Galveston County, Texas - The whole text, 1895 (part 2 of 26)

Education

in Coahuila and Texas was at an extremely low ebb. Only in the town of Saltillo was there a fixed appropriation for the maintenance of a com moil schoolmaster, and that was a scanty one. The education of the children of servants to write was prevented, on the fear that on growing up they would want hio-her position than that of servitude. In 1820, the Congress endeavored to remedy this evil by enacting a law to establish schools of mutual instruction on the Lancasterian system, but the law did not establish the schools. In these schools were to be taught reailiug, writing, arithmetic, the dogmas of the Catholic religion and Ackerman's catechisms of arts and sciences, the teachei-s' salary lieing fixed at $800 a year. The next year another law was adopted, to establish primary schools on a similar plan, with a similar result. The people were indifferent to educational progress. Among the settlements of Austin's c(dony a few private schools were established, and, in 1829, the first Protestant Sunday-school in Texas was opened, at San Felipu de .\u-tin, by T. J. Pilgrim, of the Baptist Church. It was soon interrupted,

Bistort Op Texas

In regard to religion, the Texas colonists at this early date had neither tlie opportunity nor inclination t^ practice it. A traveler there in 1831 says: "The people of this country seem to have forgotten that there is sucli a commandment as ' Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.' This day is generally spent in visiting, driving stock and breaking mustangs." Having furnished the required certificate of his Catholic faith, the Anglo-American eased his co^iscience by refraining from any practical expression of it.

In other respects than these already mentioned, as causing dissatisfaction between the State and the colonists, the government showed itself otherwise favorably disposed toward them. Hitherto they were left unmolested in the management of their internal affairs. In 1827 and 1828 parties were authorized to sink artesian wells, develop coal mines, navigate the Rio Grande by steam, etc.

The Final Eevolution

The first indication of the approaching crisis which resulted in the revolution for independence, was in 1826, when the Anglo- American element of the population began to resist oppression. The entering wedge is thus very carefully described in Bancroft's history.

" Hayden Edwards, in 1825, after much trouble succeeded in obtaiiung from the Coahuila and Texas government a contract to settle 800 families on lands sui'rounding Nacogdoches. Returning to the United

States he sjiared no pains in endeavoring to fulfill his contract, at the same time inducing his brother, Major I'enjamin W. Edwards, to go to Texas and aid liim in establishing his colony. Eoote says that the latter visited Austin and had a long conversation with him on the subject of Texas colonization; that these two agreed that 'the firm establishment in this favored country of the institutions of civil and religious freedom, and the redemption of a region from foreign rule which rightfully belonged to the United States, and of which they had been notoriously bereaved by fraudulent negotiations, was desirable and praeticible; but that they also agreeil that the colonies would have yet to suffer a great deal before they would lie strong enough to throw off the yoke.' It is difficult, however, to believe that Austin exjjressed any idea that fraud had been practiced on the United States.

" In October, 1825, Hayden Edwnrds returned to Texas and took up his residence at Nacogdoches. He soon discovered that he had difficulties to contend with that had never troubled Austin. Portions of the lands conceded to him were already occupied by Mexican settlers, some of whom had been driven from their homes after the destruction of Long's expedition, and had recently returned. Nacogdoches had again about 100 iuhabitants, and certain of the villainous class, formerly of the 'neutral grounds,' had taken up lands. These latter, without regarding Edwards with any particular aversion, were wholly averse to subordination; while the Mexicans, jealous of his authority and angry at an American being placed over them, showed marked symptoms of unfriendliness. Thei'e were, moreover, among them many turbulent and bad characters, and not a few i fugitives from justice. The result was that, as Edwards' iinniiiria-it? ai-rived, tlie oolony was quickly di\i(lt'il into two hostile i'^irtions. Edwards did what he could to preserve order and maintain his authority, hut several measures adopted hy him were tar from ]iolitie. The second article of liis contract provided that all possessions found in Nacogdoches and its vicinity', supported by the corresponding titles, should be respected; and that in case any of the ancient possessors should claim preservation of their rights, it was the empre.-ario's duty to comply therewith. This afforded a wide loop-hole through which to thrust in claims to the mo.^t valuable lands, and old title-deeds were diligently searched for or manufactured.

" In order to ascertain the extent of these claims. Kdwarils, in November, 1825, calh (1 upon all persons holding such land titles to f)roduce them, in or<ler that their legality iniglit be decided upon according to law. In this there was no hai-m; but he gave further notice that the lands of those wlio failed to present their titles would be sold, and that claimants whose title were just would have to pay for any improvemenis tliat had been made on the lands by the ])resent occupants. This causeii indiiiuation U) the i\Jexicans and gave great offense to tiie authoi-ities, who could but rei^ard his notification in respect to tiie sale of lands as an assumption of pcuver that had never been given Inni.

l!y the sixth artic'e of the contract Edwards was autliorized to I'aise the national militia within his colony, and was appointed its chief until further disposition should be made. Accordingly he gave notice for the election of militia officers to take place on December 15 of the sauje year. At the same time he prop >sed that the |'e 'pie should elect an alcalde. With the election of tliis magistrate the more serious troubles began.

Each party had its candidate for the office. Chaplin, Edwards' son-in law, was put forward by the American colon i^^ts, and Samuel Norris, devoted to Mexican interests, by their o|)j:)oiients. The election decided in favor of the former, who took poss-'ssion of the archives and entered upon the duties of the oflice. But Sepulveda, the out-going alcalde, and his party dispute] many of the votes as having been cast by settlers outside the limits of Edwards' gi-ant, though under the alcalde's jurisdiction. Accordingly they represented the matter to Saucedo, the political chief at j San Antonio. Already offended with Edwards, by reas(]n of a report sent in by the latter giving an account of his official acts, and which was not deemed sufficiently respectful, Sauce lo decided in favor of Norris, and instructed Sepulveda to install him by force of arni.s if any opposition was offered. No resistance wms made, however, and on the exhibition of Norris' commission Chaplin surrendei'ed up the archives of the office to him.

"And now commenced a system of petty tyranny and invidious distinctions which exasperated the colonists. Aajericans, who had wrought improvements on their lands. Were ousted from them to give place to Mexicans, the favoi-ites of Sepulveda and the alcalde. A band of ' regulators' was formed, under th" command of James Gaines, the brother-ill law of is'orris; and, backed by these ruffians and the official support of Saucedo, the Mexican party domineered as they liked. Moreover, accusations against Edwards were made to the political chief, who did not conceal his hostility to the empresai io."

become tliuir allies, abandoned them, the Mexican governnient grew more violent, and even Austin opposed a ly effort at re'iilufioii at that time, and the Edwardses iu a few weeks altogether failed.

Austin's colony continued to prosper. Austin hiniself, making himself a favorite of t,iie government, was even promoted in his political powers. Ohur colonies also prospeieil to some extent. Alter the annulment of Edwards' contract, his territory was divided between David G. Burnett and Joseph Veblein, and immigrants continued to flow into that portion of Texas. Dewitt, although his first settlers were temporarily driven off' by Indiiins, had laid out tlie town of Gonzatlez in 1825, naming it afiei' Rafael Gonzalez, a temporary governor of the State, and during 1827-'28 he succeeded in introducing considerable numbers of colonists. In De Leon's grant the town of Yictoria was founded, and La Bahia del Espiritu Santo had devtloped into a town of such appreciable dimensions that in 1829 it was raised to the rank of a villa, and the high-sounding title of Goliad given to it. Filisola, in an endeavor to wrench an anagram out of Hidalgo's name, spelled the name Golhiad. On the Brazos a flourishing settlement called Brazoria bad also sprung up.

However, the experience which the Mexican government liad with the Fredonians (Edwards' colonists) caused them to be more watchful of the movements of American immigrants. Under the liberal and non-aggressive policy of Guerrero the colonists were left pretty much to themselves, and he evfin aided them in the abolition of slavei'y. But when he was overthrown, in December, 1829, and Bustamante seized the helm of government, the sleeping tip-er of Mexican suspicion and lielligerency aruse and showed his teeth. And at this time it required but little foresiglit to see that the increasing Amei'ican element within the domain of Ti'xas woidd ere long attempt to slip the leash;" for even the government of the LTnited Stages, and more es]iecially the expressions of many leading men within the Union, were indicative of a general move on our piirt to take a band in the separation of Texas from Mexico; but before the tinal storm a preliminary gust made its appearance in the form of Te.\an independence as a sover cign republic. As Bancroft says:

''It was therel'ore natural that Mexico should entertain fears as to the future obedience of the Texan colonists, and it was equally natural that the latter woidd not tamtly submit to the imposition <.if fetters similar to those which the fathers of niost of them had helped to break. Yet in its sliortsightedne^s the government, under the despotic administration of Bustamanie, thought to obviate a probable but nut unavoidable contingency by adopting the very measures which were most calculated to provoke a spirit of antagonism."

Lucas Alaman, the minister of relations under the new government, lias the credit (discredit) of inspiring the Mexican legislature to make the fatal mistake of attempting to curb the designs of the United States by the exei-cise of oppressive measures against the Texan colonists. On February 8, 1830, he laid a memorial before Congress, in which with just reason he calls attention to the danger that Texas was exposed to of being absorbed by the northern republic, and to the carelessness wliich the government of the State of Coahuila and Texas had shown in its neglect to see that the colonization laws were properly carried out. He said that the orders provi. ling that no more thin the number of families designated in a contract should settle on the corresponding grant, and that ccilonies near the boundary line should be composed of settlers, not natives, of the United States, had been without eifect; and he expatiated on the fact that a large number of intruders had taken possession of lands, especially near the frontier, without any pretension of satisfying the formalities of the colonization laws. To preserve Texas to Mexico, he insisted that the Mexican po])ul<ition in Texas should be increased by making that country a penal settlenierit, the criminals transported thither to be euiploycd in the cultivation of the soil; that foreign colonists differing from American interests, haliits and lano-uage should he introduced; that a coasting trade be established between Texas and other parts of the republic, which would tend to nationalize the department; that tlie colonization law of August, 182-i, be suspended as far as concerns Texas, and the settlement of that department be placed under the direction of the general governuient; and that a commissioner be aj)puinted to examine and report upon the condition of alfairs in the Texan colonies, etc.

The congress sympathized with Alaiuan's views so far as to prohibit the citizens ot nations bordering on Mexico from colonizing any of her States or territories immediately adjacent to them; to suspend forthwith all colonization contracts not yet fulfilled, and such as were in conflict with this law; to allow no foreigner, under any pretext whatever, to enter the northern frontier unless provided with a passport from the Mt'xican consular agent at the place of his ]»rrvious residence; and to make no further change with reference to slave laws.

Along with the immediate execution of this law, pa.-sod with the Sj}ecial and exclneive object of preventing tlie further immigration of people froni the Uniteil States, was the annulment of the t-.\eni|ir ion of the United States settler-i alieady in IVxas from taxes, which had been pi'omisfd bu- the first six years of their residence tiiere. But it must be confessed that sniuij-uling had been practiced to some extent by smne of the colonists under that provision for exemption. Also, along with the execution of tiiis odious law the government s<.'nt a large military force into Texas, under the command of Manuel Mier y Teran, commandant general of the eastern provinces, and he was also authorized to establish inhui 1 and mai'itime custom-houses. A milit.'iry despotism was nat;, rally inaugurated at an eaily period. The only colonies recognized were those of Austin, Dewitt and Mai-iin de Leon; all other concessions were suspended until their contracts could be examined ami their fultillment verified. Titles were d('nied to a great number of settlers already doniiclled, and incoming immigrants from the United States were ordered to quit the country immediately upon their arrival. A number of military ])OSts were established, manne<l iiy convicts and other bad characters. A series of outriii^es was directly begun. Military jurisdiction was substituted for that of the local authorities in many places ; settlei-s wei-e dispossessed of their lands atid property, many of them were imprisoned, ami no redress could be obtained for thefts and robberies committed by the troop.s.

During the year 1S31 tin- local authorities and also the frequeitly changing administration were at o Ids .vith each othei-, one party almost co'.i^tanily colliding with another, and these in so rapid succession that the trne interests of the masses were lost sight of. Outrages increase! as the military officers were angered by resistance or lack of respect, until even the settlers in the Austin colony began to arise in arms. A spirit of rebellion began to spread like a prairie tire before a wind.

One John Austin, not a relative of Stephen F., was an alcalde at Brazoria and a brave and influential citizen. On June 10, 1832, he joined the insurgents, atid with about a hundred men demanded the release of certain prisoners at Anahuac, was refused, and some shots were tired. Bradburn, the Mexican ofH cer, agreed to release the men if Austin with his force would retire six miles away. Austin did this, but Bradburn liroke faith, opened lire upon the insurgents remaining in Anahuac and drove them from the place.

In January, this year (1832), Santa Anna at Vera Cruz pronounced against the government of Bustamante, and the usual war followed, a la Mexican. The colonists, being enraged by the latter's administration, a number of them met at Turtle bayou and drew up a list of their grievances, June 13, and passed resolutions adopting Santa Anna's plan and pledged their support to the constitution and the leaders who were then fighting in defense of civil liberty.

The tirst skirmish, June 13, 1832, resulted in the insurgents taking the fort at Velasco from the brave Ugarfechea. Meanwhile, John Austin's men around Anahuac successfully cut off supplies and communication. Piedras, commanding at Nacogdoches, hastened liitherward to aid the Mexicans, but before arriving fell into the hands of the insurgents, and was coverted to their cause. By his assistance Travis and other prisoners were released. Piedras appointed another man to succeed Bradburn at Anahuac and started back to Nacogdoches; but as soon as he turned his back the garrison at Anahuac mutinied in favor of Santa Anna. Bradburn was pursuaded by some of the officers to re-assume command, hut he immediately found so iuany of the men committed to Santa Anna that he quit in disgust and went to New Orleans, accompanied by only one man, as guide. On his journey he escape i molestation Ijy saying that he was going to the United States to seek for aid in driving the Mexicans out of Texas.

Considering Santa Anna's future career, it is interesting to notice the praise given that treacherous Mexican l)y S. F. Austin at this time. Said he, in an address delivered on the day of jubilee, July 25, 1S32:

Citizens, and Soldiers of the S'Znta AiinaYolunteer Convpany: I have nut the words duly to express my gi-ateful feelings and unfeigned thanks for the kind welcome with which you have hotioreJ my return to this colony. In all my acts, as far as they h ive beenconnected with the advancement of Texas, I have been governed by the most sincere desire to promote its pro^psrity and the permanent happiness of its citizens. My leading motto has been and is. Fidelity to the constitutimi of our adopted country. The same has Ijcen and is the governing principle of the inhabitants of this colony. I thank my fellow citizens for their approbation; it is the highest reward that can be offered to me for my humble services as their public agent.

"I accord with you in the opinion that the present is an important epoch in the political march of our adopted and beloved country. With institutions founded on the broad basis of representative democracy, the general government of Mexico has, for the last two years, been administered, in many particulars, on principles which more properly belong to a military despotism than to a free republic. A great and glorious regeneration is takincr place; the free democracy of the nation, the people, have asserted their riglits under the banner of tliat distiiigiii-he i pntriot and leader, General Antonio Lopi'Z de Santa Anna. The cause of constitutional deinocratic liberty is about to triuinph tlirouj;liout 'he vvliole of this vast lepnblie.

'-Borne down, in this remote section of the nation, by inili'ary opprcs^on, and by the most shameful violations of the rii^hts of the State of Coahuila and Texas, you believed that all the guarantees of the eonstitutiim and laws were disregarded and trampleii upon. Patience itself was exhausts 1. u\<\ y'li had recourse to arms, thus espou-iiig that cause of the constitution and of tlie p iiple vvliicdi is so bravely advocated by (ieneral Santa Anna. In doing this, you have not for one moment lost sight of your duty as Mexican citizens, but have defended tlie true dij^iiity of tiie national flag, which hail been insulted by the violators of the constitution. In the course you have taken you will be sustained by Colonel Mejia, who has come to Texas with fleet and forces under tiie order of General Santa Anna, to protect the rights of the nation and of the State; and you will receive the support and approbation of General Santa Anna himself, of General Miinffzunii and of all liberal and enlightened Mexicans. In such a cause yon have n<jthing to fear. It is just,and I will give it my hearty co-operation so far as my feeble services can avail."

In the Southern United States the opinion began to prevail that the colonists in Tex;:s were attempting to separate from Mexico and annex themselves to tiie Union. On this account, Montezuma, comm mding at Tampico, and having declared in favor of Santa Anna, sent a force into Texas to reduce the insurgents. His colonel, Mejia, on entering Texas, first liad an fimicable c<jnference with the leader of the Bustamante party, so as to prevent interruption, and proceeded to the mouth of the l5razos, taking with him Stephen F. Austin, who was on his return from the State legislature. Consulting John Austin, the latter professed perfect loyalty and said that the insurgents had no intention to se])arate from Mexico; they were only rebelling against certain tyraniucal acts of some of the officers. Mejia went on to Galvestcm, where he was similarly received, and he returned to Tampico. He actually advocateil the cause of the insurgents, and the seed he had sown in Texas, in so doing, bore rapidly. Piedras, at -Nacogdoches, being op[>osed to Santa Anna, was ousted by the Mexicans. By the end of August not a Mexican soldier remained in the Texan colonies, the victory over the I)i-adbnrn party was so complete. A troop of about seventy men was htatioued at San .Vntouio, scarcely a sufficient number to keep the Indians iu check in that vicinity. Peace was restored. This victory of the Texan colonists would have been far moi-e costly, if not indeed impossible of attainment, had there been no revolution going on beyond the Rio Grande.

On the formation of these two districts into one State, there was a proviso in the decree that when Texas possessed the necessary elements for a separate State, notice should 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 recogniz-;d by the general government. Their representation in Congress was proportionally in the minority, and they were neglected in the more eager efforts to conserve the interests of Coahuila. The geographical position of the latter excluded it from maritime trade, and its com- merce was altogetlier internal, while Texas posset^sed great natural advantages for tlie development of an extensive comuiercial business with foreign countries. Also, in climate and industrial pursuits, the contrast was equally marked, and the productions were dissimilar. Pastoral and mining oc'cupations prevailed in (Joahuila, while Texas was essentially an agricultural country, and cotton, sugar and the cereals were cultivated with most flattering prospects. Texas also labored under the dita^lvantage of being much more remote from the higher courts, which gave the wealthier classes an undue 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 national government on the sulg'ect of their aspirations, namely, a greater recognition of their material interests and of more local government. In Octolier of this year a preliminary convention of delegates from different municipalities was liehl at iSan 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 without taking action. Their discussion, however, brought the matter seriously before the public, and wlieii 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 II. Wharton, the last mentioned being the president of that body, A committee was appointed to draft a form of State constitution, and another committee was appointed to draw up a memorial petitioning the general government

The constitution drafted was thoroiighly republican in form, modeled on that of tlie 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 silence with reference to religious liberty. Such was the blighting power of Catholic influence.

The commii-sioners appointed to convey the petiiir>n for separation to the city of Mexico wei'c Stephen F. Austin, William II. Wharton and J. B. Miller; but Au.-tin was the only member wlio actually went there; and on arrival he found that city the scene of virulent party faction and political confusion. Affairs in Mexico liad been undergoing the customary vicissitudes and revulsions. No more stability of principle was observable in Santa Anna than in Bustamante. Both used the constitution of 1824: to push themselves into power, and then bmh cast it to the winds. By the end of 1832 tiiese two generals, after much bloodshed. came to terms, and agreed to unite in support of the said constitution.

March 30, 1883, Santa Anna was declared duly elected president of the Republic of Mexico, and Gomez Faiias, 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 advancement. Dictatorial power was his highest ambition. Farias was the known champion of reform, and Santa Anna absented himseli from the capital to intrigue with bishops and religious orders, leaving his colleague at the seat of powej- to inaiiotirate his new measures, which lie (Santa Anna) knew would foment discord and io(U)und to the discomtiture of tlie instigator and ultimately to his own advaiicenieut.

In less than three weeks after his inaucruration as president, Santa Anna surrendered the office in orilei- to march with a military force airainst an insnrgent army near Tlalpam, uiulur Duran. The petty complications that were soon l>rought upon the scene are too tedious to I'ehite here, and it was during litis state of affairs that Austin visited the capital, as mentioned above. The latter immediately laid his jietitioii liefore Congress, lint its attention was not sei'iously 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 S.m Antonio, recommending that it obtain the concurrence of all other corporations in Texas in a scheme for sejiaration from Coahuila, with the hope that, under the provision of the general law of May 7, 1824:, a local government could be successftilly organize 1, even though the general goveminent 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 S m Antonio council, and on .iCC ount of the hasty lano-uage used at the interview at tin; same time. lie was sent back to ^fcxico, and was in prison eight months, awaiting trial, with no opjiortiinity, much <if tliis time, of co'nmnuicating with the outshle world. lie was not finally liberated until the expiration of nineteen mon'hs. Much has been ^aid pro ft <'oiifj-a by Austin's fiieiids and enemies concerning his actions at this jiei-iod; itut tlie Texans generally belt 've him to have l)een sincere and competent, and probably as judicious as any (.-ther man 'hey could have co:iMnissioned for that errand. Suita Anna see^ned to be a friend of Austin and the Texans, but those knowing his character entertained doubts as to his sincerilv.

The legislature of January, 1834, passed various measures beneficial to Texas. Tne municipalities of Matagorda and S m Atignstia were ci'ea'"eJ; Texas was divided into three departments, the new one o!' IJrazo,-, with San Felipe as its capital, being organized; the English latiguage was permitted to be used in pul)lic alfairs, and an additiotial representative at the State congress allowed; the privilege of purchasing vacant lands was granted to foreig'iers; laws were passed for the protection of the per-ons and property of all settlers whatever might be their religion, and freedom from molestation for political and religious opinions was guaranteeil proviiled public trancjuillity was not disturbed; a supreme court for Texas provided for, and a system of trial by jury.

Tliese libei-al measures had great effect in promoting temporary quiet in Texas, but subsequent events rendered them nugatory to prevent the revolt of t!;e colonists. The hesitating and vacillating action of government kept the people in a state of suspense, and this indeed was about all the unreliable Santa Anna desired. It was a fact, however, that Texas at that time liad not the requisite popii- Lition (80,000), according to law, to justify its erection into a sovereiij;u State; but their treatinent by the general j^overnment was such as to make theni restless.

At the beginning of the i-evolutionary period the colonists were in quite a prosperous condition. Tlicy 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, sugar and all that they needed in the way of produce w^ei'e easily cultivated, and in large quantities. They were contented and happy, but tlu; political sky was beginning to be overcast with dark and portentous clouds. Santa Anna, who had taken the reins of government as a Republican, was getting into full aocurd with the aristocratic and church parly, and v/as preparing to overthrow the Hcpuhlic. lie was ambitious, unprincipled, cruel and treacherous. He betrayed the party which had elevated him to the highest position in Mexico. He still held Austin in continement, who was ignorant of the charges against him. There could be no justifiable accusation against the Texan leader. A few concessions were made 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 victorious everywhere except in Texas, Zacatecas and Coahuila. In revenge for the action of Zacatecas, that State was declared to be in rebellion, and the number of militia was reduced to only one in every 500 persons, the balance being disarmed. Many acts nf n.'^urpatiou wei'e perpetrated upon the citizens of the three sections which had not endorsed Santa Anna at the late election, and finally, that geneial, at the head of about 5,000 men, started for Zacatecas to reduce that Kepublican State to submission. The governor of Zacatecas, Francisco Garcia, was a Republican of high standing, but lacking militai-y experience and ability. He had under him fully as many soldiers as Santa Anna. He evacuated the city and made a stand on Guadalupe plains, and after a bloody battle he was disastrously defeated, losing 2,000 killed or wounded, and the rest taken prisoners. This was a terrible blow to the Republican cause, and in addition Santa Anna was elotlied with unlimited power. He soon used this power by dissolving all State legislatures. The people of Texas were thus left without a civil government. True, tlie political chiefs and alcaldes exercised their functions, but the laws were all of Spanish origin and distasteful to the Americans. Being mostly farmers, the Texans were averse to any warlike measures, if they could honorably be avoided. Some were for submission to Santa Antia, but the slumbering lion in the nature of these hardy border men foreboded a terrible storm when the lion should be aroused by too much prodding from tlie keeper. Santa Anna, in the meantime, was prepai'ing, under cover of collecting j-e\'enue in Texas, for the military occupation of the province. He landed ."jOO men at Lavaca bay, and forwarded them under General Ugarlechea to San Antonio. The customhouse at Anahuac was taken in charge and enormous dues were demanded. So excessive were they that "VV. B. Travis raise 1 a company and captured Captain Tenorio and the soldiers at the custom house. They were shortly after released, a^ the act of Ti'avis was thought by his friends to be too hasty.

A Mexican Ke|)iililiean, Lorenzo de Zivala, had taken refuge in Texas, and Santa Anna, fearing his influence, ordered his arrest; but no one would undertake the task. Another order was sent frinn headquarters to arrest R. M. Williamson, \V. 15. Travis, Samuel M. Williams, IMoseley llaker, F. W. Johnson and John II Jlnore, and a subsequent order included the names of J. M. Carravaiial and Juan Zauibrano. Tlie two last, being Mexican citizens, were carried off; but the job of ariesting the first six persons was considered so dangerous that no officer had the temerity to attempt it. In addition to these Mexican outrages on the Texans, the Indians were becoming troublesome. Merchants and traders were intercepted and killed, and their goods carried off. But these Indian outrages served one important purpose; they gave tiie Texans an excuse for forming companies, procuring arms and drilling ostensibly for operations against the savages, but really to resist the encroachments of the despotic Mexican government. The companies were called "committees of safety," and the,ir business was to disseminate information, secure arms, ammunition, etc. A central committee was also formed, wliich met at San Felipe, and an administrative council was organized. The council sent Messrs. Barrett and Gritton to San Antonio on a mission of peace to General Ugartechea, but nothing was accomplished. Stephen F. Austin, in the meantime, 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 everything peaceful.

Santa Anna still iu-i>fe-sed to have the kindest fre.iugs toWrird the Texans, and he authorized Austin to tell his people th;vt he was their friend, an 1 that he desired their pros [lerily; that he would do all he could tn prwmnte it, and that in the new constitution he would use his i:iilueuce to have couditioii^ therein to give Texas a s]]e'ial orij.iMiz itiou, suited to tlieir elucation and habits. But Santa Anna could be no:hiug but tre.ichfrous, as the treatment of the people in that portion of the State occu])ied by his troojis hut ill accord with his professions of go id will. Citizens were arrested, money forced from tliosi; who fell into the hands of the despot's minions, au'i communities strippe 1 of t.ieir arm-, the soldiers compelling families to sripport them, the attempt to disarm all citizens being a principal feature of tlie [)lanof suiijugation. Captai?! Castena do was sent to Go:iZides to seize a small cannon which had lieen given to the corporation for p"otecti(ju agai ist Indian-;. The citizens were unwilling to [)art with their gun, and prepared to resist the demand of Castenado, who had 150 soldiers to baekhim. A company was oi-ganized, which cipirged tlie Mexicans and put them to flight in disorder. The news of this conflict i-oused a warlike spirit in the Texans. A company was raifod to capture the Mexican garrison at; Goliad. Captain George Collingsworth led the party, and almost without firing a gun the exultant Texans made prisoners of the whole force, about twenty-five, including Colonel Sandoval, besides obtaining 300 stand of arms and military stores to the am iiint of §10,000. The Alexican fort at Li[iautitlan was also captui-eJ shortly after.

Not only had Austin returned, Imt the noted Benjamin \l. Milam had escape I from Monterey and returiie I and joiue i the pati-ioi forces. Austiu, who was a born coranuinder,

The consnltation met October 16, 1835, but there being only thirty one nxeml)ers present an adjournment was made until November 1. November 5 a preamljle and set of resolutions were adopted, in whicli the declaration was made that although they repudiated Santa Anna and his despotic government, they yet clunj^ to the Constitntion of Mexico of 1824. On November 12 an ordinance was passed for the creation of a provisional governuieiit, with an executive council, to be composed of one member from each municipality. Henry Smith was made Governor, and James W. Robinson Lieutenant- Governor. Sam Houston, who, it will be noticed, had figured some little in Texas history since 1832, was selected to command the army to be raised.

General Cos, with 500 soldiers, landed at l*ass Gavallo,in September, 183eO,aiHl marched immediately to San Antonio, when he superseded General Ugartechea. Austin, afttT reaching Gonzales, and effecting a reorganization of the volunteers, started for San Antonio. He reached the Mission La Espada, nine miles below the city, on the 20th. On the 27th, after resting his men, he detachel the companies of Fannin and Bowie, ninetytwo men, to ascen'l the river and if practicable select a more suitable camping ground. Pannin spent that night in a bend of the San Antonio river, near the Conception mission. The point was well chosen, but the Mexicans looked UDon 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 thouo-ht he had a sure thing of it; so he marched out ia tlie mornin>5 and male aii attack. The Mexicans surrounded their supposed prey, and the battle liegan. The Texans with their dea'llv 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 fii'e, in most cases. Tiiis was the first battle of the Revolution, and the loss of tlie Texans was one man - Richard Andrews. The Mexican loss was about sixtj', as everyone of the patriots who fired took aim and usually brought down his man. Austin, in October, moved up about half a mile, on the Alamo ditch, near the old mill, and next day tu within one mile east of the city. He had nearly 1,000 men, l)ut they were ill provided with ai'ms and ammunition of war, and without cannon. He was poorly pre|)ared to attack a larger force than his own in a strongly fortified city. He, however, ^ent to Gonzales for the cannon at that ])hn-e. Then came a number of skirmishes with the enemy and the capture of 300 horses by Kowie. The executive or general council, in view of the lack of funds wherewith to provide the supplies, etc., so much needed at that time, sent Messrs. Austin, Archer and AVharton as Commissioners to the United States, in order to negotiate a loan of $1,000,000 in bonds of §^1,000 each, and the commander-in-chief was authorized to accept tlie services of 5,000 volunteers arui 1,200 regulars. Provision was also made for a navy.

Battle Of San Antonio Histoby Of Texas

lA the men had gone honi'% altlioiigli others were arriving daily; stid, (udy about half the original force rciidnoi. Tliere iKi<] heen al)Out 1,400 meii in llie camp'A at one time; 600 was the imniber on tlie Ist of l)eeemlier, while Cos liad a uiuidi hii'ger force in the ("itj, and was e.\])ectiiig oOO more. Tlio.'-e additional tronps aii-ived in lime to take pai't in the defen.^e of the city. The dcfen-es hail I'Ceii put in or'ier and tlio old fortress of the Alamo on the east side of the river had been rejiaired and fortilied with cannon. The main plaza had l);'cn foriiiied and the stri-ets j barricaded, while tlie adobe house- in t!ie narrow streets afforded shelter for tlie i\[exican soldiers. Many of Burleson's ofncers, in consideration of these facts, were in favor of abandoning the siege. On the 2d of Decnmher it was deciiled to nialve the attack. The force was paraded and a strong address v.as made by Colonel William II. Jack. A call was tlii.'n made volunteers, and 450 men, including the Xew (Orleans Grays, rebponded, the latter under the command of Major li.V. Noii'is. It was decided to make the attack next morning, although many considered ihe project as a hopeless on.e. But three citizens arrived in camp from the city and gave such encouraging news that the next moi-ning Colonel Milam suirge>ie i to Burleson to make the attempt wdule the enthusiasm jvas at its height. He agreed, and Alilam steiip-d in front of Burleson's tent and gave a l(.)uil ami I'inging huznuh^ which, together uiih Ids m;;gnetisni, arousel the whole camp. He .-aid he was giving into San Antonio, an 1 wanted volunteers to follow him. A ready respo}i>e was m ide, and the little binJ. f'oi-ming into two secdons and a.'comj) m eJ by two lield pieces, entered the town bv dilfereiit directions. A de.-ci-iplion of th s fa nous battle has so olten been yivcn that its ut, tails are almost like lionschold words to all Texans. The result was siifHi/.ient almost to place it in the category of one of the "decisive liattles 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 Till. This .sirge ami capture of the strongly protecteil city of San iVntoino de i'exar was all important to Texas. It gave the Mexicans to understand that not in numbers alone consists the strength of an army. Here was a force of undiscijilined tVcr tiersmen, poorly armed and equipped, only a few hundred in nnuiber, attacdvitig a well organized army of regular soldi rs, advancing into their very nddst and forcing them to surrender. Tiie difference in apparent strength of the two forces and the result would appear ridiculous were it not so serious a niat:er. The S]iectacle of a general suidi as Cos .-eenied to be, surrendering to a few Texans, was a scene to he remembered iiy those who tool< part in the siege. But it is the ohi story ot the Anglii-Saxon again>t the licld. He is rarely ever the uniler dog in the fight at the finish.

But, during the time the lighting men were doing such S]ilendid woi-k, the p(diticians were quarreling; nor are we lacking in a more " modern instance " or two, on both sides of Mason and Dixon's line. Goi'ernor Smith vetoed some matters that tlie council had voted, and the council promptly deposed him and placed Lieutenant-Governor Robinson i-n the executive chair. Smith ludd the archives and clainu'd to be go\er!ior still, and there were consc([nently two governors at once; but that state of alfairs is not uncommon in these days. Much other legisla'ive matter of some interest at the time wa- 'ransacted, but it is not now of supreme import- aiice. The main historic facts is what the compiler wishes to eiupliasize in these pages. Several declarations of independence were adopted in different sections of the embryo State, bnt an election was held for delegates to a convention which met on the 1st of March, 1836, and on the second day a committee was appointed to draft a declaration of independence, which was done, and it was iinanimoui-ly passed, Sam Houston offering the resolution that the report of the committee be adopted. Ivicliard Ellis, for whom Ellis county was named, was president of the convention. A constitution was also framed which was adopted Marcli 17, and a government ad interim inaugurated: David G. Burnett, President; Lorenzo de Zavala, Vicepresident, and Sam Houston, Commander-in- Chief of the army in the field.

Zacatecas, and tiie district over which Governor Garcia still hail nominal sway, the remaining portion of old Mexico wherein the Republicans held out the longest, at last fell, Santa Anna having gained a complete victory over the fijrces of the governor. Tijis swept away the last vestige of the liepnblican party in Mexico. Yet Texas was not only holding her own, bnt gaining strength with every day; so Santa Anna determined to subjugate this State. He proposed to send two columns into the pi-ovince, General Urrea being ordered to Matamoras to take one di\ision along the coast to Goliad and Victoria, wliile the president himself, with the main division, would take tlie province by way of Presidio, thence to San Antonio and San Felipe.

The Ai.Amo

Sefior Tornel, Minister of War, giving that official an outline of his plans in reference to Te.vas, which were ''to drive from the province all who had taken part in the revolution, together M'ith all the foreigners wlio lived near the sea-coast, or the borders of the United States; to remove far into the interior tliose who had not taken part in the revolution; 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 entei'ed as colonists under Mexican rules; to divide among the officers and soldiers of the army the best lands, provided they would 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 speakino- English the same, and those speaking Spanish without limit; to satisfy the claims 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, Tornel, issued a general order to all commanders to treat all foreigners (volunteers from tlie United States) as outlaws, to show no quarter, and slay them when taken as prisoners, - in short, to take no prisoners alive. Colmel Ti-avis, with 145 men, who was in the vicinity of San Antonio, on the appi'oach of the in\'ading army, retired to the fortress of the Alanjo, on the east side of the river.

And just here a description of this famous fortre-s, tlie Alamo, and its armament, will be in place; and altb.nigli it has oflen been describe'l, yet the memories surrounding it, glorious thougli sad, eauootbe kept too liesh in the mindj of all who love supreme hero- ism, - the Spartan lieroisin as shown by Travis and liis little hand. '-The main chapel is 75x62 feot, walls ol' solid masoniy, four feet thick and tw-enty-two and a half feet high, roofless at the time of the siege. It fronts to the west toward the city, onehalf mile distant. From the noi'thwest corner a wall extended fifty feet to the convent building. The convent was a two-sti)ry building, with a flat roof, 186x18 feet. From the northeast corner of the chapel a wall extended 186 feet north, thence 102 feet west to the convent, inclosing the convent yard. From the southwest corner of tlie chapel a strongly built stockade extended 75 feet to a building called the prison. The prison was one-story, 115 x 17 fVet, and joined a part of the south wall of the main Alamo plaza, of which the convent formed a part of the east wall; and some low buildinofs, used as a barracks, formed a part of the west wall. The main plaza, inclosed with walls, was 154x54 yards. The different enclosures occupied between two and three acres, - ample ace-omodations for 1,000 men. The outer walls were two and a half feet thick and eight feet high, though as they were planned against the Indians the fortress was destitute of salient and dominant points in case of a bombardment. A ditch, used for irrigation, passed immediately in the rear of the church; another ti inched tlie northwest angle of the main square. The armament was as follows: three heavy guns, planted upon the walls of the church, - one pointing north, toward the old mill ; one west, toward the city; and one south, toward the village of Lavalleta. Two guns protected the stockade between the church and the prison; two protected the prison, and an eighteen-pounder was planted at the southwest angle of the main square; a twelve-pound cannon proti'cte 1 the center of the west wall, and an eight |Miunder was planted on the northwest angle; two guns were plaiUel on the north wall of the plaza, - in all, biurleen in position. Over the (.-hurcli fhntfd the ihig of the provisional governinent of Texas, the Mexican tri-eolor, with the numerals 18:i-l, in place of the eagle in the white stripe."

Tlie siege bi'gan on the ;Jod of February, and so stubbornly did Travis and his men resist the furious onslaughts of the Mexicans that not until Sunday, March 0, did the fail of the Alamo occur, an account of which, briefly told, will here be given: Tiic 'dexicans advanced to the attack at ahout four o'clock in the morning, but the Texans were ready, and poured upon the advancing columns a shower of grape and musket a ,d rifle balls. Santa Anna was watching' the operations from behind a building alxjut -jt)!) yards south of the church. Twice the assailants reeled and fell back in dismay, liallied again by the hrave Coslrellon (who fell at San Ja cinto), according to Filis.ila, the columns of the western and eastern attacks meeting with some difficulty in i-eaching the tops of tlie small houses forming the wall of the fort, did, by a simultaneous movement to the rio-lit and to the left, swing northward until the three colums formed one dense mass, which under the guidance of their ofHcers finally succeeded in effecting an entrance into the enclosed yard. About the same time the column on the south made a breach in the wall and captured one of the guns. This gun, the eighteen-pounder, was immeiliately turned upon the convent, to which some of the Mexicans had retreated. The cannonade on the center of the west wall was still manned by the Texans, and did feartnl execution upon the Mexicans who had ventured into the yard.

But the feeble garrison e(jul(l notion:; bold out ayai'ist siu-h overwhelming niiiubers. Tiavis tell early in the action, shot with a rifle bull in the head. After being shot he had jiiitlicient strength to kill a Mexican who attenipltd to spear him. The bodies of most of the Te.xans were found in the buildings, where hand-to-hand fights took place. The body of Crockett, however, was in the yard, with a number of dead Mexicans lying near hiiM. Bo vie was slain in his bed, anil it is said that lie killeil three Mexicans witii his pi-tiils before they i-eached him after breaking in the door. The church was the last place entered by the foe. It had been agreed that when resistance seemed useless, and suspecting their fate, any surviving Texan should b!ow up the magazine. Major Evans, it is said, was performing this sad dnty when he was killed in time to prevent the explosion. Several Texans appealed to their inhuii'an eai)tors for quarters, but they were cut down without mercy. The butchery -was complete; not a Texan soldier was spared! Two ladies and a negro servant wore the only occunants who remained to tell the tale of the Alamo. Lieutenant Dickinson attetnpted to escape with a child on his back, but their bodies fell, riddled with bullets. 180 bodies of the Texans were collected together and partially buried. The Mexicans lost twice that number.

At the entrance to the State house at Austin, a tine monument has been erected in memory of tlie extraordinary hei'oism of the Texans who fell in tlie battle and massacre of March 6, 1836. On the four sides of the pedestal are the names of Travis, Crockett, Bowie and Bonham. On the north front of the shaft is the following inscription: To the God of the Fearless and Free is Dedicated this Altar, made from tlie ruins of the Alamo; on the west front. Blood of Heroes Ilatli Stained me: Let the Stones of the Alamo Speak, that their Immolation be not forgotten; on the south front, Be They Enrolled with Leonidas in the Host of the Mighty Dead; and on t!:e east. Thermo|)yl£e had her Messenger of Defeat; but the Alamo had None.

Uistort Of Texas Histobt Of Texa.S.

and wure captured and killed. Fannin, in Goliad, on the ll)tli of March, was rein- I'nicfd by tlie Twenty-eighth CavaL'y- He I hen prepared for a retreat; but just at nightfall a large force of the enemy was discovered in the neighborhood, when he remounted his cannon and prepared for defense. The following account of tiie disastrous b:".ttl'! iif Oolita, which followed, is copied from an able historian of Texas: "The morning of the 17tli was foggy, and as no enemy apjieared to be in sight Fannin concluded to make good his retreat. After reaching a point about eight miles away from Goliad, they halted to permit the oxen to graze. They then resumed their march, and were within two miles of Colita creek when a company of Mexican cavalry was discovered in front of them, issuing from a point of timber. Urrea had taken advantage of the fog to get around and in front of Fannin's force. Ilorton's cavalry had gone in advance to make arrangements for crossing the i-tream, and could not get back to their companions. Two charges of Urrea's cavalry were gallantly repulsed by Fannin's artillery, which did great damage to the Mexicans. The fight was kept up till nightfall, when the enemy retired out of range and the Texans prepared for a renewal of the fight in the morning. Their condition was indeed critical. Fourteen of their number had been killed, and sixty others, including Fannin, were wouTided. Urrea received during the night heavy reinforcements. With no ade- (|uate protection, in an open prairie, without water, siirroundeil by an enemy five times their number, what could they do but surrender as prisoners of war? A white flag was raised and the following terms of surrender aureed upon: That the Texans should be treated as prisoners of war accoraing to the usages of civilized nations; that private property should be respected and restored, but side arms of the othcers should be given up: the men should be senttoCopano, and thence in eight days to the United States, or as soon as vessels could be procured to take them ; tlie officers should be paroled and returned to the United States in like manner.

After surrendering in good faith and relying upon the honor, in this case at least, of tiie Mexican general, the prisoners were looking forward to a speedy release, and on Palm Sunday, the 27th, they were expecting to be forwarded to their homes. But alas! vain hope! the treacherous scoundrel to whom they surrendered had broken his military word and was about to place his name in the same category as the Caligulas and Neros and other fiends in human shape. Without warning and under the pretense of starting them homeward, the privates were marched out in four companies, strongly guarded, from the old mission at Goliad, where they had been sent, and where tlie men of Ward's force were also confined, and who, too, met the same fate as Fannin's men. They were taken in different directions, and within sound of the officers, whose fate bad also been decided upon, they were brutally slauglitered! ^ few, by feigning death and lying still till dark, escaped. The otficei's and the wounded, who were still in the fort, were then taken out, and all of them met the same fate as the privates, Fannin being the last to suffer deatli. That Santa Anna, at the close of the victorious revolution, should have been permitted to escape the fate of those brave patriots, has been a hard pill for most Texans to swallow. Ten years later, when he was in command of the Mexican army oppooing General Scott, and when he was I again captured, it was difficult for the Amer- icaii soldiers to kt< ]i their luu d^ (iff tlie hloudthirsty brute, and he had to he >tronLdy iruarded to save liim from tlie veiii'.'aiice of many a grizzled Texan. Nut conttnt with these butclieries. S.iiita Anna, tliinkiiiLi; tiat the cotiqneBt of Texas was eoinplete, gave orders to his snbiirifiiiates to shoot ail prisoners, he himself making preparations to retii'o to the capital. Bnt when lie iieard that a considerable army iimler Houston was still in the field, he, at the solicitation of Almonte and Filisola, concluded to remain and complete his work.

General Houston had heon re-elected commander-in-chief of the army, and had g^ine to Gonzales, with the intention of re-urganizing the forcts, in which he had gieat diiticulty, for the fate of Travis and Fannin and their men caused a great panic when the news became known. Uesides, thirty-two of the citizen soldiers of Gonzales, who had entered the Alamo the night before the battle, were slain, leaving a dozen or more families of that town without a head. A number of desertions also occurred, and the alarm was, indeed, widespread. Then came some movements on the part of General Houston that causeil great criticism of his actidus. There was not a \'ery considerable co'vliality between the commander and the newly inaugurated president, and. in an order to the former from the latter these words were added: "The enemy are laughing you to scorn. You must tight them. You must retreat no fui-ther- The country expects you to light. The salvation of the country depends on your doing 80." The Confederate as well as the Federal generals during the late war, had their ciitics at their respective seats of guvernment, yet the na^nesof Houston, Lee and (irant live on; but w liL-i'e ai'e tlii^y, who were they, who sought to teach those greit soMiers? The battle of San Jacinto was the response of the great Texan to his oIliL-ial, not to say officious supei-ior. And the best report of that decisive battle is cont:an>'(l in the otlieial report of the commander, who, by that one blow to Mexico, secured the independence of Texas, the annexation of our great State to the greatest nation on earth, and tinally led to the acquisition of the vast iiifei'ior region stretching from the Kio Grande to the Facitic ocean:

^'- Sir: - 1 iTgiet extremely that my situation since the b:ittie of the 21st has been such as to prevent my rendering you my official report of the same previous to this time.

"1 have the lion')r to inform you that on the evening of the 18th instant, after a forced march of tifty-tive miles, which was effected in two days and a half, the army arrived opposite Ilarrisburg. That evening a courier of the enemy was taken, from whom I learned that General Santa Anna, with one division of his choice troops, had marched in the direction of Lynch's Ferry, on the San Jacinto, burning Harrisburg as he passed down. The army w'as ordered to be in readiness to march early on the next morning. The main body effected a crossing over Buffalo bayou, below Uarrisbui'g, on the morning of the 19th, having left the baggage, the sick, and a sufficient camp guard in the rear. We continued the march throughout the night, making but one halt on the piairie for a short tiine, and without refreshment. At daylight we resumed the line of march, and in a short distance our scouts encountered those of the enemy, and we received information that General Santa Anna was at JSTew Wasliiiii^ton, and would tliat day take up the line of march for Anahiiac, crossing at Lynch's Ferry. The Texan army halted witldn a half mile of the ferry, in some timber, and were engaujed in slanghtering beeves, when the army of Santa Anna >Tas discovered to be in battle array, having !ieen encamped at Clopper's Point, eight miles below.

"Disposition was immediately made of our forces, and preparations for his reception. He took a position with his infantry and artillery in the center, occupying an island of timber, his cavalry covering the left flank. Tlie artillery, consisting of one doublefortified medium brass twelve-pounder, then opened on our encampment. The infantry in column advanced with the design of charging our lines, but were repulsed with a discharge of grape and canister from our artillery, consisting of two six-pounders. The enemy had occupied a piece of timber within rifle shot of the left wing of our army, from which an occasional interchange of small arms took place between the troops, until the enemy withdrew to a position on the bank of the San Jacinto, about three-quarters of a mile from our encampment, and comnaenced forti. tication. A short time before sunset our mounted men, about eighty-five in number, under the special comniand of Colonel Sherman, marched out for the purpose of reeonnoitering the enemy. Whilst advancing they received a volley from the left of the enemy's infantry, and after a short renconter with their cavalry, in which ours acted extremely well, and performed some feats of daring chivalry, the}' retired in good order, having had two men severely wounded and several horses killed. In the meantime the infantry under the command of Liuutenant-L'olonel

Millard, and Colonel Bxirlesoti's regiment, with the artillery, had marched out for the purpose of covering the retreat of the cavalry, if necessai-y.

"All these fell back in good order to our encampment about sunset, and remaii:cd without any ostensible action until tiie 21st, at half-past three o'clock, taking tlie first refreshments which they had enjoyed for two days. The enemy ifi the meantime extended the riglit flank of their infantry so as to occupy the extreme point of a skirt of timber on the bank of tlie San Jacinto, and secured their left by a fortilication about fi\-e feet high, constructed of packs and baggage, leaving an opening in the center of their breastwork, in Vihich theii' artillery was placed, their cavalry on their left wing. About nine o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were reinforced by 500 choice tri.'ops, under the command of General Cos, increasing their effective foi-ce to upward of 1,500 men, whilst our aggregate force for the field numbered 783. At half- past three o'clock in the evening I ordered the officers of the Texan army to parade their respective commands, having in the meantime ordei'cd the bridge on the only road communicating with Brazos, distant eight miles from our encampment, to be destroyed, thus cutting off any possibility of escape. Our troops paraded wdth alacrity and spirit, and were anxious for the contest. Their conscious disparity in number seemed oidy to increase their entliusiasm and confidence, and heightened their anxiety for the conflict. Our situation afforded me an opportunity of making the arrangements for the attack, without exposing our designs to the enemy.

The flrst regiment, commanded by Colonel Burleson, was assigned the center. The sec- (uid regiment, under the command of Colonel Sherman, formed the left wing of the army.

Histobt Op Texas

'J'lie artillery, iinilei- t^ptcial cuiniiiaiid of ('i)lonel George AV. Hockley, Iiispee.tor-Gencral, was placed on the right of the first reijiinciit; and tour companies of infantry, under tlie coiinnand of Lieuteiiant-Cohmel Henry ^fiUard, sustained the artillery upon the right. ' )iir cavalry, sixty-<ine in mini her, coinuianded hy Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar (wliose gallant and daring conduct on the pre\ious day had a!lr:icted the admii'atiou of his CDmrades, and called him to the station), placed on our extreme riglit, complete 1 our line. (.)ur cavalry was despatrlied to tlie fi-unt of the enemy's left, fur the purpose of attrarting their notice, whilst an e.\tensive island of timber afforded us an opportunity of concentrating our forces and displaying ffoin that point, agreeably to the pi'evious design of ttie troops. Every evolution was perfnrmed with alacrity, the whole advancing ra[)idly in line, and through an open prairie, without any jjrotection whatever for our men. The artillery advanced and took station witiiin 200 yards of the enemy's lireastwork, and commenced an effective tire with grape and canister.

"Colonel Sherjian, with iiis regiment, having commenced the action ii|)on our left wing, the whole line, at the center and on the right, advancing in double-quick time, rung the war cry,' Reinember the Alamo!' received the enemy's fire, and advanced within point-blank shot before a piece was discharged fi'om our lines. Our lines advanced without a halt until they were in possession of the woodland and the enemy's breastwork, the right wing of Burleson's and the left of ]\[illai-d's taking possession of the breastwoi'k, ou.- artdlery having o-allantly charged up witliin seventy yards of the enemy's cannon, when it was taken by our troops. Tlie conflict lasted ah lut eighteen minutes from che time of close action until we were in po^ses^ionof the enemy's encampment, taking one piece of cannon (loa<led), four stand of colors, all their camp ecpiipage, stores and baggage. Our cavalry had charged and routed that of the enemy upon the right. and given pursuit to the fiigiti\es, which did not cease until they ai-rived at the bridge which I have mentioned hefore. ('ap'ain Karnes, always among the foremost in danger, commanded the pui'sners. 'i'lu^ conflict in the breastwork lasted but a few moments; many of the troops encountered iiund to hand, and, not having the advantage of bayonets on our side, our riflemen used their pieces as war clubs, breaking many of them olf at the breech. The roul commenced at half- past lour, and the inirsuit by the main army continued until twilight. A guard was then left in charge of the enemy's encampment, and our army returned with their killed and wounded. In the battle our loss was two killed and twenty-three wounded, six of whom mortally. The enemy's loss was 630 killed, among whom were one general officer, four colonels, two lieutenantcolonels, five captains, twelve lieutenants: wounded, 208, of whom five were colonels, three lieutenant-colonels, two second lieutenant-colonels, seven captains, one cadet; prisoners, 730; President-Cienei'al Santa Anna, General Cos, four colonels (aids to General Santa Anna), and the colonel of the Guerrero battalion, are included in tlie mnnber. General Santa Anna was not taken until the 22d, an:^ General Cos on yesterday, very few having escaped. About 600 muskets, 300 tabres and 200 pistols have been collected since the action; several hundred mules ami horses were taken, and nearly §12.000 in specie. For several days previous to the action our troo])s were engaged in forced marches, exposed to excessive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad roads, ill suiiplied with rations and clothing; yet, amid every diffi-

" Pievious to and during the action my staff evinced every disposition to be useful, and were actively engaged in their duties. In the conflict I am assured thej demeaned themselves in such a manner as proved them worthy members of the army of San Jacinto. Colonel T. J. Rusk, Secretary of War, was on the field. For weeks his services had been highly beneficial to the army; in battle he was on the left wing, where Colonel Sherman's command first encountered and drove the enemy; he bore himself gallantly, and continued his efforts and activity, remaining with the pursuers until resistance ceased.

"I have the honor of transmitting herewith a list of all the officers and men who were engaged in the action, which I respectfully request may be publislied, as an act of justice to the individuals. For the commanding general to attempt discrimination as to the conduct of those who commanded in the action, or those who were commanded, would be impossible. Our success in the action is conclusive proof of their daring intrejiidity and courage; every officer and man proved himself worthy of the cause in which he battled, while the triumph received a luster from the humanity which characterized their conduct after victory, and richly entitles them to the admiration and gratitude of their general. Nor should we withhold the tribute of our grateful thanks from that Being who rules the destinies of nations, and has in the time of greatest need enabled us to arrest a powerful invader while devastating our country.

The condition in which Santa Anna wa? when captni'cd was in accordance with the actions of all bloodthirsty cowards when entrapped by those tljey have wronged. He had torn from his body his gaudy uniform and donned the garb of a common countryman, but lie had forgotten to take from his shirt-sleeves a pair of cuff-buttons, which aroused the keen suspicions of James H. Sylvester, a printer, the man who found the sneaking despot hidden in the grass. The capture, as told by a writer who had knowledge of the facts, are these: "Some of Burleson's men were out hunting for the fugitive, when one of them saw a deer on the prairie looking intently at some object in the tall grass. The man approached the spot and found lying \ipon the grass a Mexican in common garb, but, upon discovering a gold button on his sleeve, took him back to his companions, who conducted him to camp, having no idea of his rank. Santa Anna offered his captors a gold watch to let him off. As the company passed into the camp, the Me.xican prisoners exclaimed, ' El Presidents!' Inquiry was made of General Almonte, who announced that the one just brought in was no less a personage than Santa Anna himself! He was conducted to Houston's camp, and his own officers allowed to remain with him, and his personal baggage restored. Besides Sylvester, who found him and bi'ought him to his companions, the captors were Joel W. Robinson, A. H. Miles and David Cole."

How that little force of 783 Texans. badly equipped, poorly clothed, and half starved, could march out and crush to atoms, as it were, in less than half an hoiir (eighteen mitiutes, says Houston in his report), an army of 1,500 men, splendidly accoutered, ably generated, and comfortably clothed and fed, is iiotliiiifr slidi-t of null velons; and with a los^s of but twd killed in Iniltle and twenty-nine wounded to the victors, a;.';aiast 630 killed and 208 wounded of the enemy, to say iiothiiii^ of the prisonei's; for all, or nearly all, who were not killed or w-onnded, were captured, liaidly a man escaping'! But oli! the Pexans had the fate of those two brave martyrs, Travis and Fantiin, in their minds, and when tlie battle cry of '' Remember the Alamo!" rancr ont as they rushed to battle, every man \\as a Hercules. Ten thousand men couhl not have daunteil tlieii' invincible courage. Tliey knew that defeat meant death to every one of them, and it were better to ilie in harness than to be led out like sheep to the slaughter. They shot anil struck to Ivill. Death had no terror for those piitriot?, and woe l)etide the brutal iSanta Anna had be been caught in the action! He was so sure of victory that it is said that he contemplated with pleasure the close of the tight that he might show his jiower. Every man, Houston and all, of those San Jacinto heroes, would have bei-n immediately shot if tlity wiiuld have Keen so unfortunate as not to !>e killed in battle. Knowing this, how those Texans couhl ha\'e rel'iained from killing this man has always pn.'^zled the friends of liberty. As it was, it was tlie best. Ts'o stain rests ujion the escutcheon of the Lone Star State.

After much controversy, especially in regard to the disposition of the captive President of Mexico, a treaty was entered into by President Burnett and most of hiscaliinet and Santa Anna; but the clause jiroviding for the release of the latter was bilterly objicted to, and at one tiuie the matter iiid fair to be the cause of serious troubles and internal compile;.tions.

were made, e-pccially liy('aj)tain lUirton, who commanded a cumiiany (.if momited rangers. Cavalry does nut seem to be tlit^ bi st arm of the service in naval warfare, but this bold captain used very ingenious stratti^ems to induce passing vessels to stop at (vopano, when his men would step aboard and take possessiou in the name ol the Uepiiblieot Texas.

The Indktkndence Con Vextion

By authority of a resolution adopted December 10, 1835, by the provisional government of Texas, which existed from November, 1885, to March, 183(>, delegates, clothed with plenary powers, were elected February 1, 1836, to meet in convention at Washington, on the Brazos, March 1. The provisional government was comjinsed of Henry Smith, governor; Janu's ^7. It iliinson, vice governor; and a council. At tln'purioloi'the meeting of the convention, tln'couneil had (juarreled with and deposed the governor, and Mr. Robinson was acting go\ernor.

The convention asr-embled at the date above mentioned. The ollirial journal o|:iens thus: -'Convention of all the People of Texas, through their Delegates Elect." George C. Childress of the municipality (county) of Milam, moved that James Collingsworth, ot Brazoria, be called to the chair, which motion prevailed; and Willis A. Farris was appointed secretary pro teiu.

After the roll of memliers was completed, the convention proceeded to the election of president, when Richard Ellis of Tied river (then Pecan Point) was elected unanimously. H. S. Kimble was chosen pernjanent secretary.

On the afternoon of the first day George C. Childress offered the following resolution: That the president appoitit a committee of five to draft a declaration of indepeiideiice, which was adopted, after an offered substitute liad been rejected. The president appointed on tliis committee, George 0. Childress, of Milam, James Gaines of Sabine, Edward Conrad, of Ret'ucrio, Collin McKin ney, of Red river, and Bailey Hardeman, oi Matagorda.

On the second day, March 2, a committee of one from each municipality was appointed to draft a constitution for the (contemplated) Republic of Texas, comprising Martin Palmer (chairman), Robert Potter, Charles B. Stewart, Edwin Waller, Jesse Grimes, Robert M. Coleman, John Fisher, John W. Bunton, James Gaines, Lorenzo de Zavala, Stephen H. Everitt, Bailey Hardeman, Elijah Stapp, William C. Crawford, Claiborne West, James Power, Jose Antonio Navarro, Collin Mc- Kinney, William Menefee, William Motley and Michael B. Menard.

On the same day, March 2, Mr. Childress, chairman of the committee, reported the dr.itt of adeclaration of independence; Mr. Collingsworth was called to the chair, while Mr. Houston introduced the following resolution: That the declaration of independence reported by the committee be adopted, and that the same be engrossed and signed by the deleo-ates of this convention. The question being put, the resolution was unaniuiously adopted.

Declaration Of Independence

When a government has ceased to protect the lives, liberty and property of the people from whom its legitimate powers are derived, pnd for the advancement of whose interests it was instituted; and, so far from* beincr a guarantee for their inestimable and inalienable rights, becomes an instrument in the han;i> of evil rulers for their oppression; v.heti thifeileral republican constitution of their country, which they have sworn to support, no lo'iger has a substantial existence, and tlie whole liature of their government has been forcibly changed, without their consent, fi-om a restricted federative republic composed of sovereign States to a consolidated central military despotism, in which every interest is disregarded but that of the army and the priesthood, both the eternal enemy of civil liberty, the ever ready minions of power and the usual instruments of tyrants; when, long af tei' the spirit of the constitution has departed, moderation is so far lost by those in power that even the semblance of freedom is removed, and the t'oi'ms themselves of the constitution discontinued; and, so far from the petitions and remonstrances beincf disregarded, the agents who bear them are thrown into dungeons, and mercenaries sent forth to enforce a new government upon the point of the bayonet; wlien, in consequence of such acts of malfeasance and abduction on the part of the government, anarchy prevails and civil society is dissolved into its original elements, in such a crisis the first law of nature, the right of self-preservation, the inherent and inalienable right of tlic people to appeal to the first principles and take their political affairs into their own hands, in extreme cases, enjoins it as a right toward themselves and a sacred obligation to their prosperity, to abolish such govei'nment and create anotlier in its steail, calculated to rescue them from impending dangers, and to secure their welfare and happiueos.

Nations, as well as individuals, are amenable for their acts to the public opinion of mankind. A statement of a part of our grievances is therefore submitted to an impartial world in justification of the hazardous but unavoidable step now taken, of severing our political connection with the Mexican people and assuming an independent attitude among the nations of the earth.

Aiigl'-American population of Te.xas to coloiiiz" its wilderness, under tiie ])leilged faith uf a written constitution, lliey should continue to enjoy that constitutional liberty and republican government, to which they had been habituated iu the land of tiieir birth, the United States of America. In this expectation tliey have been cruelly disappointed, inasmuch as the Mexican nation has acquiesced in the late clmno-es made in the govern inent by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who, having overturned the coiistitiitii'ii of his country, now oilers us the ci'uel ahcrnntive either to aliandon our homes, acquire! by so many privation-, or submit to the most iiitcileralile of all tyranny, the combined desjiotism of the sword and the priesthuod.

It has sacrificed our welfare to the State of Coahuila, by wdiich our interests iiave been continually depressed, thi'ough a jealous and partial course of legislation, carried on at a far distant seat of government, by a hostile majority, in an unknown tongue; and this, too, notwithstanding we have petitioned in humblest terms for the establishment of a separate State government, and have, in accordance with the provisions of the national constitution, presented to the general congress a republican constitution, which was without a just cause contemptuously rejected.

It incarcerated in a dungeon, for a long time, one of our citizens for no other cause but a zealous endeavor to pr(jcur8 the acceptance of our constitution and the establishment of a State government.

It has failed and refused to secure on a firm iiasis the right of trial by jury, the palladium of civil lilierty and the only safe guarantee for the life, liberty and property of the citizen.

It has failed to establish any public system of education, although possessed uf almost boundless resources (the ])ublic domains), and although it is an axiom in political science that unless a people are educated and enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of ci\il liberty or the capacity for selt-government.

It has snfte:el the military commandants statiuneil among us to e.vercise arbitrary acts of Ojipression and tvranny, thus trampling upon tlie most saci-ed rights of the citizen and rendering the military superior to the civil power.

It lias dissolved, by force of arms, tlie State Congress of Coahuila and Texas, and obliged our representatives to fly for their lives from the seat of government, thus depriving us of the fundamental political right of representation.

It has demanded the surrender of a number of our citizens, and ordered military detachments to seize and carry them into the interior for trial, in contempt of the civil authorities and in detiance of the law and the constitution.

It has made piratical attacks on our commcrca by commissioning foreign desperaioes and authorizing them to seize their vessels, and convey the property of our citizens to far distant parts for contiscaiion.

It denies us the right of worshiping the Almighty according to the dictates of our own conscience, by the sup])ort of a national religion calculated to proinore the temporal interests of its human functionaries rather than the glory of the true and living God.

It has demanded us to deliver uji our arms, wdiich are essential to our defense, the rightful property of freemen, and formidable only to tyrannical governments.

It has invaded our country both by sea and by land, with the intent to lay waste our territory and drive us from our homes, and has now a large and mercenary army advancino- to carry on against us a war of extermination.

It has through its emissaries incited the merciless savage, with the tomahawk and scalping knife, to massacre the inabitaiits of our defenseless frontiers.

It has been, during the whole time of our connection with it, the contemjitible sjiort and victim of successive military revolutions, and hascontinUHliy exliil)ite I every characteristic of a weak, corrupt and tyrannical government.

These and other grie\aii('es were patiently borne by tlie people of Texas until they reached that point at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue. We then took up arms in defense of the national constitution. We appealed to our Mexican brethren for assistance; our appeal has been made in vain; though months liave elapsed no sympathetic response has yet been made from the interior. We are therefore forced to the melancholy conclusion that the Mexican people have acquiesced in the destruction of their liberty, and the substitution therefor of a military government; that they are unfit to be fi-ee and incapable of self-government.

We, therefore, the delegates, with plenary powers, of the people of Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a candid world for tlie necessities of oiir condition, do hereby resolve and declai'e that our political connection with the Mexican nation lias forever ended, and that the people of Texas do now constitute a free, sovereign and independent republic, and are fully invested with all the rights and attributes Mdiich properly belong to independent nations; and, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, we fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the Supreme Arbiter of the destinies of nations.

Besides the above, tlie I'oUowing were delegates who failed to reach tlie convention in time to sign tlie Declaration of Iiidependeiice: John J. Linn, from Victoria, born in Ireland in 1S02, and came to Texas in 1830; James Kerr, from Jackson, born in Kentucky in 1790, and came to Texas in 1825; and J nan Antonio Padilla, a Mexican from Victoria. Also a few of tliose whose names are given in the table were not present at the signing.

The constitution of the Republic of Texas was adopted at a late hour on the night of the 17th, but was neither engrossed nor enrolled for the signature of the members prior to the adjournment next day. The secretary was instructed to enroll it for presentation. He took it to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was published in one of the papers, from which it was republished in a Cincinnati paper, and from the latter copieil into the Texas Telegraph of August, that year, 188(5, tliis being its first publication in Texas. JS'o enrolled copy having been preserveil, this printed copy was recognized and adopted as aTTtlientic, and became the "Constitution."

During the sitting of tlie convention General Sam Houston took leave of the body in order to take command of the army, then concentrating at Gonzalez.

At eight o'clock on the evenino- of the IStli of ]\[arch, the convention assembled lor the last time, and elected David (t. limnott I'lesidenta^i interim of the Republic, and Lorenzo de Zavala, a patriot Mexican exile, viee-President. They also elected the members of the cabinet, namely : Samuel P.Carson, Secretary of State; liadey Hardeman, Seci'etai-y of the Tjeasury; Thomas J. Eusk, Secretary of

It was once generally b'^lioved in Georgia, that the Lone Star flag was the woi'kmanship of a Miss Troutman, of Crawford county, that State, who afterward mari-ied a Mr. Pope of Alabama; and that she presented the same to a Georgia battalion commanded by Lieutenant-Culonel AVard. It was of plain white silk, bearing an azure star of five points on either side. On one side was the in-cription Liberty or Death, and on the other side the appropriate Latin motto, Vbi Lihertas Ilubitat, ibi Nostra Patria est.

This flag was unfurled at Vehiseo January 8, 1836, and proudly floated on the breeze from the same liberty pole with the first flag of independence, which had just been brought from Goliad by the valiant Captain William Brown, who suliseqnently did such daring service in the Texas navy. Ou the meeting of the first Congress, tlie flag of the Lone Star was adopted as the national Hag of the young republic.

But another authoi'ity denies the Georgian belief, and insists that the first Lone Starflag ever unfurled in Texas was presented by Mrs. Sarah R. Dawson to a company of volunteers raised in Harrisburg, Texas, in 1835, and commanded by Captain Andrew Robinson. The flag was a tri-C(dorof red, white and blue, the star being white, tive-pointed and tet in a ground of red.

Uisiory Of Tex.W.

Texas. This increased syrapatliy immediately began to find ex])re8sioii in public utterances, and naturally the Texnns, by way of syni])atheti'c response, bej^au to talk up annexation to our Union. In view of this general sympathy, President Burnett, May 30, 183(), appointed James Collingsworth and Peter W. Grayson as commissioners to proceed to AVashington and ask tlie friendly aid of our Government in procuring from Mexico tiio recognition of independence, and to endeavor to obtain a like recogjjitioj: from the United States Govsjrnment itself, and also to state that annexation to this Government would be acceptable. The commissioners accordingly presented these matters at Washingtun, but as Congress had just adjourned, no action was taken. President Jackson sent Ilenry M. Morlit to Texas to inform himself and report as to the military, political and civil condition of the people there. He accordingly made his report, stating that Texas had a population of 58,500 souls, and expressing surprise that that country had carried on a successful war so lung, against so great odds, at so little expense. He estimated that the probable total amount of her outstanding debts did not exceed $1,250,000.

Gorostiza, the Mexican minister at Washington, representing a displeased government, maintained that the United States had violated neutrality during the preceding struggle, naming the instance of United States soldiers fighting on Texas ground, etc.; but this was explained by the United States officers on the ground that they were only fighting hostile Indians, who had invaded our territory, excepting that General Gaines at one time occupied Nacogdoches, and at another took Fort I'arker, on the head-waters of the Navasotn.

rie repeated his representations, and, notsatistied with the assuiaiu'e of uur Government, - tliat the measures adopti'd were of a temporary and purely defensive character, - declared his mission at an end, October 15, and left f.ir home. Thus ended diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cy .lulv the Texan army had increased to 2,300 men, and the commissioneis - Austin, Archer and "Wharton - returned from Washington, reportit\g tliat they had aronsed much sympathy in the United Slates. ()nthe23d of this month, assured of tran:|uillity fwr a time by internal dissensions in iL-xico, President Itnrnett issued a jiroclaination foi' the election of jiresident, vice-pretident and senators and representatives in Congi'ess, on the first Monday in October. The election officers w'ere also requested to obtain from each voter his sentiment as to constitutioiud amendments and annexatinn to the United States.

For the presidency three candidates were nominated, - Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston and Henry Smith, late governor. Houston at first declined, but as the other two candi<lates represented factions, it was finally decided that he, being neutral as to them, should be retained as a candidate; and he was elected by a large majority. Mirabeau B. Lamar was elected vice-president. The constitntion already drafted was adopted almost unanimously, as also the proposition of annexation.

Early Leoislation

The first Texan Congress met at Columbia October 8, and the following day President Burnett delivered his message, a long document, describing particularly the deficiency of their army and navy, the judicial system, (itc. After endeavoring to his utmost to con- ciliate the Indians, Houston loft Nacogdoi-'lies for Columbia, arriving Octol'er U; l)ut according to the constitntion he could not commence tlie duties of his olKce nntil the second Monday in December. However, as both President Burnett and Vice-Prosident Zavala were both equally willing to retire from ofHce, and sent in their resignations, Congress considered it judicious to inaugurate the new president inniu'diateiy.

In his inangnral address Houston insisted upon liarniony between the legislative and executive departments of the government, as the situation was peculiaidy a delicate one; recommended that the friendsliip of the Indians be obtained by treaty and a strict maintenance of goofl faith with them; urged ab stinence from all acts of aggression, and the establishment of commerce with the different tribes; contrasted the barbarous mode of warfare practiced by the enemy with the humanity and fo;'l)e:U'aiice displayed by the Texans in the hour of victoiy, citing the fact tliat tlie moral effect of such conduct had done more toward the liberation of Texas than thede'eat of the army of veterans, and dwelt upon the question of annexation to the United States, - a consummation unaninionsly wished for by the Texan people, who were cheered l)y tlie hope that they wonhl be welcomed into the great family of freemen. General Lamar, as president of the Senate, delivered an address breathing lie same spirit and dep.-ecating party antagonism.

According to the s])ir!t of the above speeches. President Houston ajipoiiited as members of his cabinet emine:it men from the principal parties. Stephen F. Austin was made secretary of State; Henry Smith, secretary of the ti'easury; Thomas .1. Uusk, of war; S. Rhodes Fisher, of the na\'y; liobert Burr, postmaster general, and J. Pinckney

On November 1(3 Congress empowered the president to appoint a minister to the Unitid States, to negoti:ite with tiiis government for the recoo-nition of the indei>en(I'iu-e id' Texas and her annexation to this rejiuldie. The pre.-ident accordingly appointed William H. Wharton to that position.

A writer relates an interesting anecdote in this connection. It seems that Wharton, by being tendered this appointment, felt that the pre-ident was endeavoring to send him into honorable exile, to get him out of some oner's else vvay. Houston did not hear of this till some months afterward, when three commissioners were to be appointed to purchase a navy. John A. Wharton, brother of William H., was one of the candidates, and, to the surprise of many, was not ap|iointed. Meeting the latter after his return from the United States, the president could not refrain from delivering a home thrust, stiying, "1 did not appoint John A. Wharton one of the three na\al commissioners, because I did not wish to drive any more of the Wharton family into exile!"

This Congress also ordei'ed the issue of bonds to the extent of ^5,000,000, to bear interest at ten per cent, and bo redeemable in thirty years. Two commissioners were appointed to negotiate these bonds, $1,000 each, either in the United States or Europe, and holders were to be allowed the privilege of purchasing public lands of the Republic at the lowest government price, ])ayable in bonds.

This Congress continued in session until the close of December, passing many beneficial laws and performing many embarrassing duties. Provisions were made for the increaae of the navy, by the purchase of a twenty- four gun sloijp of war. two ai'ined steam vessels and two eleven-gun schuoiiers. Kules and articles were establislied for the government of the army and navy, the army to be reorganized by tiie pi'e.-ideiit; measures were adopted for the protection of the frontier and for the national defense by the organization of militia; courts were also established, and their powers defined; revenue provided for by import duties; salaries of the government officers established, and a general post office and land office created. A national seal and standard for the Re]inblic wei'e adopted. The seal consisted of a single star, with the letters Republic OF Texas in a circular line on the seal, which also was circular. The national flag was to have an azure ground, with a lai-ge golden star central.

This first congress also chartered a gigantic company, called the Texas Ilailroad, Navigation & Banking Company, with a capital stock of $5,000,000, etc.; but this met with considerable opposition, and the comjiany, not being able to raise the million dollars required for their \yA\\k, went down.

The boundary line of the young repuldic was thus dt'Kned by this congress: From the mouth of the Sabine to tiie mouth of the Rio Grande, thence up the pi'incipal stream of the latter to its source, thence due north to the forty-second degree of latitude, and thence along the boundary line as defined in tlie treaty between the United States and Spain, to the beginning. But this line includeJ the greater and best portion of New Mexico, to wdiich Texas had no right, and she had afterward to recede from it.

At the opening of the new year the pecuniary situation of Texas was very gloomy. Although the country was temporarily relieved from invasion, it was still tln-eatened by the old enemy. In respect to agriculture it had somewhat recovered from the widespread desolation brought upon it by the wars and unfriendly legislation of the old government, but still much land remained abandoned, and the people were all poor. The army was in good condition, but not the navy. Outside encouragement, however, began to be manifest. It was morally certain not only that the struggling republic would ' soon be recognized as a nation by the United States, but tliat also from this country there would pour forth a stronger emigration to the new-born land. Of course, no public measure can be adopted without its bearing hard on some parties, but these hardships are seldom as great as feared. Some Northerners ol)jected to the aimexation of Texas to the old Union because it was spreading slave territory; others, because their ti-ade would be interfered with by a new application of tlie tariff laws, etc. President Jackson himself was personally in favor of recognizing Texan independence, but as president he made the following statement: Pi'udence therefoi'e seems to dictate that we should still stand aloof and maintain our ]iresent attitude, if not until Mexico itself or one of the great foreign powers shall recognize the iudej)endence of the new government, at least until the lapse of time or the course of human events shall have jiroved, beyond cavil or dispute, the ability of the people of that country to maintain their separate sovereignty and to uphold the government constituted by them." The senate of the United States, on March 1, 1SB7, parsed a resolution recognizing the independence of Texas, but negotiations for anneNation were not listened to by the government. l)Ut soon afterward the Texan mitiister w'as lecognized at Washington, and Alcee Labranche was appointed by the presi dent as charge d'affaires to the new republic,

Williani H. Wliarton, on liis return from Washington on tiie ship Indepenileiice, was captnred by tiie Mexicans, conveyed to Matamoras, with others, and east into prison. His brother, Jolni 11. AVharton, liaving obtained permission and a flag, proceeded thither with tiiirty Me.xican prisoners, lio])ing to effect liis rek'ase; but on arrival he was seized and tlirown into a dungeon. Williani II. Wharton, with the aid of Cajitaiii Tlionipson, of the Mexican navy, e.^eaped and reached lioirie; and John H. also escaped after an imprisonment of si.x days. Thompson, who had agreed to desert the enemy's service, had previously left Matamoras, his departure being hastened by information given against him to tlie authorities.