USA > Texas > Harris County > Houston > Texas and the Gulf of Mexico ; or, Yachting in the New World, volume 1 > Part 8
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" If any acts of imprudence have been committed by individuals, they evidently resulted from the revolutionary state of the whole nation, the imprudent and censura- ble conduct of the state authorities, and the total want of a local government in Texas.
" It is, indeed, a source of surprise and creditable congratulation, that so few acts
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of this description have occurred under the peculiar circumstances of the times. It is, however, to be remembered, that acts of this nature were not the acts of the people, nor is Texas responsible for them. They were, as I before observed, the natural con- sequences of the revolutionary state of the Mexican nation ; and Texas certainly did not originate that revolution ; neither have the people, as a people, participated in it. The consciences and hands of the Texans are free from censure, and clean.
" The revolution in Mexico is drawing to a close. The object is, to change the form of government, destroy the federal constitu- tion of 1824, and establish a central or con- solidated government. The states are to be converted into provinces.
" Whether the people of Texas ought or ought not to agree to this change, and re-
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linquish all or a part of their constitutional and vested rights, under the constitution of 1824, is a question of the most vital im- portance ; one that calls for the deliberate consideration of the people, and can only be decided by them, fairly convened for the purpose.
" As a citizen of Texas, I have a right to an opinion on so important a matter. I have no other right, and pretend to no other. In the report which I consider it my duty to make to my constituents, I in- tend to give my views on the present situa- tion of the country, and especially as to the constitutional and natural rights of Texas, and will, therefore, at this time, merely touch this subject.
" Under the Spanish government, Texas was a separate and distinct province. As such it had a separate and distinct local or- VOL. I. L
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ganization. It was one of the unities that composed the general mass of the nation, and as such participated in the war of the revolution, and was represented in the con- stituent Congress of Mexico, that formed the constitution of 1824. This constituent Congress, so far from destroying this unity, expressly recognized and confirmed it by the law of May 7, 1824, which united Texas with Cohahuila, provisionally, under the especial guarantee of being made a state of the Mexican confederation, as soon as it possessed the necessary elements.
" That law, and the federal constitution, gave to Texas a specific political existence, and vested in its inhabitants special and de- fined rights, which can only be relinquished by the people of Texas, acting for them- selves, as a unity, and not as a part of Co- hahuila, for the reason that the union with
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Cohahuila was limited, and only gave power to the State of Cohahuila and Texas to govern Texas for the time being, but always subject to the vested rights of Texas. The State, therefore, cannot relin- quish those vested rights, by agreeing to the change of government, or by any other act, unless expressly authorized by the people of Texas to do so; neither can the general government of Mexico legally deprive Texas of them without the consent of the people. These are my opinions.
" An important question now presents it- self to the people of this country. The federal constitution of 1824 is about to be destroyed, and a central government esta- blished ; and the people will soon be called upon to say whether they agree to this change or not. This matter requires the most calm discussion, the most mature
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deliberation, and the most perfect union. How is this to be had ? I see but one way, and that is by a general consultation of the people, by means of delegates elected for the purpose, with full powers to give such an answer, in the name of Texas, to this question, as they may deem best, and to adopt such measures as the tranquillity and salvation of the country may require.
" It is my duty to state, that General Santa Anna verbally and expressly autho- rized me to say to the people of Texas, that he was their friend, that he wished for their prosperity, and would do all he could to promote it; and that in the new consti- tution, he would use his influence to give to the people of Texas a special organiza- tion, suited to their education, habits, and situation.
" Several of the most influential and in-
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telligent men in Mexico, and especially the Minister of Relations and War, expressed themselves in the same manner. These de- clarations afford another and a more urgent necessity for a general consultation, of all Texas, in order to inform the general govern- ment, and especially General Santa Anna, what kind of organization will suit the edu- cation, habits, and situation of this people.
" It is also proper for me to state, that in all my conversations with the President and Ministers, and men of influence, I ad- vised that no troops should be sent to Texas, and no cruisers along the coast. I gave it as my decided opinion, that the ine- vitable consequence of sending an armed force to this country, would be war. I stated that there was a sound and correct moral principle in the people of Texas, that was abundantly sufficient to restrain, or put
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down, all turbulent or seditious movements, but that this moral principle could not, and would not, unite with any armed force sent against this country. On the contrary, it would resist and repel it, and ought to do so.
" This point presents another strong reason why the people of Texas should meet in general consultation. This country is now in anarchy, threatened with hostili- ties ; armed vessels are capturing all they can catch on the coast, and acts of piracy are said to be committed under cover of the Mexican flag. Can this state of things exist without precipitating the country into a war ? I think it cannot ; and, therefore, believe, that it is our bounden and solemn duty, as Mexicans and as Texans, to repre- sent the evils that are likely to result from this mistaken and most impolitic policy in the military movements.
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" My friends, I can truly say, that no one has been, or is now, more anxious than myself to keep trouble away from this country. No one has been, or now is, more faithful to his duty as a Mexican ci- tizen, and no one has personally sacrificed, or suffered more in the discharge of this duty. I have uniformly been opposed to have anything to do with the family poli- tical quarrels of the Mexicans.
" Texas needs peace, and a local govern- ment; its inhabitants are farmers, and they need a calm and a quiet life. But how can I, or any one, remain indifferent, when our rights, our all, appear to be in jeopardy ; and when it is our duty, as well as our ob- ligation, as good Mexican citizens, to ex- press our opinions on the present state of things, and to represent our situation to the government ? It is impossible. The
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crisis is such, as to bring it home to the judgment of every man, that something must be done, and that without delay. The question will, perhaps, be asked, what are we to do? I have already indicated my opinion. Let all personalities, or divi- sions, or excitements, or passion, or vio- lence, be banished from among us. Let a general consultation of the people of Texas be convened as speedily as possible; to be composed of the best and most calm, and intelligent and firm men in the country ; and let them decide what representations ought to be made to the general govern- ment, and what ought to be done in future."
I have copied at full length the senti- ments and opinions of Austin, which he ex- pressed on his return from Mexico, because his opinion on this important subject had great weight with all parties. The cha-
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racter of Austin stood high, as an unpreju- diced observer, a just man, and a disinte- rested member of the state. Even the Mexicans, though they had uniformly op- pressed, and persecuted him, yet in the main, did justice to his unbending princi- ples of honour and integrity. The account given, on the authority of such a man as Austin, of the motives and grievances which influenced the colonists, should, I think, go far in refutation of the many un- just, and ill-founded charges that have been made against the Texan people.
Though repeatedly stigmatized, as owing their origin to ruffians, and runaway rogues from every part of the world, we find the new settlers influenced in their struggles for freedom, by feelings of which more ci- vilized, and longer established countries, might be justly proud.
L II.
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The colonists certainly were inclined to treat the opinions of Austin with deference, and to be guided by his judgment ; and it is probable, that had Mexico, at this crisis, adopted conciliating measures, and acted with common justice towards the colony, the progress of disaffection and revolt would have been arrested, and Texas would have been retained as one of the States of the confederacy.
How long, however, it would have conti- nued so, it is not for me to determine ; it is not probable, that a country formed of such independent spirits, would have re- mained under any yoke, particularly that of a State, where the language and habits were so essentially different from their own, and whose capital was distant from their frontier at least twelve hundred miles.
CHAPTER IX.
PROGRESS OF THE STRUGGLE FOR TEXAN INDEPEN- DENCE. DECLARATION OF THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS IN GENERAL CONVENTION ASSEMBLED. CRUELTY OF GENERAL SANTA ANNA, BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO. TOTAL ROUT OF THE MEXICAN ARMY.
And tell me haughty harte, confesse a truth, What man was aye so safe in glorie's porte ? But traynes of treason (oh the more the ruth) Could undermine the bulwarks of this forte, And raze his ramparts down in sundrie sort ? Search all thy books, and thou shalt find therein, That honour is more harde to holde than winne. GASCOIGNE.
IN conformity with the advice of Austin, committees of safety and vigilance were now formed, and resolutions passed, to in- sist on their rights, under the federal con- stitution of 1824. Troops were organized, and every preparation made to resist the
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Mexican forces, which were expected to be sent against them. In these anticipations they were not disappointed ; General Cos soon after arrived at Copano, and marched thence to Bexar.
The first meeting of the hostile troops was at Gonzales. The Mexicans, in an at- tack upon the town, were repulsed with great bravery, and suffered considerable loss, both in killed and wounded. Shortly after this, a more important victory was gained, in the capture of the town and gar- rison of Goliad, containing a great quantity of military stores, besides three hundred stand of arms, and two brass cannon. This was followed by the election of General Austin, as Commander-in-Chief of the Texan army ; and the new leader, under the banner of the Mexican federal consti- tution, immediately marched upon Bexar, a
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town strongly garrisoned by the Mexican troops, under General Cos.
After several engagements in the neigh- bourhood, which invariably resulted in fa- vour of the colonists, the town of Bexar was stormed by a party of three hundred volunteers. The Mexicans behaved with determined bravery, but were unable to withstand the fury of their assailants; up- wards of three hundred had fallen before the unerring rifles of the Texans, and on the fourth day the garrison agreed to capi- tulate.
General Cos and his party were allowed to return into Mexico with their arms and private property, under their parole of ho- nour, that they would never again assist, in any way, to oppose the re-establishment of the federal constitution of 1824. The Texans, by the achievement, gained posses-
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sion of a large quantity of military stores, including nineteen pieces of ordnance and two swivel guns, several hundred stand of arms, and abundance of ammunition.
The country was now freed for the pre- sent from Mexican troops, and a general convention of delegates, from the different municipalities of Texas, was forthwith held at San Filipe de Austin. On the 3rd of November, 1835, a state government was organized for Texas, and their motives and principles proclaimed in the following ma- nifesto : -
" Declaration of the people of Texas, in general convention assembled.
" Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms, overthrown the fe- deral institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between
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Texas and the other members of the Mexi- can confederacy ; now, the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, solemnly declare -
" First - That they have taken up arms in defence of their rights and liberties, which are threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defence of the republican principles of the federal consti- tution of Mexico.
" Second .- That Texas is no longer mo- rally or civilly bound by the compact of Union; yet stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to a free people, they offer their support and assistance to such of the members of the Mexican Con- federacy, as will take up arms against mi- litary despotism.
" Third. - That they do not acknowledge that the present authorities of the nominal
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Mexican Republic have the right to govern within the limits of Texas.
" Fourth. - That they will not cease to carry on war against the said authorities, whilst their troops are within the limits of Texas.
" Fifth. - That they hold it to be their right, during the disorganization of the Fe- deral System, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the Union, to establish an independent government, or to adopt such measures as they may deem best cal- culated to protect their rights and liberties ; but that they will continue faithful to the Mexican Government, so long as that na- tion is governed by the constitution and laws that were formed for the government of the political association.
" Sixth. - That Texas is responsible for the expenses of her armies now in the field.
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" Seventh. - That the public faith of Texas is pledged for the payment of any debts contracted by her agents.
" Eighth. - That she will reward by do- nations in land, all who volunteer their ser- vices .in her 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 upon our heads should we prove guilty of duplicity.
B. T. Archer, President."
The struggle for independence had now fairly commenced ; two months had scarce- ly elapsed after the departure of General Cos, when almost all the military resources of Mexico were brought against Texas, di- rected by Santa Anna in person. This in- vasion seems to have occurred at a most
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unfortunate period for the settlers. Austin, with several others of their most influential men, had been sent as Commissioners to the United States, to seek assistance from those who might be expected to sympathize in the cause of independence, and another party had marched towards Matamoros on the Mexican frontier.
The town of San Antonio de Bexar was thus left defenceless, its garrison of one hun- dred and forty men being obliged to take re- fuge in the fort of the Alamo on the opposite side of the river. Here they defended them- selves for a fortnight against a force amount- ing to four thousand men. The Mexicans though frequently repulsed, at length suc- ceeded in taking the place by storm, and the whole of its garrison were put to the sword. After the final struggle, there were left but seven men and these were refused quarter.
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It is also asserted that such were the feelings of exasperation evinced by the Mexicans from the determined resistance made by the Texans, that the bodies of the dead were subjected to every sort of indignity. The obstinate courage of the Texans is said to have caused them a loss of nearly fifteen hundred men, and no treatment was thought sufficiently bad for their conquered foes, liv- ing or dead.
Thus fell the Alamo after a defence high- ly creditable to Texan bravery and military skill. Shortly after this period, the invaders obtained another advantage over Colonel Fannin and a body of about three hundred men. In this instance the Mexicans be- haved with almost unparalleled treachery and cruelty. Santa Anna came up with Colonel Fannin and his little army, as they were retreating before the superior numbers
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of the Mexicans. The Texan Colonel, not- withstanding the disparity of numbers, en- gaged the enemy and fought with despera- tion till darkness put an end to the conflict. Four or five hundred of the enemy had fallen before the deadly aim of the Texans, who now entrenched themselves in the Prairie, resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible. During the night, however, the Mexicans received a reinforcement, and Colonel Fannin determined to surrender, provided he could obtain an honourable capitulation. The propositions made by Colonel Fannin were accepted by Santa Anna, and terms of capitulation were then signed and formally interchanged.
According to these terms, the Texans were to surrender, and to give up their arms, on condition of their lives being spared, and their being allowed to retire into the United
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States. No sooner, however, were they in his power then Santa Anna, totally regard- less of faith and honour, ordered them all to be massacred, under circumstances of aggravated cruelty.
On the 11th of March a convention, as- sembled at Washington, had declared Texas a " free, sovereign and independent Repub- lic." A constitution was framed, and an exe- cutive government appointed, to act until other elections should be made by the people. The provisional government re- tired to Galveston Island, where they re- mained until the conclusion of the war.
The Texans were now thoroughly exas- perated by the cruelty and want of faith they had experienced at the hands of the Mexicans, and, fortunately for them, Santa Anna found at length a rival more than his match in General Houston. The Texan
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army under his command was now posted on the Colorado river, and amounted to about twelve hundred men. The enemy, having received considerable reinforcements, occupied the river both above and below him ; General Houston, therefore, apprehen- sive of being surrounded, deemed it advisa- ble to retire to the Brazos, which he crossed on the 12th of April : thence he led his troops to the Buffalo Bayon, and down its right bank to within a short distance of its junction with the San Jacinto river.
The Mexican army soon approached, and occasional skirmishes took place during the day, until Santa Anna withdrew his troops to a position on the banks of the San Ja- cinto, and there commenced a fortification about a mile distant from the Texan camp. Houston had ordered the bridge, on the only road communicating with the Brazos, to be
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destroyed, thus cutting off all possibility of the enemy's escape. The Texans com- menced the attack at half past three, and a most sanguinary conflict ensued. The Colonists fought as men only do when they contend for life and freedom, and they were irresistible. I extract the following details from General Houston's report of the Battle of San Jacinto. " About nine o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were reinforced by five hundred choice troops, under the command of General Cos, in- creasing their effective force to upwards of fifteen hundred men, whilst our aggregate force for the field numbered only seven hundred and eighty-three" " The ยท conflict lasted about eighteen minutes from the time of close action until we were in possession of the enemy's encampment, tak- ing one piece of cannon, four stand of co-
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lours, all their camp equipage, stores and baggage." " The conflict in the breastwork lasted but a few moments ; many of the troops encountered hand to hand, and not having the advantage of bayonets on our side, our riflemen used their pieces as war clubs, breaking many of them off at the breach. The rout com- menced at half past four, and the pursuit by the main army continued until twi- light." . " In the battle, the enemy's loss was six hundred and thirty killed, among whom was one General Offi- cer, four Colonels, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Second Lieutenant-Colonels, seven Cap- tains, one Cadet. Prisoners, seven hundred and thirty. President General Santa Anna, General Cos, four Colonels, Aids de Camp to General Santa Anna, and the Colonel of the Guerrero Battalion are included in the
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number. General Santa Anna was not taken until the 22nd, and General Cos yesterday, very few having escaped. About six hun- dred muskets, three hundred sabres and two hundred pistols, have been collected since the action ; several hundred mules and horses were taken, and nearly twelve thousand dollars in specie. For several days previous to the action our troops were en- gaged in forced marches, exposed to exces- sive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad roads, badly supplied with ra- tions and clothing, yet amid every difficulty they bore up with cheerfulness and forti- tude, and performed their marches with spirit and alacrity - there was no mur- mering."
An important blow was now given to the Mexican power in Texas; and be it remembered this decisive victory over the VOL. I. M
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chosen troops of Mexico, was gained by a mere handful of raw undisciplined volun- teers, armed with rifles alone, and suddenly drawn together from their agricultural pur- suits to defend their liberty and indepen- dence.
CHAPTER X.
SANTA ANNA BROUGHT PRISONER TO GENERAL HOUSTON. TERMINATION OF THE STRUGGLE, AND RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC. CONSTITUTION OF TEXAS.
Thou in a moment canst defeate The mighty conquests of the proude, And blast the laurels of the greate, Thou canst make brightest glorie set O' th' sudden in a cloud.
HABINGTON.
As has been already mentioned, the pri- soners of importance taken on this occasion were Santa Anna the President, and General Cos; the former was captured on the day following that on which the engagement was fought ; he was discovered disguised, and without any vestige of soldierly uni-
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form, wandering alone, on the banks of Buffalo Bayon. This was indeed a sudden and most overwhelming change; a terrible turn in the wheel of fortune. He was se- cured without difficulty as he had retained no arms in his sudden flight. It was per- haps fortunate for him that the party by whom he was taken were ignorant of his name and rank, as the people were beyond measure exasperated against him. Santa , Anna was conveyed without delay to the presence of General Houston, who, having been wounded in the ankle during the en- gagement, was lying underneath a tree. The head of the Texan General rested up- on a rough pillow, his war saddle being laid under his head; a blanket was spread beneath him, and this was his only couch. Santa Anna was led up to him, and boldly announced himself thus,-" Soy Antonio
ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA ,
President of the Republic & Main
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Lopez de Santa Anna, Presidente de la Re- publica Mexicana, y General en Gefe del ejercito de operaciones." *- Upon this intro- duction General Houston politely requested his prisoner to take a seat on a medicine chest : to this he consented, but appearing rather faint, and not a little agitated, the chest was opened for some remedy for these complaints. Having swallowed a conside- rable quantity of opium, the patient declar- ed himself better, and found words to say to his captor " you were born to no ordin- ary destiny; you have conquered the Napo- leon of the West !" What vanity in this free-booting leader of a degraded and miser- able people !
The President's own account of this inter-
* I am Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of the Mexican Republic, and General in Chief of the army of Operations.
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view with the Mexican General, when the latter was a prisoner, and entirely in his power, is very characteristic of his own bold and decided nature; his deadly foe was in his hands, he had proved himself merciless, and unworthy of faith, and had, by his own conduct, forfeited all claim to the consideration and forbearance due to- wards a prisoner of war. The place of meeting was not one calculated to impress the Mexican with awe, or to give him an exalted idea either of the riches or power of his conqueror. But the dignity of the latter did not depend upon outward show, and he received his prisoner, as a great man
should, - without parade or any outward demonstration of triumph. In the course of the conversation which followed, Santa Anna whether by design, or otherwise, ad- dressed his captor by the title of General,
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omitting the word President, &c. and thus, according to Houston's view of the matter, tacitly denying his right to independence and authority. " I only looked at him, Gentlemen," said the Texan President in his account of the audience, -" I looked at him once, and he corrected the mistake ; if he had'nt, you know, gentlemen, I should have closed the scene; " meaning, he should have at once signed his death warrant. The look must have been an expressive one indeed, and yet it may be doubted whether the Mexican was aware by how slender a hair the sword that hung over his head was suspended. Better, far better would it have been for his country had the President not allowed his kindness of heart to overcome his sense of justice : had he ordered the execution of Santa Anna, much bloodshed would
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