USA > Texas > Bastrop County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
USA > Texas > Travis County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
USA > Texas > Burleson County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
USA > Texas > Lee County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
USA > Texas > Williamson County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
USA > Texas > Milam County > History of Texas, together with a biographical history of Milam, Williamson, Bastrop, Travis, Lee and Burleson counties. Pt.1 > Part 6
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56
SEPARATION OF TEXAS FROM COAHUILA.
On the formation of these two districts into one State, there was a proviso in the de- cree that when Texas possessed the necessary elements for a separate State, notice shonld be given Congress for its resolution on the matter. The Texans now (1832-34) began to consider that the time for the separation had come, for their rapidly growing interests were not sufficiently recognized by the gen- eral government. Their representation in Congress was proportionally in the minority, and they were neglected in the more eiger efforts to conserve the interests of Coahuila. The geographical position of the latter ex- eluded it from maritime trade, and its cont-
44
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
meree was altogether internal, while Texas possessed great natural advantages for the development of an extensive commercial busi- ness with foreign countries. Also, in climate and industrial pursnits, the contrast was equally marked, and the productions were dissimilar. Pastoral and mining occupations prevailed in Coahuila, while Texas was essen- tially an agricultural country, and cotton, sugar and the cercals were cultivated with most flattering prospects. Texas also labored under the disadvantage of being much more remote from the higher courts, which gave the wealthier classes an unduc advantage in litigation; and even in criminal cases justice was not so prompt or exact.
Directly after the Mexican troops were all withdrawn from Texas in 1832, the colonists began to take measures to address the na- tional government on the subject of their as- pirations, namely, a greater recognition of their material interests and of more local government. In October of this year a pre- liminary convention of delegates from differ- ent municipalities was held at San Felipe, and some discussion took place concerning the formation of a State constitution; but as sufficient notice had not been given and the attendance was slim, the convention adjourned withont taking action. Their discussion, however, brought the matter seriously before the public, and when the second convention assembled, April 1, 1833, it was prepared to accomplish the work assigned to it. At this convention were Stephen F. Austin, Branch T. Archer, David G. Burnett, Sam Houston, J. B. Miller and William H. Whar- ton, the last mentioned being the president of that body. A committee was appointed to draft a form of State constitution, and an- other committee was appointed to draw np a memorial petitioning the general government
to grant a separation of Texas from Coahuila. Sam Houston was appointed chairman of the first, and David G. Burnett of the second.
The constitution drafted was thoroughly republican in form, modeled on that of the United States. After much discussion it was concluded that banking should not be provided for by that constitution, and that the document should maintain absolute si- lence with reference to religious liberty, such was the blighting power of Catholic influ- ence.
The commissioners appointed to convey the petition for separation to the city of Mexico were Stephen F. Austin, William II. Wharton and J. B. Miller; but Anstin was the only member who actually went there; and on arrival he found that city the scene of virulent party faction and political confu- sion. Affairs in Mexico had been undergo- ing the customary vicissitudes and revnl- sions. No more stability of principle was observable in Santa Anna than in Busta- mante. Both nsed the constitution of 1824 to push themselves into power, and then both cast it to the winds. By the end of 1832 these two generals, after much bloodshed, came to terms, and agreed to unite in snp- port of the said constitution.
March 30, 1833, Santa Anna was declared duly elected president of the Republic of Mexico, and Gomcz Farias, vice-president; and from this time on Santa Anna's course was remarkable for subtle intrigue for selfish purposes. He never appeared, however, as the principal actor, but always used other parties as cat's-paws for his own advance- ment. Dictatorial power was his highest ambition. Farias was the known champion of reform, and Santa Anna absented himselt from the capital to intrigue with bishops and religious orders, leaving his colleague at the
45
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
seat of power to inaugurate his new meas- ures, which he (Santa Anna) kuew would foment discord and redonnd to the discomfit- ure of the instigator and ultimately to his own advancement.
In less than three weeks after his inaugur- ation as president, Santa Anna surrendered the office in order to march with a military force against an insurgent army near Tlal- pam, under Duran. The petty complications that were soon brought upon the seene are too tedions to relate here, and it was during this state of affairs that Austin visited the capital, as mentioned above. The latter im- mnediately laid his petition before Congress, but its attention was not seriously directed to it on account of the turbulent matters before them. Austin grew restless, and in October began to hasten matters. Urging immediate action before Farias, and saying that if some answer was not soon given the Texans would take their affairs into their own hands, the vice-president took offense, considering that Austin's expression was a threat. Austin, seeing the prospective delay, wrote to the city council of San Antonio, recommending that it obtain the concurrence of all other corporatious in Texas in a seheme for separ- ation from Coahuila, with the hope that, nn- der the provision of the general law of May 7, 1824, a local government could be success- fully organized, even though the general gov- ernment should refuse its consent.
The result of Austin's visit, after the war had been closed, was a respectful and honest effort to improve the legal facilities of the Texans, but it was believed by the convention assembled for the purpose that the time had not yet arrived for the erection of Texas into an independent State. But Austin, on his return trip to San Antonio, was arrested at Saltillo, by order of Farias, on account of the
letter he had written to the San Antonio council, and on account of the hasty language used at the interview at the same time. Ile was sent back to Mexico, and was in prison eight months, awaiting trial, with no oppor- tunity. much of this time, of communicating with the outside world. He was not finally liberated until the expiration of nineteen months. Much has been said pro et contra by Austin's friends and enemies concerning his actions at this period; but the Texans generally believe him to have been sincere and competent, and probably as judicious as any other man they could have commissioned for that errand. Santa Anna seemed to be a friend of Anstin and the Texans, but those knowing his character entertained doubts as to his sineerity.
The legislature of January, 1834, passed various measures beneficial to Texas. The municipalities of Matagorda and San Angus- tin were created; Texas was divided into three departments, the new one of Brazos, with San Felipe as its eapital, being organ- ized; the English language was permitted to be used in public affairs, and an additional representative at the State congress allowed; the privilege of purchasing vacant lands was granted to foreigners; laws were passed for the protection of the persons and property of all settlers whatever might be their religiou, and freedom from molestation for political and religious opinions was guaranteed pro- vided public tranquillity was not disturbed; a supreme court for Texas provided for, and a system of trial by jury.
These liberal measures had great effect in promoting temporary quiet in Texas, but subsequent events rendered them ungatory to prevent the revolt of the colonists. The hesi- tating and vacillating action of government kept the people in a state of suspense, and
46
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
this indecd was about all the unreliable Santa Anna desired. It was a fact, however, that Texas at that time had not the requisite popu- lation (80,000), according to law, to justify its erection into a sovereign State; but their treatment by the general government was snch as to make them restless.
At the beginning of the revolutionary pe- riod the colonists were in quite a prosperons condition. They had found in their new homes just what they had sought. A steady increase was going on in the population; their cattle and horses were multiplying; cotton, corn, sngar and all that they needed in the way of produce were easily enltivated, and in large quantities. They were con- tented and happy, but the political sky was beginning to be overcast with dark and por- tentons clouds. Santa Anna, 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 over- throw the Republic. He was ambitions, un- principled, cruel and treacherous. He be- trayed the party which had elevated him to the highest position in Mexico. Ile still held Anstin in confinement, who was igno- rant of the charges against him. There could be no justifiable accusation against the Texan leader. A few concessions were inade to Texas, in order to cajole the settlers. An additional delegate was allowed that State in the general legislature.
In the fall elections of 1834, the Centralist party, headed by Santa Anna, was vietorions everywhere except in Texas, Zacatecas and Coalmila. In revenge for the action of Za- catecas, 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 nsur- pation were perpetrated upon the citizens of
the three sections which had not endorsed Santa Anna at the late election, and finally, that general, at the head of about 5,000 men, started for Zacatecas to reduce that Republi- can State to submission. The governor of Zacatecas, Francisco Garcia, was a Republi- can of high standing, but lacking military experience and ability. Ilc had under him fully as many soldiers as Santa Anna. He evacuated the city and mnadc a stand ou 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 canse, and in addition Santa Anna was clothed with unlimited power. Hle soon used this power by dissolving all State leg- islatures. The people of Texas were thus left without a civil government. True, the political chiefs and alcaldes exercised their functions, but the laws were all of Spanish origin and distasteful to the Americans. Be- ing mostly farmers, the Texans were averse to any warlike measures, if they could honor- ably be avoided. Some were for submission to Santa Anna, but the slumbering lion in the nature of these hardy border men fore- boded a terrible storm when the lion should be aroused by too much prodding from the keeper. Santa Anna, in the meantime, was preparing. under cover of collecting revenue in Texas, for the military occupation of the province. Ile landed 500 men at Lavaca bay, and forwarded them under General Ugartechea to San Antonio. The custom- honse at Anahnac was taken in charge and enormous dues were demanded. So excessive were they that W. B. Travis raised a com- pany and captured Captain Tenorio and the soldiers at the custom house. They were shortly after released, as the act of Travis was thought by his friends to be too hasty.
.
41
HISTORY OF TEXAS,
When Tenorio reported these proceedings to his superior officer, he was sent on a still more nucalled-for errand.
A Mexican Republican, Lorenzo de Zavala, had taken refuge in Texas, and Santa Anna, fearing his influence, ordered his arrest; but no one would nudertake 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 H. Moore, and a subsequent order included the names of J. M. Carravahal and Juan Zambrano. The two last, being Mexi- can citizens, were carried off; but the job of arresting the first six persons was eon- sidered so dangerons that no officer had the temerity to attempt it. In addition to these Mexican ontrages on the Texans, the Indians were becoming troublesome. Merehants and traders were intercepted and killed, and their goods carried off. But these Indian outrages served one important 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 encroachunents of the despotic Mex- ican government. The companies were ealled "committees of safety," and their business was to disseminate information, seenre arms, aminunition, etc. A central cominittee was also formed, which mnet at San Felipe, and an administrative conneil was organized. T'lie council sent Messrs. Barrett and Gritton to San Antonio on a mission of peace to Gen- eral Ugartechea, but nothing was aceom- plished. Stephen F. Austin, in the mean- time, was returning, when he was made chairman of the council at San Felipe. He expressed regret at the action of his friends, and stated that he had hoped to find every- thing peaceful.
Santa Anna still professed to have the kind- est feelings toward the Texans, and he anthor- ized Austin to tell his people that he was their friend, and that he desired their pros- perity ; that he would do all he conid to pro- mote 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 edneation and habits. But Santa Anna eonld be nothing but treacherous, as the treatinent of the people in that portion of the State oeenpied by his troops but ill ae- eord with his professions of good will. Citi- zens were arrested, money foreed from those . who fell into the hands of the despot's min- ions, and communities strippe i of their arm-, the soldiers compelling families to support them, the attempt to disarin all citizens being a principal feature of the plan of subjugation. Captain Castenado was sent to Gouzales to seize a small cannon which had been given to the corporation for protection against Indians. The citizens were unwilling 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 put them to flight in disorder. The news of this confliet roused a warlike spirit in the Texans. A company was raise i to capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad. Captain George Collingsworth led the party, and almost without firing a gun the exultant Texans mnade prisoners of the whole foree, about twenty-five, including Colonel Sandoval, besides obtaining 300 stand of arins and mnil- itary stores to the amount of $10,000. The Mexican fort at Lipautitlan was also captured shortly after.
Not only had Anstin returned, but the noted Benjamin R. Milam had escaped from Monterey and returnel and joine I the patriot forces. Austin, wlio was a born commander,
48
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
was put in immediate command of the Texan forces on his arrival at Gonzales, which was on the 11th of October.
The consultation met October 16, 1835, but there being only thirty one members present an adjournment was made until Nov. ember 1. November 5 a preamble and set of resolutions were adopted, in which the dec- laration was made that although they repu- diated Santa Anna and his despotic govern- inent, they yet clung to the Constitution of Mexico of 1824. On November 12 an ordi- nance was passed for the creation of a provis- ional government, with an executive council, to be composed of one member from each municipality. Henry Smith was made Gov- ernor, and James W. Robinson Lientenant- Governor. Sam Houston, who, it will be noticed, had figured some little in Texas his- tory since 1832, was selected to command the army to be raised.
General Cos, with 500 soldiers, landed at l'ass Cavallo, in September, 1835, and marched immediately to San Antonio, when he super- seded General Ugartechea. Austin, after reaching Gonzales, and effecting a reorganiza- tion of the volunteers, started for San Au- tonio. He reached the Mission La Espada, nine miles below the city, on the 20th. On the 27th, after resting his men, he detached the companies of Fannin and Bowie, ninety- two men, to ascend the river and if practic- able select a more suitable camping ground. Fannin spent that night in a bend of the San Antonio river, near the Conception mission. The point was well chosen, but the Mexicans looked upon it as simply a trap to secure their game from, which was all they had to do. It was a natural fortification, but General Cos thought he had a sure thing of it; so he marched ont in the morning and made an at- tack. The Mexicans surrounded their sup-
posed prey, and the battle began. The Tex- ans with their deadly rifles plucked off all the gunners from the enemy's battery, as they came within range. A charge was made, or attempted, three separate times, but they were hurled back in confusion by the Texans, who remained masters of the field. Sixteen dead bodies were found near the abandoned cannon, which had been discharged but five times; so true was the aim of the riflemen that the Mexican gunners were shot before they could fire, in most cases. This was the first battle of the Revolution, and the loss of the Texans was one man -- Richard Andrews. The Mexican loss was about sixty, as every one of the patriots who fired took aim and nsually brought down his man. Austin, in October, moved np about half a mile, on the Alamo ditch, near the old mill, and next day to within one mile east of the city. He had nearly 1,000 men, but they were ill provided with arms and ammunition of war, and with- ont cannon. He was poorly prepared to at- tack a larger force than his own in a strongly fortified city. He, however, sent to Gonzales for the cannon at that place. Then came a number of skirmishes with the enemy and the capture of 300 horses by Bowie. The ex- ecntive or general conncil, in view of the lack of funds wherewith to provide the supplies, etc., so much needed at that time, sent Messrs. Austin, Archer and Wharton as Commission- ers to the United States, in order to ne- gotiate a loan of $1,000,000 in bonds of $1,000 each, and the commander-in-chief was authorized to accept the services of 5,000 vol- unteers and 1,200 regulars. Provision was also made for a navy.
BATTLE OF SAN ANTONIO.
The army encamped before San Antonio was under General Edward Burleson Many
49
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
of the men had gone home, although others were arriving daily; still, only about half the original force remained. There had been about 1,400 men in the camps at one time; 600 was the number on the 1st of De- cember, while Cos had a much larger force in the city, and was expecting 500 inore. These additional troops arrived in time to take part in the defense of the city. The defenses had been put in order and the old fortress of the Alamo on the east side of the river had been repaired and fortified with cannon. The main plaza had been fortified and the streets barricaded, while the adobe honses in the narrow streets afforded shelter for the Mexi- can soldiers. Many of Burleson's officers, in consideration of these facts, were in favor of abandoning the siege. On the 2d of Decem- ber it was decided to make the attack. The force was paraded and a strong address was made by Colonel William II. Jack. . A call was then made volunteers, and 450 men, in- cluding the New Orleans Grays, responded, the latter under the command of Major R. C. Norris. It was decided to make the attack next morning, although many considered the project as a hopeless one. Bnt three citizens arrived in camp from the city and gave such encouraging news that the next morning Colonel Milam suggested to Burleson to make the attempt while the enthusiasmn was at its height. He agreed, and Milam stepped in front of Burleson's tent and gave a loud and ringing huzzah, which, together with his magnetism, aronsel the whole camp. He said he was going into San Antonio, and wanted volunteers to follow him. A ready response was made, and the little band, form- ing into two sections and accompanied by two field pieces, entered the town by different directions. . A description of this famous battle has so often been given that its details
are almost like household words to all Texans. The result was sufficient almost to place it in the category of one of the "decisive battles of the world," for the result of a battle is what makes it great. Hundreds of battles have been fought where thousands on each side have been slain, and yet the result has been nil. This siege and capture of the strongly protected city of San Antonio de Bexar was all important to Texas. It gave the Mexicans to understand that not in nom- bers alone consists the strength of an army. Here was a force of undisciplined frontiers- men, poorly armed and equipped, only a few hundred in number, attacking a well organ- ized army of regular soldiers, advancing into their very midst and forcing them to sur- render. The difference in apparent strengthi of the two forces and the result would appear ridiculous were it not so serious a matter. The spectacle of a general such as Cos seemed to be, surrendering to a few Texans, was a scene to be remembered by those who took part in the siege. But it is the old story of the Anglo-Saxon against the field. He is rarely ever the under dog in the fight at the finish.
But, during the time the fighting men were doing such splendid work, the poli- ticians were quarreling; nor are we lacking in a more " modern instance " or two, on both sides of Mason and Dixon's line. Governor Smith vetoed some matters that the council had voted, and the council promptly deposed him and placed Lieutenant-Governor Robin- son in the executive chair. Smith held the archives and claimed to be governor still, and there were consequently two governors at once; but that state of affairs is not uneom- mon in these days. Much other legislative matter of some interest at the time was trans- acted, but it is not now of supreme import-
50
HISTORY OF TEXAS.
ance. The main historic facts is what the compiler wishes to emphasize in these pages. Several declarations of independence were adopted in different sections of the embryo State, but an election was held for delegates to a convention which met on the 1st of March, 1836, and on the second day a com- mittee was appointed to draft a declaration of independence, which was done, and it was unanimously passed, Sam Ilonston offering the resolution that the report of the commit- tee be adopted. Richard Ellis, for whom Ellis county was named, was president of the convention. A constitution was also framed which was adopted March 17, and a govern- ment ad interim inaugurated: David G. Bnrnett, President; Lorenzo de Zavala, Vice- president, and Sam Houston, Commander-in- Chief of the ariny in the field.
Zacatecas, and the district over which Gov- ernor Garcia still had nominal sway, the re- maining portion of old Mexico wherein the Republicans held out the longest, at last fell, Santa Anna having gained a complete vic- tory over the forces of the governor. This swept away the last vestige of the Republican party in Mexico. Yet Texas was not only holding her own, but gaining strength with every day; so Santa Anna determined to sub- jngate this State. He proposed to send two columns into the province, General Urrea be- ing ordered to Matamoras to take one divi- sion along the coast to Goliad and Victoria, while the president himself, with the mnain division, would take the province by way of Presidio, thence to San Antonio and San Fe- lipe.
THE ALAMO.
In Jannary, 1836, Santa Anna reached Saltillo, and Guerrero by the 15th of Febru- ary. From the latter place he wrote to
Señor Tornel, Minister of War, giving that official an outline of his plans in reference to Texas, which were " to drive from the prov- ince all who had taken part in the revolu- tion, together with all the foreigners who lived near the sea-coast, or the borders of the United States; to remove far into the interior those who had not taken part in the revolu- tion; to vacate all lands and grants of lands owned by non-residents; to remove from Texas all who had come to the province and were not entered as colonists nuder Mexican rules; to divide among thie officers and sol- diers of the army the best lands, provided they wonld occupy them; to permit no Anglo- American to settle in Texas; to sell the remaining vacant lands at $1 per acre, allowing those speaking the French language to purchase 5,000,000 acres, those speaking English the same, and those speaking Spanish withont limit; to satisfy the clains of civilized Indians; to make the Texans pay the expense of the war; and to liberate and to declare free the negroes introduced into the colony." And further, to cut off from Texas the hope of aid from the United States, the Minister of War, Toruel, issued a general order to all commanders to treat all foreigners (volunteers from the United States) as ontlaws, to show no quarter, and slay them when taken as prisoners,-in short, to take no prisoners alive. Colonel Travis, withi 145 men, who was in the vicinity of San An- tonio, on the approach of the invading army, retired to the fortress of the Alamo, on the east side of the river.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.