USA > Texas > Past history and present stage of development of Texas. Memorial and biographical history matter of the Lone Star state > Part 2
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over to me." Quick of action, all came over excepting Col. Bowie, sick and wounded, and he asked that his cot be carried over. Travis also gave per- mission to those that wished to avail themselves of the opportunity to escape. Moses Rose was the only man to do so, and was successful in scaling the walls and making his exit. Rose was a native of France; was in Napoleon's army in invasion of Russia and retreat from Moscow, and made his home at Nacogdoches. Shortly after midnight of March 6th, 1836, 5,000 Mexicans began storming the Alamo at a terrible loss of men, while Mexican cannon were crushing the walls. On inside of Alamo it became a hand-to-hand club- bing and butchery, when the Texans, so far outnumbered and cut to pieces, were all killed-the court and rooms of the premises running red with blood. "Thermopylae had her messenger of defeat, the Alamo had none"-not a man was left to tell the story. By order of Santa Anna the bodies of all Texans were collected in a huge pile and burned, while those of the Mexicans were carried to the cemetery. In May, 1883, the state purchased Alamo Church for $20,000, and it is now a state property.
In convention assembled at Washington-on-Brazos, March 2, 1836, Texas formally declared itself a free and independent Republic. The councils of the Texan Republic, from the beginning, were held-first, at San Felipe in November, 1835; Washington and Harrisburg in March, Galveston in April, and Velasco in May, 1836, at which place treaties with Gen. Santa Anna were signed. The next. capital was Columbia, in October, 1836; Houston in May, 1837, and Austin in October, 1839.
Houston having been re-elected commander-in-chief of Texan army he was beset on every hand with difficulties occasioned by dissensions and jeal- ousies among the military and state forces, which raged to such an extent as to threaten defeat of the Revolution in its own ranks. The fall of the Alamo was a staggering blow, and tidings that the Mexican army, under Urrea, was approaching, spread gloom throughout the territory. At this stage of history the Texan army was short of troops, supplies, was fragmentary and unor- ganized. In the meantime, a number of small, but fierce battles had been fought, and were taking place. On March 14th Col. Fannin received orders from Gen. Houston to leave Goliad, destroy all fortifications and hasten to Vic- toria. Awaiting return of part of his troops away under Col. Ward, the Mexi- can army of 1,200 infantry and 700 cavalry under Gen. Urrea came on and a light skirmish followed. Next morning Fannin and his men, nine miles on road, were surrounded while halted to rest their teams-the Texans being sit- uated in a depression some feet lower than surrounding prairie. Retreat was impossible, and having no water to relieve human suffering, also put their cannon out of commission, and their teams all escaped during battle, which raged for several hours. Next morning the Mexicans received 400 fresh troops, and there was nothing for the Texans to do but surrender, which they did under terms that they were to be treated according to the usages of civi- lized nations. Conveyed back to Goliad, and on March 25th Col. Ward and his men were brought in as captives to same place. On night of 26th, while Fannin and his men, most of whom were from Alabama and Georgia, were
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jesting, singing and hoping for the morrow when they would be released and returned to their loved ones, and a strong voice was singing "Home, Sweet Home," order came from Santa Anna to murder all Americans. Next morn- ing they were filed ont under heavy guard, 300 in number, formed into three divisions. and marched in different directions, one-half mile distant and halted. Officers gave the command, and volley after volley was fired into them; after which the Mexican cavalry rode over field and sabered all that gave signs of life. The Texan officers were kept for the last, but shared the same fate. Such treachery and ernelty called forth the severest censure from the whole world. and just how the Texan soldiers could restrain themselves from destroy- ing the body of Santa Anna after his capture, following battle of San Jacinto and bringing him into the presence of Gen. Sam Houston, has since been more or less of a mystery. Following the direful disaster of the Alamo and Goliad, Santa Anna considered his work in Texas finished, and was congratulating himself on his title of "Napoleon of the West." Much needed in Mexico, but being persuaded by his officers that he was needed more- so in Texas, Santa Anna arranged his army into three divisions that he might penetrate the interior of Texas and rapidly master the situation. Meantime, Houston was collecting his troops at Gonzales, and learning that the Mexican army was approaching, and knowing that another defeat would be fatal to Texas, retreated in order to increase his army. The news of such condition spread terror among the people. In vain Houston appealed to Texans to sustain the army and protect their families, and on the other hand, many of his soldiers were anxious for a fight and uttered bitter words of reproach of their com- mander for continuing to retreat. At one time Houston's army numbered 1,400 men, but so many deserted, or left to carry their families to places of safety, that when they reached Harrisburg there were not more than 800-and he fought battle of San Jacinto with 782 men. With his individual command of Mexican army, Santa Anna was headed to destroy Nacogdoches, when he learned the Texan government had moved its headquarters to Harrisburg, and he resolved to turn aside. capture and make prisoners of its officials. He burned the town, but did not capture any statesmen, and passed down to New Washington. On April 18th, Deaf Smith, spy, brought two Mexican captives into the Texan camp. From dispatches found on them Houston learned that Santa Anna was with the advance force of his army, and cut off from other two divisions of same. He at once decided to give him battle. He hurriedly pushed on to near Lynchburg, knowing that the enemy would soon come into view. Scouts soon came flying into camp with news of approach of Santa Anna, and Mexican bugles soon told same story. The first day (April 20), was filled with skirmishes, with no advantage to either side- Santa Anna in the evening retiring to his camp less than one mile distant from Houston's army. April 21st. the day that was to decide the fate of Texas, dawned clear and bright. Gen. Cos came up with 500 troops to reinforce and assist Santa Anna's army. The Mexicans threw up breastworks five feet high of pack-saddles, baggage sacks and brushwood. At noon Houston called a council of war, but his offieers could not agree upon a plan of action. and
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Houston himself expressed no opinion. Deaf Smith and companions were ordered to destroy Vince's bridge, over which Gen. Cos had just crossed Vince's Bayou. As the bridge was the only means of retreat for many miles around, this meant utter death and destruction for the conquered. At 3 o'clock Houston's army was ordered to parade, and in a few well chosen stirring words he told his 782 brave men before him that he was about to lead them against Santa Anna's army. The news was gladly received. The nature of the ground allowed them to form in line of battle without being seen. In the opposite camp all was silent, as most offieers were taking their afternoon siesta, the general himself being asleep. Houston's extreme left was commanded by Col. Sidney Sherman, center by Col. Edward Burleson ; . on right was placed the artillery under Col. George Hockley; next came four companies of infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Millard, and then the 61 eavalrymen under Col. Mirabeau Lamar. As our men neared the Mexican camp a fierce ery for vengeance burst from every lip-"Remember the Alamo; Remember Goliad." For a second the Mexieans were shoeked with terror, but they soon rallied and poured heavy musketry into the ranks of the Texans. Houston's men never paused for a second, and before the enemy eould reload the Texans were within pistol shot, from which souree they sent seven hundred death-dealing bullets into the Mexican ranks with destructive effeet. Soon they were into a hand-to-hand, pitehed struggle, turning their muskets and pistols into war elubs, and slaughtering right and left with their bowie knives. The Mexieans fought bravely, but could not withstand the onslaught. They fled in every direction, the Texans pursuing them with all the fury at their command. Many Mexicans fell on their knees and pleaded: "Me no Alamo; Me no Goliad." When the Mexican cavalry realized the day was lost to them and made their way to Vinee's bridge, they discovered it was gone. Behind them came the Texans. Seores of them plunged into the stream, and red with blood, it was literally choked with men and beasts. Sharp reports, lead was still pouring forth from Texan musketry. Results-Texans loss, two killed and twenty-three wounded; Mexieans, 630 killed, 208 wounded, and 730 taken prisoners. Texans captured $12,000 in speeie, several hundred mules and horses, and over thousand muskets, sabers and pistols. Among the noted prisoners were Gen. Cos, Col. Almonte and Gen. Santa Anna. However, the last named was not captured until next day by a party of privates, who were out searching for prisoners. They captured a Mexican dressed as a common soldier. His manners and a shirt of the finest material eaused them to think him an offieer, and when they brought him into eamp the Mexicans recognized him and shouted "Presidente." He was carried to Gen. Houston, who was then lying on a cot beneath an oak tree, severely wounded and asleep. On account of this wound Houston was forced to give up all aetive military duties and go to New Orleans for medical treatment-Gen. Rusk succeeding him as commander-in-chief. The treaty entered into with Santa Anna was, in sub- stance, that he should beget himself and all his hosts out of Texas territory and forever stay out. San Jacinto battle field embraces about 145 acres, a part of which the state of Texas owns. Considerable money has already been
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spent in its ornamentation, and gradually its grandeur is being improved to a plane corresponding with the importance of the great battle that gave to Texas her Independence. Monuments conspicuous on statehouse campus. Austin, and the Alamo Plaza at San Antonio, on which is engraved the names of "The Heroes of the Alamo," and a large oil painting 8x12 feet in size, that hangs in senate chamber at Austin, are tributes to valor that will never grow dim with the transition of time.
TEXAS SEVENTY-SIX YEARS AGO.
At the beginning of the year 1836 (a memorable year in the history of Texas) the total white population of the then Mexican province of Texas was only about 50,000. Mexico had a mixed population of 8,000,000. Abont one- half were Indians and the rest a mixture of Indian and Spanish, creoles, mulat- toes, negroes, native Spaniards and a sprinkling of foreigners from various countries. It was from this mixed population that Santa Anna's army for the invasion of Texas was procured.
Unfortunately the Texas colonists were very much divided in sentiment upon various questions of state policy. While the desire for entire inde- pendence and separation from Mexico had taken root in the hearts of many, yet many others, good and true men, too, believed a declaration of inde- pendence at that time to be premature and ill-advised. Gen. Austin himself, in spite of the harsh treatment he had received at the hands of the Mexican Presi- dent, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, was very slow to accept the idea of form- ing an independent Republic of Texas. He still clung patriotically to the theory of contending for Texas rights under the tri-color of Mexico,. and developing the restoration of the liberal republican constitution of 1824.
Another most unfortunate condition was a disagreement and final rupture between Gov. Henry Smith and the council of the provisional government, resulting in the deposing of the Governor and the weakening of the power of the legislative body. This official disagreement placed a very hard and embarrassing condition upon Gen. Houston as commander-in-chief of the army. It was also equally embarrassing to the other military leaders of the strug- gling little army, inasmuch as Gov. Smith still claimed to be in authority and refused to surrender the archives of the new government to the insurgent council. Gen. Houston still recognized Gov. Smith as the legal executive, while other military leaders received their orders from the council.
In the meantime a general scheme was brewing among some of the army officers and men to make a descent upon the Mexican town of Matamoras, near the mouth of the Rio Grande. They hoped to gain the co-operation of a suffi- cient number of Mexican Liberals to secure the overthrow of Santa Anna and restore to Mexico (and Texas) the constitution of 1824.
Capt. Philip Dimmitt, who was at Goliad, was among the first to suggest the capture of Matamoras. The suggestion was cordially seconded by Col. James Grant, who had large landed interests in the Mexican State of Coahuila. Col. F. W. Johnson and Col. Joseph W. Fannin also enlisted in the enterprise.
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Col. Johnson, who was in command of the Texas forces at Goliad, received authority from the Executive Couneil, acting independently of Gov. Smith, to aet as agent in getting up and commanding a foree to capture Matamoras. Grant and Johnson aeted in eonjunetion with Col. Fannin in the attempt to carry out the plan.
The projected eapture of Matamoras was intended to be the initial mnove- ment to an invasion of Mexico with a view of giving aid to the Federal lead- ers who were endeavoring to arouse the Northern States of that republic against Santa Anna and his poliey of eentralism. It was also intended to eapture a large amount of army stores at Matamoras and to delay and divert Santa Anna's mareh toward Texas.
Gen. Santa Anna having determined to lead the invading army in person, reached Saltillo in January, 1836, where he established temporary headquar- ters. On February 1 he took up the line of march for the Rio Grande with a foree of 6,000 men, having in the meantime dispatched Gen. Jose Urrea with a strong foree to Matamoras to intereept the movement of the Texans. Urrea reached Matamoras February 1, remaining there until the 18th. Learning of the advanee of Johnson and Grant, he set out with a foree of 320 infantry, as many or more cavalry and a four-pounder, for San Patricio, where John- son then was with a small force of twenty-five or thirty men. Urrea reached that place on the night of February 28, taking Johnson and his men eom- pletely by surprise and killing most of them. Col. Johnson and four compan- ions. eseaped.
Col. Grant, with about fifty men, was upon a scout for horses for Fannin's command. Upon March 2 Grant and his men fell into an ambuscade of the Mexieans upon Aqua Dulee ereek, twenty-six miles below San Patricio. Grant and his entire command, save three, were slain.
Col. J. W. Fannin, who was still in command at Goliad with about 400 men, mostly of the Georgia battalion, was preparing for the mareh upon Matamoras when he heard of the invasion of the Texas eoast by Urrea and of Santa Anna's simultaneous advanee upon San Antonio. He started for San Antonio to the relief of Col. Travis, who was then in command there, but one of his gunearriages broke down and he re-entered Goliad, putting the place in a good state of defense. He sent Capt. King, Mareh 3, with twenty-eight men, to remove some families from Refugio to Goliad, in order to eseape the advanee of Gen. Urrea. King sent back for more troops and Col. Fannin immediately dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Ward with 112 men for his relief. In the meantime, however, King had been attaeked by a party of Urrea's eavalry, which he repulsed with severe loss. Ward joined King in the old Mission Refugio on the evening of March 13. That night they were attacked by a superior force, but the Mexicans were again repulsed with heavy loss, and as they retreated the Texans pursued them. In the darkness the two commands were separated, Ward and his men getting back safely to the ınis- sion. King and his men, losing their bearing, fell into the hands of the Mexi- cans the next day and by order of Gen. Urrea, were put to death.
During the fight of Marel 13-14, three of Col. Ward's men were severely
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wounded. The Mexicans lost about 200 in killed and wounded. The Texans had almost exhausted their ammunition and were compelled to retreat. After procuring a supply of water from a near-by spring for their three wounded comrades, Ward and his men bade them farewell and set out on the retreat. going toward Victoria. They were finally captured, however, surrendering as prisoners of war under the promise of their captors that they would not be shot. This promise, however, was soon violated.
The Texas Navy performed valiant service in the Revolutionary move- ment, and no history of same is complete without mention of the same. The vessels were the "Invincible." "Brutus," "Independent" and "Liberty." They were especially useful in preventing the landing of vessels loaded with supplies for the Mexican army. In April, 1836, the "Invincible" attacked the Mexican schooner "Montezuma," and after a battle of two hours she was so disabled that she was forced to run ashore. Capt. Brown of the "Invincible" next captured the American brig "Pocket." which was loaded with pro- visions for the Mexicans-which supply came in very handy.
ERA OF THE REPUBLIC.
Up to this time the President of the Texan Republic had been merely a temporary officer. In September, 1836, the people were called on to vote upon the question of annexation to the United States, adoption of Constitution, right of first congress to make changes in Constitution, and to elect President and Vice-President, fourteen senators and twenty-nine representatives. The election resulted in an overwhelming majority for annexation, for the Con- stitution, but against right of congress to alter or amend the Constitution. Houston and Lamar were chosen President and Vice-President. The first President was to serve two years, after which regular term was to be three years. Senators were elected for three years and representatives for one year. The first Congress of the infant Republic met at Columbia, Oct. 3rd, where Houston and Lamar were inaugurated, and much work was accomplished. A seal of the Republic and a flag with the Lone Star was adopted. After three months arduous labor, Congress adjourned to meet in May, 1837, in Houston, which had just been laid off into town lots, and the capital remained there uutil 1840. Houston's cabinet was constituted as follows: Stephen F. Austin, Secretary of State; Henry F. Smith, Secretary of Treasury; Thomas J. Rusk, Secretary of War; S. Roads Fisher, Secretary of Navy; Robert Burr, Postmaster-General. and J. Pinckney Henderson, Attorney-General. The pub- lie debt at this time amounted to $1.250,000, and population of Texas at this time was scarcely fifty thousand. The Mexican government declared the treaty made by Santa Anna void, constantly threatened invasion, and Mexican navy blocked our ports and destroyed our commerce. The Texan army was idle and impatient for its pay. Congress issued serip, good for the purchase of land, and half million dollars, good for payment of taxes and other public debts. Affairs in Mexico grew worse-one revolution following another-and that government was too busily engaged at home to invade Texas. The Texan
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army could not be disbanded so long as it was unpaid, and soldiers were granted furloughs, reducing same to a mere garrison. In judicial reform the Spanish code of laws and judicial methods were substituted for those of the United States. The great majority of Texans were not only anxious that United States should recognize their independence, but that Texas should be admitted to the Union, and influences were constantly working for these results. March 1, 1837, a resolution declaring Texas a free and independent country was introduced in United States Senate, and being supported by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun, passed that body. The Annexation resolution was introduced following day, but on account of the judgment and influence of President Andrew Jackson and other wise heads that the time was unpro- pitious, the same was withdrawn. The Texas law made the president ineligi- ble to succeed himself, and in September, 1838, Mirabeau B. Lamar and David G. Burnett were elected President and Vice-President. France, England, Hol- land and Belgium recognized the independence of Texas. Lamar's policy was a rigid one toward the Indians, and the Texas Rangers service was created. The Cherokees, Comanche and other Indian tribes became troublesome, and numerous battles and skirmishes were engaged in. Texas securities fell lower and lower, and governmental expenses could not be met, but substantial prog- ress was being made for the future. In September, 1841, Houston was again chosen President, with Edward Burleson as Vice-President. In March, 1842, a Mexican army appeared before San Antonio and demanded its surrender. The Texans retired from the city, and the Mexicans also took possession of Refugio and Goliad-the purpose of the Mexican goverment being to prevent the annexation of Texas to the United States. A Texan army of 3,000 volun- teers was raised, and Mexican army retreated from their advance. In Sep- tember Gen. Woll, with 1,200 Mexicans. crossed the Rio Grande and took charge of San Antonio and made prisoners of District Court officials. Then followed the battle of Salado on September 18th, Dawson massacre, and bat- tle of Mier, in Mexico, in which the Texans surrendered and were shot as prisoners contrary to the terms of capitulation. Texas organized for a gen- eral offensive campaign against Mexico. On June 15, 1843, an armistice was declared, each agreeing to absolute peace till à formal declaration of return to war was declared by one or both parties. The United States congress was entertaining the question of annexing Texas in 1844, and closing of Houston's administration found Texas improving in finances-he being succeeded in the presidency by Anson Jones. Feb. 25, 1845, a bill providing for the annexation of Texas passed House of Representatives ; and same passed senate on March 1st. The Texan congress and a convention reported favorably on the Annexa- tion Bill, and same was submitted to the people. Oct. 13th people voted almost unanimously to accept same, and also to adopt State Constitution. In Decem- ber the laws of United States extended over Texas; the postal service on Feb. 19, 1846; President Jones gave way to the first Governor of the state-J. Pinckney Henderson-and the Texas Republic was a thing of the past. State machinery was created and state affairs moved forward. Sam Houston and Thomas J. Rusk were sent to United States Senate. Mexico was indignant and
still claimed Texas-abrogating her foreign ministerial eonneetions. United States government ordered Gen. Zachary Taylor, with strong force, to oeeupy the disputed territory. The United States congress deelared war against Mexico on May 11, 1846, which the people of the country at large, and par- tienlarly Texas, received with glad acclaim. It is estimated that 8,000 Texans served as volunteers during this war. Gen. Taylor, with his army of 2,000 soldiers, met Gen. Arista with his 6.000 Mexican troops, on Texas soil, and defeated him. The City of Mexico surrendered to Gen. Winfield Seott Sept. 14, 1847, and Mexico was forced to give up every claim to Texas and aeknowl -. edge herself conquered. That country had no money to pay war indemnity, and the result was the establishing of the Rio Grande as the boundary line between Mexico and United States; and California, Utah, Nevada, a part of Colorado, New Mexico and the most of Arizona-a combined territory four times as large as France-was ceded to the United States. In return for this our country paid Mexico $15.000,000, and assumed all debts she owed in United States.
The following is a list of Governors of Texas, and period they served : Geo. T. Wood, 1847-9: J. H. Bell. 1849-53 : E. M. Pease, 1853-7; H. R. Rnnnels, 1857-9; Sam Houston, 1859-61: Edward Clark, March to December, 1861; Frank R. Lubbock, 1861-3; Pendleton Murrah, 1863-5; A. J. Hamilton, 1865-6; John W. Throckmorton, 1866-7; Pease. 1867-9; E. J. Davis, 1870-4; Richard Coke, 1874-6; R. B. Hubbard, 1876-9; O. MI. Roberts, 1879-1883; John Ireland, 1883-7; L. S. Ross, 1887-1891; James S. Hogg, 1891-5; Chas. A. Culberson, 1895-9; Jos. D. Sayers, 1899-1903; S. W. T. Lanham, 1903-7; Thomas M. Camp- bell, 1907-11, and O. B. Colquitt is present Governor.
At beginning of statehood Texas was admirably equipped with true and tried public men to work out her destiny, for which purpose they all set themselves busy. Great headway was made in settling all manner of disputes and important problems of state, and all was getting in fine working order when along came the civil war. Gen. Sam Houston, incumbent governor, opposed Texas seceding from the Federal Union with all his old time vigor and determination, but the storin of public opinion forced him to resign, and in due course of time Texas seceded from the Union. The Secession Con- vention was held at Austin, Jan. 28. 1861. Texas enlisted 60,000 of her loyal sons in that great war. and besides successfully warding off every attempt to invade her territory, she has left her dead in unmarked graves all over the other Southern states and as far north as Gettysburg. There are today some- where between 40,000 and 50,000 ex-Confederate soldiers living in the Nation, and as all are now maturing in age. they are rapidly passing away-only about 15,000 of them having attended the last National Reunion, which was held at Little Rock last year. The United Confederate Veterans' Association was organized at Chattanooga in 1890. and the same has not only been helpful to a universal degree, but has been a source of great pleasure for the old soldiers to meet locally and nationally and mingle their joys, sorrows and tears in talking over times and ineidents that tried men's souls and courage. The South, and Texas in particular. has purged its schools of partisan history, and
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