency that I will at all times hold myself accountable for the means placed at my disposal for the defenses of the country, and the result of our cause. But it must be obvious to all that in the same ratio in which the necessary and proper means are withheld from me so must my responsibility be diminished.
Permit me to implore you most earnestly to give your attention to the subjects herein very respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, your ob't serv't,
SAM HOUSTON.
No. 5.
HOUSTON TO GOVERNOR SMITH.
" HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, Dec. 30th, 1835.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose to you a muster-roll of Captain P. S. Wyatt, and one also from Capt. King. Both the company and detachment are under the command and sub- ject to the orders of Capt. Wyatt. I had much difficulty in getting them to volunteer for any definite period. But the ordinance left a discretion with me to accept their services for such time as I might think the good of the service required. I did think it necessary to specify some certain time, and that time, I conceived, ought not to be less than three months ; if so it would be burdensome to the country, without any corresponding benefit. I think they will even- tually all volunteer for during the war. They are all on the march for Capano, where I design they shall be stationed until further orders. To-day I sent dispatches to Velasco and Matagorda, with orders to Lieut. Eaton to act as Assist- ant Quartermaster-General, to furnish supplies to all troops landing on the gulf, on their way to Copano. I have here- with inclosed to your Excellency a copy of the order, having sent a special order to Lieut. Eaton of prior date.
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I beg leave to remark that by the time I can hold an Indian talk and arrange matters for safety in the rear of the army and return to this point and spend a few days here, leaving a capable officer in command at this place, as also at other points, I will be ready, should there be the slightest necessity for my presence at Copano or on the frontier, to repair instantly to the point where I may be needed.
In the meantime I pray that your Excellency will not per- mit the suggestions of those who neither know nor can appre- ciate my duties (or the necessity of my occupying, until the campaign opens, a central position ), to induce your Excellency to believe that I can be useful, and ought to be, where a subor- dinate can discharge every duty.
You may rely upon it that a subaltern, whom I would leave in command at this point, would have more important duties devolving upon him than those which would be confided, at an outpost, to the major-general; while the general and governor would be held responsible to the country for any and every failure or delinquency which might occur to the detriment of the army, or the defense of the country.
I have the honor, etc.,
SAM HOUSTON.
P. S. From news received to-day from the mouth of the Brazos (unofficial) I will be ready, on my return from the treaty, to set out with the staff of the army ( with your Excel- lency's order) in three days, for Capano or Matamoros.
SAM HOUSTON."
No. 6.
REVOLUTIONARY ACTION OF THE COUNCIL.
COUNCIL-HALL, SAN FELIPE, January 3, 1836.
" The president of the council submitted a communication from F. W. Johnson, for himself and other volunteers, for
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authority to proceed to Matamoros ; which was read, and referred to the committee on military affairs, with instructions to report this afternoon at three o'clock." - Journal, p. 247.
COUNCIL-HALL, SAN FELIPE, January 3, 1836.
" Col. James Bowie exhibited to the council orders from the commander-in-chief of the army to proceed against Mata- moros, and took leave of the council for his departure." - Journal, p. 265.
COUNCIL-HALL, January 6, 1836, 3 o'clock p. m. " Mr. Hanks, from the select committee appointed to wait on James Bowie, to obtain a copy of his orders, reported and presented a copy of same, which was ordered to be filled." - Journal, page 266.
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No. 7.
COUNCIL-HALL, SAN FELIPE, January 7, 9 o'clock.
" Section 1. Be it resolved, by the general council of the Provisional Government of Texas, that J. W. Fannin be and he is hereby appointed and empowered as an agent for and in behalf of the provisional government of Texas, to raise, col- lect, and concentrate, at or near the port of Copano, as con- venience and safety will admit, all volunteer troops willing to enter into an expedition against Matamoros, wherever they may be found, at the mouth of the Brazos, city of Bexar, or else- where, whether in Texas or arriving in Texas; and, when thus collected and concentrated, to report either to the commanding general, or to the governor or council, as he may prefer, agree- ably to the seventh section of an ordinance and decree, passed the 5th of December, 1835, for raising an auxiliary corps the regular army, and to continue to report, from time to time, as the expedition may progress."
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
" Section 6. Be it further resolved, That the aforesaid agent, J. W. Fannin, shall be authorized and empowered to appoint such special agent or agents under him as he shall deem necessary to carry into effect the object of these resolu- tions."- Journal, pp. 273, 274.
RETORT OF GOV. SMITH.
Extract from the Message of Governor Henry Smith to the President and Members of the Council, Jan. 11th, 1836.
" If the appointment of general agents with latitudinarian powers, with the power of substitution, and many other things equally inconsistent and ridiculous, which have been engaged in and emanated from your caucussing, intriguing body recently, does not show a want of respect for my de- partment, and a total neglect of the sacred oaths and pledges solemnly made by you, I must admit I am no judge."- Journal, p. 292.
The following is the communication which drew forth from Gov. Henry Smith the address to the council which culminated in the dismemberment of that body.
" HEADQUARTERS, WASHINGTON, January 6th, 1836. To Governor Henry Smith:
SIR: I have the honor to inclose to your Excellency the report of Lieut-Col. J. C. Neill of the artillery [San An- tonio ], and most respectfully request that you will render the cause of Texas and humanity the justice of bestowing upon it your serious attention, and referring it to the general council of the Provisional Government, in secret session. These I may be permitted to hope you will attend in person, that all the essential functionaries of the government may deliberate and adopt some course that will redeem our country from a
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state of deplorable anarchy. Manly and bold decision alone can save us from ruin. I only require orders and they shall be obeyed. If the government now yields to the unholy dictation of speculators and marauders upon human rights, it were better that we had yielded to the despotism of a single man, whose ambition might have been satisfied by our uncon- ditional submission to his authority, and a pronouncement, for which we were asked, in favor of his power.
In the present instance, the people of Texas have not even been consulted. The brave men who have been wounded in the battles of Texas, and the sick from the exposure in her cause, without blankets or supplies, [these had been appro- priated in the Grant expedition to Matamoros, ] are left neglect- ed in her hospitals; while the needful stores and supplies are diverted from them, without authority and by self-created officers, who do not acknowledge the only government known to Texas and the world.
Within thirty hours I shall set out for the army, and repair there with all possible despatch. I pray that a confidential express may meet me at Goliad ; and if I shall have left, that it may pursue me wherever I may be.
No language can express my anguish of soul.
SAM HOUSTON.
Oh, save our poor Country ! send supplies to the wounded, the sick, the naked, and the hungry, for God's sake! What will the world think of the authorities of Texas? Prompt, decided and honest independence, is all that can save them, and redeem our country. I do not fear - I will do my duty. I have the honor to be, etc.,
SAM HOUSTON.
From Goliad, Gen. Houston proceeded to Refugio, and finding plans and movements determined upon beyond his control, returned to headquarters at Washington, from which
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point he addressed an exhaustive communication to Gov. Smith under date of January 30, 1836. In this connection the following is of interest :
" EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS,
SAN FELIPE, Jan. 28, 1836. S
SIR: You are hereby furloughed until the first day of March next, for the purpose of adjusting your private busi- ness, preparatory to your necessary absence, hereafter, from home, in the country's service.
Your absence is permitted in part by the illegal acts of the council in superseding you, by the unauthorized appoint- ment of agents to organize and control the army, contrary to the organic law, and the ordinances of their own body."
In the meantime, you will conform to your instructions, and treat with the Indians.
Respectfully yours, etc., HENRY SMITH, Governor, etc."
To General Sam Houston, Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
No. 8.
Houston was elected a member of the convention of March 1st and on the 4th the following proceedings were had:
HOUSTON RE-ELECTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
"In Convention, Friday Morning, 9 o'clock, March 4, 1836.
" The convention met pursuant to adjournment, and was called to order by the president.
" Mr. Collinsworth introduced the following resolution :
" Whereas, We are now in a state of revolution, and threat- ened by a large invading army from the central government of Mexico ; and whereas, our present situation and the emer- gency of the present crisis, render it indispensably necessary
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HISTORY OF TEXAS.
that we should have an army in the field ; and whereas, it is also necessary that there should be one superior head, or com- mander-in-chief, and a due degree of subordination defined, established and strictly observed; therefore,
" Be it resolved, That General Sam Houston be appointed major-general, to be commander-in-chief of the land forces of the Texian army, both regulars, volunteers, and militia ( while in active service ), and endowed with all the rights, privileges and powers due to a commander-in-chief in the United States of America, and that he forthwith proceed to take command, establish headquarters and organize the army accordingly.
" And that General Sam Houston retain such command until the election of a chief executive, and continue in such office, unless suspended by order of the government de facto, until the general organization agreeably to the constitution, being always amenable to the laws and civil authorities of the country.
" Which was read, approved, and adopted, in convention, at Washington, on the 4th day of March, A. D. 1836, and second day of the independence of Texas.
" RICHARD ELLIS, President.
" Test., H. S. KIMBLE, Secretary of the Convention.
" WASHINGTON, March 6, 1836.
" Major-General Sam Houston :
" SIR - As commander-in-chief of the Texian army, you are ordered forthwith to repair to such place on the frontier as you may deem advisable. You will proceed to establish headquarters, and organize the army. You will require all officers of the army, of whatever grade, to report to you. And, as it is impossible, at this time, to determine any particular point of concentration, you will act according to the emer- gencies of the occasion and the best dictates of your own judg-
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ment, for the purpose of protecting our frontier, and advancing the best interests of our country.
" You will, as often as you may deep advisable, inform this body, or such other authority as they may establish, of both your acts and the situation of the army.
" JAMES COLLINSWORTH,
" Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs. " RICHARD ELLIS, " President of the Convention."
No. 9.
Having been re-elected commander-in-chief of the army Gen. Houston issued the following order :
ARMY ORDER.
" CONVENTION HALL, WASHINGTON, March 4th, 1836.
War is raging on our frontiers. Bexar is besieged by two thousand of the enemy, under the command of Gen. Sesma. Reinforcements are on their march to unite with the besieging army. By the last report our force in Bexar was only one hundred and fifty men. The citizens of Texas must rally to the aid of our army or it will perish. Let the citizens of the east march to the combat. The enemy must be driven from our soil, or desolation will accompany their march upon us.
Independence is declared ; it must be maintained.
Immediate action, united with valor, can alone achieve the great work. The services of all are forthwith required in the field.
SAM HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
P. S. It is rumored that the enemy are on their march to Gonzales and that they have entered the colonies. The fate
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of Bexar is unknown. The country must and shall be de- fended. The patriots of Texas are appealed to, in behalf of our bleeding country."
SAM HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief.
Having left the convention to take command at Gonzales, he addressed Col. Fannin, after receiving news of the fall of the Alamo :
" HEADQUARTERS GONZALES, March 11th, 1836. To Col. Fannin, Commanding at Goliad :
SIR - On my arrival here this afternoon the following intel- ligence was received through a Mexican, supposed to be friendly, though his account has been contradicted in some parts by another, who arrived with him. It is therefore only given to you as rumor, though I fear a melancholy portion of it will be found true.
Anselmo Borgara states that he left the Alamo on Sunday the 6th inst. and is six days from Arroche's ranch; that the Alamo was attacked on Sunday morning at the dawn of day, by about two thousand three hundred men, and carried a short time before sunrise by a loss of five hundred and twenty-one Mexicans killed and as many wounded. Col. Travis had only one hundred and fifty effective men, out 'of his entire force of one hundred and eighty-seven. After the fort was carried seven men surrendered, and called for Santa Anna, and for quarter. They were murdered by his order. Col. Bowie was sick in bed and was also murdered. The enemy expect a re-inforcement of fifteen hundred men under Gen. Cordelle, and a reserve of fifteen hundred to follow them. He also informs us that Ugartechea had arrived with two millions of specie for the payment of the troops. The bodies of the Americans were burned, after the massacre. Alternate layers of wood and bodies were laid together and set on fire. Lieut. Dickinson, who had a wife and child in the fort, after having fought with desperate courage, tied his child to his back and
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