Talk:Texas Revolution/Davis


 * originally published 2004 by New York: Free Press

first half
p 16 word filibuster likely from dutch vrijbuiter, which meant pirate Philip Nolan considered one of the first

p 19 the de las Casas revolt was "a milestone. For the first time, Texans themselves, both Spanish-blooded creoles and mestizos, acted as a regional people rather than as castes"

"the first time that Texas was seen as something more than an appendage to a larger entity"

p 28 Jean Robert Marie Humbert young officer in French Revolution served in NApoleon's army - led an expedition to take Ireland but was forced to surrender in 1802 Napoleon sent him to Santo Domingo to quell the rebellion there - not successful 1813 he went to US, possibly under NApoleon's orders to start or help the revolutions in Spanish territories so that Spain wouldn't be able to go to Britain's aid told US govt tht he could raise an IRish army to sieize Canada for the US - was ignored they said he would set up a military academy to teach Napoleon's tactics - US told him to go to LA and help with the revolutionaries there

went to NO and for 10 years involved in each plot to take Texas from Spain

p 29 probably had a loose deal with the LAffites to use their ships to transport the 1500 volunteers he said he had did not work well with many of the others trying to organize expeditions to texas - more like a rivarly

marched his army overland to Natchitoches and then formed a provisional govt for "Internal PRovinces of MExico" - but not yet in Mexico his followers walked a few hundred yards into TX and elected Juan Picornell as president

p 31 Humbert "understood the international ramifications of the Texas quest and the MExican Revolution in ways" that many of the other filibusters did not

p 33 by summer 1814 Humbert hatched a plan with Gutierrez to land along Texas coastline G. couldn't raise enough money and the plan wasn't kept secret the Lafitte's Barataria base raided

"the naval attack was motivated only in part to arrest the suggling. It also reflected the deisre of Commodore Daniel Patterson, who planned an dled the attack, to profit personally from the enormous haul of ships and goods taken that he was then able to sell for his own profit as legitimate siezures"

p 34 The New Orleans Association (businessmen and lawyers in town) were interested in the profits that culd be made and talked with G. about supporting his efforts Humbert resurrected his own plan and published it in a broadside - so Spanish agents new what he was doing

p 38 Louis Michel Aury, a privateer, established a base at Galveston to help out - he would provide ships since the LAfittes didn't have many anymore Humbert brought 160 men to Galveston Humbert was to help with the naval planning

p 39 Lafitte's ties to the NO associates helped him to take control over Galveston, even though they had not authorized him to do so

p 41 "Arguably, no one in the whole convoluted arena of Texan-Mexican-Spanish affairs in the Gulf wove a web more tangled than Jean Laffite's"

p 44 Galveston had as many as 200 men and women unde rLafitte "most extensive smuggling enterprise on the continent"

Spain was worried that hte LAfitte smuggling operation was drawing US attn towards Galveston, and they were afraid that if US took the base to clear out the smugglers they would stay

p 45 After Adams-Onis treaty signed, many angry that US was giving up Texas Long was "spokesman for the disgruntled in NAtchez" Many began gathering to invade and take Texas Long elected to be their general - he had been a surgeon in War of 1812 half a million dollars in pledges Natchez paper said "Never was a more propitious moment for effecting their purpose" late Jun (1819), 75 men had gathered, including James Bowie and Ben Milam advance party of 120 unde rEli Harris crossed Savine on June 8 rest joined them in Nacogdoches two weeks later

p 46 June 22, the combined force declared a new govt with Long as president and a 21-member Supreme Council June 23 they issued a declaration of independence, modeled after US one, with a list of grievances, including "Spanish rapacity" and "odious tyranny" promised religious freedom and freedom of press and trade

Long thought US had purchased texas and shouldn't be giving it up each man given 10 sq miles of land in Texas and the council authorized more to be sold at low prices to raise cash

by late July had 300 men total

p 47 Jose Felix Trespalacios had a small number of ships, transporting volunteers under Milam to Vera Cruz

beg of July, Lon gsent a note to Lafitte - wanted to est an admiralty court at Galveston and offered Laffitte commision as gov of GAlveston

Laffite gave lots of excuses and promised a lot while getting a lot of info from Long that he passed on to the Spanish

July 16, Spanish Consul in NO warned viceroy in Mexico City - "I am fully persuaded that the present is the most serious expedition that has threatened the Kingdom"

Long est tradng houses near Anahuac on Trinity and Brazos Rivers in NAcogdoches, they started first English-language newspaper in the province, the Texas Republican - lasted one month (August)

p 48 given lots of press in NO - emphasized that they weren't just trying to grab free land, but wanted to est a free democratic govt

p 49 discipline breaking down, and men began going home (including Bowie) Since Lafitte didn't provide help, Long's men had to forage for food, so they were dispersed

in Sept, Lafitte sent two emissaries to Long to draft an agreement - Oct 9 concluded, and Jean was commissioned governor and Galveston named a port of entry for their new govt

Spain sending 500 men to wipe them out - they captured a few of Long's men at a outpost on the Brazos Oct 26, Spanish were 2 days from Nacogdoches, so Long withdrew his men to the Sabine Spain caught 30 of them; the rest fled to Natchitoches

p 50 some of the men fled to Galveston - Pierre promptly let Spanish know of them

Pierre's attempts to get the Spanish to send a force may have been to get " a legitimiate flag for Galveston to discourage American attempts to force out the privateers"

Long's men settled on Bolivar Point -Lafitte exchanged ammunition for food Long arrived there April 6, 1820

p 51 Long raised money to equip another expedition, but US arrested 50 men as they tried to join him men paid in scrip rather than coin by Dec 1820, fewer than 50 me on Bolivar Point

p 60 Austin's original colonists - he had a lot of applicants, and picked only the ones he thought would be hard workers unlinke settlers almost anywhere else, they were better off, bringing something with them from the east 1/4 owned slaves (Jared Groce had 90) all but 4 of the men could read and write - unheard-of literacy

overwhelmingly Potestant and were uneasy about being ruled by Catholics most felt strongly about property and personal liberty because they were literate, "they absorbed and spread the knowledge and news always essential to uniting people to a common purpose"

p 63 When Coahuila y Tejas formed, Texas got only one representative in the state legislature Texas had had their own governor when a province - now no more state legislature dissolved the permanent Texan deputation to MExico City demanded all archives be sent to COahuila lot sof outrage among tejanos soon agreement that there could be a subordinate governor in Bexar were eventually granted 2 more seats in the legislature

p 64 most immigrants to tExas came from southern US - where racism pretty rampant this transferred from blacks to Mexicans - many tejanos had significant native american blood

p 67 Austin's civil and legal code provided for trial by jury - MExican law did not added a section on dealing with slaves borrowed from many of the US slave states - Mexican law didn't allow slaves anywhere else Austin "exercised decidely undemocratic authority"

p 70 Edwards and his brother had permission to settle 800 families in area around Nacogdoches many of the tejanos did not have their original land documents any more (had lived there for generations), and Edwards refused to recognize their right to the land

Dec 1825, election to elect an alcade he put forth his son in law; the older settlers put forth Samuel Norris son in law got the votes, but the others appealed to political chief Juan Antonio Saucedo - said that the victor's votes came from outside colony Saucedo threw out the election results and declared Norris the winner Edwards refused to acknowledge that, and after some tension, MExico City revoked his grant in summer 1826

Nov 22, 39 of the colony's men, led by MArtin Parmer, invaded Nacogdoches an darrest Norris and the commander of the small MExican garrison there

p 71 set up a fake court and tried them on charges of corruption - found all guilty, and sentenced them to loss of their offices Saucedo sent soldiers to put this down

Austin wrote to edwards ,"It appears as tho. the people in your quarter have run mad or worse" Dec 16, the men returned to Nacogdoches Dec 21 signed declaration of independence for Fredonia sent emissaries to Cherokee Indians and to Austin Austin responsed, "You are deluding yourselves and this delusion will ruin you"

p 72 Jan 1, 1827 Austin announced to his colonists that "infatuated madmen at Nacogdoches have declared independence"

he asked for volunteers to help put down that revolt, and much of his colony joined him some within Edwards' colony were dismayed by his actions and skirmished with his supporters

Fredonian flag said "Independence, Liberty, Justice"

Edwards sent messengers to LA, but US was not about to send military aid soldiers got there on Jan 31, 1827 - most of them had fled for the Sabine

p 76 after Laws of April 6, 1830 passed, Austin wrote to Bustamante that they seemed written to destroy his colony the laws "lead to what is was intended to prevent, armed outbreaks of protest"

p 77 both tejanos and anglos disliked the 1830 laws the 2 representatives in the state legislature were both tejano - bpth spoke out against the laws, but the other legislators were angry that they opposed the rules one of the legislators soon expelled

this caused Austin to, for first time, declare that Texas should be its own state Austin began trying to get an exemption for his colony

p 78 laws included ban on commercial trade by non-Mexicans ban on further importation of slaves

SFA got exemption from immigration ban for his colony SFA elected to fill seat of the ousted representative so had to leave his colony in Dec 1830

Mexico as a whole on verge of civil war - SA making plans to overthros Bustamante

p 79 somehow, 2 small cannon made it to Brazoria - SFA didn't know how, but when Mexicans found out they weren't happy Bradburn offered to purchase them for his garrison, and Austin agreed

p 83 Anahuac - Travis and Jack imprisoned for 50 days treated well by Bradburn Travis and JAck tried to encourage further resistance shortly after arrested, tried to smuggle a letter to David G Burnet, asking Texians to "come and rescue them from the claws of [blood]thirsty, ra[s]cally and convict soldiers"

Bradburn intercepted the message Bradburn was going to send them to MAtamoros, likely for trial for attempted insurrection to make Texas independent from MExico - that was treason that resulted in execution

Bradburn wa sinterviewing potential witnesses to get statements, and not allowing Travis/Jack to interview them

p 84 June 10, Johnson and several negotiators rode into Anahuac Bradburn feared they wanted more than just to free the prisoners - that they were starting a revolt he had Travis/Jack taken out and tied on the ground with muskets trained on them Bradburn said he'd shoot the men if the others tried to attack; Travis yelled at Johnson to go ahead and attack, he'd die

p 86 Bradburn had "overreacted and made heroes of two local malcontents whose actions their own people otherwise had not been much inclined to sanction"

after Piedras got back to Nacogdoches, found that other communities were coming out in support fot Santa Anna

in Nacogdoches, militias were being formed; Piedras ordered them to surrender their arms and disperse the ayuntamiento frefused to act and organized its own militia - asked other colonists to come to help some came from 50 mi away; bu July 31 300 men had gatheres a few miles east of Nacogdoches James W Bullock elected leader Aug 1, they told Piedras to lift his order and declare in favor of Santa Anna; he said no August 2, the militia entered Nac

p 87 Mexicans opened fire and cavalry charged lots of the Texians left, but 100 took refuge in the nearby houses and advanced house by house all day 33 Mexicans killed and 17 wounded; Texian losses - 4 dead and 6 injured

Piedras thought he'd be surrounded by morning so ordered a retreat after nightfall threw all arms they couldn't carry down the wells

p 88 Austin had been worried about the uproarr and aksed James Bowie to go take a look and see if he could calm things down at Nac Bowie arrived same night Piedras left no one discovered that Mexicans were gone until morning Bowie took chage, got 20 mounted volunteers, and chased the Mexicans who were on fight ambushed at the Angelina river - killed one Mexican, rest fled

all day, they followed the Mexicans and had brief skirmishes August 4 morning, Bowie demanded that Piedras surrender

p 89 Piedras wanted to fight; his soldiers mutinied, and agreed to Bowie's terms Bowie disarmed them and led them back to Nac the to San Felipe

no mor eMexican soldiers in eastern texas allowed for more political activities

because they all claimed to be working for santanistas, they didn't get in trouble - got more freedoms for themselves, with no soldiers to oversee things

p 90 Travis moved to San Felipe many moved to Bexar, and Anglos there called for a convention of represenatives to decide what to do next

p 91 Austin had been in Saltillo whent eh call went out when he got home, too late to stop it Oct 1, 1832 55 delegates representing 16 colonies and communities first attempt to get together Texians from each of the colonies at once to discuss their common goals

no tejano leaders came, alhtough some were invited Bexar and Victoria sent no delegates political chief in Bexar, RAmon Musquiz, said they could not participate because this was an illegal gathering under MExican law - protests should go to ayuntiamento, which could forward to other authorities

Austin and Wharton both nominated for president of the convention, Austin won

p 92 the major hotheads weren't elected - Bowie and Travis Patric Jack was there, and William Wharton came from Victoria Rafael Manchola, onl delegate from Goliad and only tejano sent to convention, arrived after it was adjourned

met for 6 days in San Felipe their concerns: exemption from customs duties extended to 1835 (encourage economy) means to control the corrupt customs officers they had seen asled for a repeal of portions of Law of April 6, 1830 that stopped immigration wanted to make land title issuance faster and more efficient wanted to sell some public domain lands to raise money for bilingual schools wanted permission to raise a militia (ostensibly for protection from Indians_	wanted Texas to be its own state

also agreed to create a 17-member committee to convene future meetings created committees of correspondance in each municipality

p 93 convention adjourned Oct 6 Wharton and MAnchola, who had just arrived, elected to bring the resolutations to the legislatur ein sSaltillo and to the MExicna congress in Mexico City

Austin on Oct 10 said, "We have just had a convention of all Texas, native MExicans and foreign settlers - all united as one man" not true

p 94 austin believed that much of the public was calmed by having the convention - not as much disquiet

Nov 7, Musquiz said the convention was illegal and annulled its resolutions no point in Wharton and MAnchola going south

Austin relieved

many tejanos agreed with the resolutions, just not the method by which they were being proposed

Bexar ayuntiamento agreed to draft a petition with similar resolutions (done Dec 19) and forward it properly agreed that if no change by the spring, the texians should make their own state govt and ignore Coahuila - they would say they had been ignored

p 95 the new petition endorsed by ayutniamentos at Goliad, San Felipe, Nac

in Sept, the gov had died, and Veramendi promoted and mopved to Saltillo he dissolved centralist legislature and called for new elections

Bustamente resigned at end of year SA entered Mexico City Jan 3,m 1833

the central committee that the convention had elected thought the Bexar people too slow just before Christmas issued a call for MArch elections for a convention to meet in San Felipe APril 1, 1833

p 96 most of the men elected this time were on the side of wanting action, not waiting to see what Mexico did

William Wharton elected president - he was not consertavie

50+ delegates, incl some from San ANtonio (Bowie was one of Bexar's delegates)

Wharton's election, per Davis, "a pubilc declaration that while Austin was still respected, his moderate course would no longer be followed"

San felipe delegate included Patrick Jack Nacogdoches elected newcomer Sam Houston

p 97 convention opened with lots of speeches from peopple who felt wronged by Mexico claimed that Anahuac disturbances were because of a single tyrant, not to resist Mexico, and that they expelled the other garrisons because those were oppressors

Houston argued that ,"'Santa Anna was only a name used as an excuse for resistance to oppression'"

many believed Mexico was in too much turmoil to rule Texas many said texas would not be bound by Mexican laws since they didn't have any representation (ignored fact that they were represented as part of Coahuila y Texas) Davis compares this to no taxation without represenation

only solution, in their mind, was to become a separate state

Austin reviewed the events of the past year in Mexico and Texas - the central committee had asked him to prepare that the review included a list of the grievances, complaint about "inefficiency of their current system of political and judicial administration within the province", and argued that needed a separate state pointed out that 1824 const did give Texas parameters under which they could become a separate state

2nd day of convention, Austin told a friend, "We are now able to sustain A State Govt. and no country ever required one more than this"

Austin also presented a proposed outline for a new state constitution the committee in charge of this was led by Houston

because Houston was a friend of US President Andrew Jackson, had served in US Army, Congress, and as TN gov, his opinion was highly valued

p 98 modeled constitution on Maryland const of 1780 - one of the delegates had a copy, so it was easiest to do that

state govt would have a house and senate governor serves 2-yr terms judiciary branch with supreme court, district courts, and others all males over 21 could vote 27-article bill of rights guaranteed trial by jury (Mexican system was trial by alcalde) free speech and assembly did not include freedom of religion (new thaqt would really upset) called for free public schools monetary system within state "based on hard specie and banning unsecure paper currency"

Burnet chaired committee to draft a statement to Mexican Congress to describe how their model would benefit

const must more based on American law and traditions than those of Mexico

convention also called for abolishment of April 6, 1830 law asked for better defense against Indians more efficient mail delivery extension of customs duty exemption

then passed resolutions that would make more sense coming from a legislature: banned African slave trade (this primarily to assauge Mexican fears) p 99 delegates had the previous resolution printed in papers in Mexican interior, not in Texas (proving who its audience was)

new petition for separate statehood some delegates wanted to go ahead and form the state govt without waiting for Mexican congress to rule on their petition - Austin much opposed compromise - if it looked like the Mexican congress would ignore them, they could do it on their own

convention adjourned April 13

last act was to elect Austin, Seguin, and Dr. James B. Miller to take the resolutions to Mexico City - Seguin's presence indicated tejano support (but Seguin had not been a delegate to the convention)

Austin first stopped in Bexar to let Seguin know what was going on

p 100 in San Antonio, many public meetings to discuss what had happened at the convention (Austin still in town)

many thought that if they could just convince the state govt of Couahuila y Tejas to move to Bexar, they wouldn't need separate statehood (capital had just moved to Monclova from Saltillo - Bowie's father-in-law had spearheaded that move while he was interim governor)

residents said if that wasn't done they'd support separation many Bexar residents still thought the convention was not legal, and that only a legislature - not a convention- could petition the Mexican congress Seguin was only one who supported the call for immediate separation

Austin's words "The people here agree in substance with the rest of Texas, but differ as to the manner, and will express no opinion for, nor against"

Seguin said he couldn't come - "private affairs"

Austin knew that the last year's conventions, when Texians seemed hell-bent on doing things against the wishes of the Tejanos, had cost them support this year

Dr Miller decided not to go too - cholera epidemic in Texas

p 101 he stayed behind to treat the sick

Austin had a lot of prestige in Mexico City, so he went on by himself

rumors of the actions of the convention preceeded him - many in Matamoros thought Texas had declared independence from Mexico and was raising an army

Santa Anna thought to be outraged at uprisnings - and upset that there were "American Generals in texas" 0 meaning Houston

Austin warned that he would not receive a good reception, but he didn't believe it

Jun 1, 1833, Austin sailed from Matamoros to Vera Cruz - arrested 6 months later

p 103 1824 constitution set up states with own governors and legislatures states allowed to handle domestic affairs federal govt handled broader issues, like defense (modeled similarly to US const)

Spain had not recognized Mexico's independence, so constant threat of invasion Mexico had to maintain large military - army had lots of power because of that

p 104 because so much money went to military, not a lot left over for domestic stuff - by 1833 not all damage from the 1810-1821 revolt had been repaired - many bones of humans and animals unburied, many burned villages still in ruins

p 106 Bustamente's policies were increasingly repressive, angering many in Mexico outright resistance in Zacatecas, Jalisco, and Tamaulipas Santa Anna helped lead some of the revolts against Bustamante in 1832

p 107 SA elected president March 1, 1833 after taking office he pled illness and went to Vera Cruz, leaving his vp, Valentin Gomez Farias, in charge

under Farias, people felt the coutnry moved too far to the other end - nationalized some of the large estates of previously powerful people and kicked lots of centralists out of their positions

p 108 army reform was last straw - army close to rebellion, so Santa Anna decided he was well and came back in October and began centralizing things

dissolved congress and most of state legislatures

p 109 announced that 1824 const not in effect and would write a new one

SFA arrived in Mexico City on July 18, 1833

bad timing - several other MExican states had been revolting on minor levels = people looked askance on TX, which had expelled all its troops

much of rest of country seemed to favor more centralized govt - Texas wanted looser

w/in days of his arrival he got cholera - the epidemic forced Congress to adjourn, so no action on his petitions

in Texas, rumors that plans for a 3rd illegal convention unerway to unilaterally declare separate statehood

Oct 2, SFA sent letter to Bexar ayuntiamienot

p 110 letter said that they should talk to other councils across TX and organize a state govt of their own (thgouht this would stop the more radical stuff)

a few days later, Congress repealed immigration ban

3rd week in OCt, SFA told Farias (VP, acting Pres), that Texas would make itself a state if govt did not

Santa Anna rrived days later and met with SFA twice

p 111 Dec 10, SFA left for home arrested in Saltillo on Jan 3, 1834

ayuntiamento on Bexar had forwarded his OCt letter to Caohuila authorities, word reached Mex City after he left

after his arrest, SFA sent letters back home urging calm

p 112 May 1834 - CyT legislature passed law allowing auction of any public land in state (speculators) fed govt said no - doesn't belong to state, but fed, and feared there would be an influx of Anglos

p 113 in MExico, SA retook full power - uproar over Farias's reform began to concentrate power Monclova legis. mostly federalists issued call for special session to decide how t o react in Saltilo, centralists formed their own legis. and chose a new governor, then declared their loyalty to SA secial session called for Aug - copy by local military - SA ruled that Monclova should still be in charge but called for new elections for Dec 1834

p 114 in TX, many thought w/2 legislatures they shouldn't have to follow either one Juan SEguin was pol chief in Bexar - in Oct issued call for new convention

p 117

TX representation in state legislature increased to 3 from 2 (2 of them were Anglos) trial by jury allowed English recognized as an official language the central comm from 1832 happy with these changes

although some, like Travis and Henry Smith, agitated for a new conference, members of the 1832 committee didn't want to - even Johnson an dWilliam Jack, who were usually hotheads, didn't support liked the new reforms

Austin letter to Oliver Jones in May said "Every evil complained of has been remedied. This fully compensates me for all I have suffered"

p 118 some communities did elect delegates for a convention to meet Nov 15 in Bexar, but nothing happened

1832 central comm ruled against a convention, so no meeting in late 1834

radicals included Travis, Jack brithers, Wharton, Bowie, Johnson, Smith, Williamson - many were land speculators all wanted separation from coahuila somerumblings about independence, but not much

pp 118 - 119 may Americans from the south were immigrating many were slaveowners, and now had "resentmens against central authority" due to the 1833 Nullification Crisis

these men agitated for more local control

p 119 larger faction was against the radicals most were older men who had been in Texas longer and who better understood and respected the native Mexicans Austin led this group, also Burnet and others did not want open conflict with Mexico sometimes called?toried"

Smith (alcalde of San Felipe) called for a referendeum on whether to participate in the planned convention few voted; the majority of those who did said no

p 120 relatively quiet in Texas then, which helped Austin Santa Anna returned to Vera Cruz and left Farias in charge again

Feb 1834 SA sent Juan Almonte on an inspection tour of Texas - he was to do reconnaissance on the strength and intentions of Texians and advice govt on how they coul dbe defeated Almonte found that it was mostly quiet, but men were very concerned about Austin's welbeing Almonte recommended tht the Anglos were pacified now and Austin could be released

Christmas Day Austin was granted bail, but required to stay in Mexico City

p 121 Jan 1835 a new Mexican congress convened (after voting), mostly centralists who attacked Farias began raising a large national army to take over the state militia role for defense - shift loyalty of military from state capitals to Mexico city outcry immediate - Oaxaca, Zacatecas and others resisted under the 1824 constitution Zacatecas governor assembled the militia - SA led military forces that easily defeated them in May, then let soldiers loot to teach a lesson

afte this, Santa Anna ruled on his own repealed many of the federalist reforms banished Farias - blaming him for the reforms, and dismantledCongress ordered state legislatured to adjourn and disperse began preparations for a new constitution - wuld be no states, just departments under the central govt, rules directly by men appointed from MExico City

p 122 instead of dissolving, on April 21 Monclova legislature voted to go to a new location, and Viesca ordered that they meet in Bexar (1835) Cos and his soldiers arrived in Monclova and militia confronted them - Bowie was there

Cos withdrew

p 123 May 25, Cos came back, but legislature already adjourned and Viexca camped outside town

June 8, Viesca captured and sent to prison Bowie escaped and rode hard to the Texas settlements to say what had happened - rumors that 3000 soldiers sent to Texas Texas would be reoccupied by the army and ruled from MExico city

p 124 July 20, 1835 a mail rider told Bowie that he had been carrying seal dispatches addressed to Exican consul at NO - they were left in San Augustine for another couier to pick them up Bowie got a few townspeople to agree to a plan - they had someon eelse intercept the package and bring it back, then Bowie called a public meeting where he opened th package and read the letters

accusations of treason against Texians, arrest order for Travis, and info about a prospective military force coming to Texas

p 125 in July, Austin was free to leave Mexico

after Bowie's meeting, some ayuntamientos mobilized their militias other Texians thought Bowie and his friends stirring up trouble just to help themselves make money in land speculation

in Anahuac, cstoms officials began seizing merchandise being imported again Travis called the seizures "piracies and robbings" Mexican newspapers at the time printing rumors that SA planned to restrict or abolish citizenship for Texians

didn't think much of another convention, since SA had proven he was willing to dissolve congresses and legislatures

p 126 June 4, 1835, 20 men, incl Travis gathered at Harrisburg - 40 mi east of Anahuac to decide what to do

agreed to meet on Jun 6 to march on Anahuac and evist Capt Antonio Tenorio and his men along with the customs officers

within next few days word came of Austin's discharge and that Viesca was arrested June 9, Travis urged caution

next day, however, a soldier shot a citizen and Tenorio arrested 2 of the men plotting with Travis

within 2 weeks, Texians intercepted messages to Tenorio that reinforcements were coming San Felipe ayuntamiento met to decide what to do but adjourned without a decision

that evening, some of the other men met and formed a militia

rendezvous point was at Lynch's Ferry, 30 mi oppose Anahuac on Galveston Bay

mounted a cannon on wheels and on June 28 at least 20 men boarded a boat with the cannon - travis chosen as commander sailed across the bay and fired a shot from the ship

Tenorio sent a note asking their purpose, travis requested his surrender

Tenorio asked for a day to think about it (probably thought his reinforcements were close) Travis gave him one hour before that was over he ordered an attack at dusk Travis led it Mexicans had already abandoned the barracks and gone into the woods Texians fired into the woods with the cannon Tenorio sent a note asking for terms

p 127

travis laid out a program for Texas said Texians woudl get Viesca released and make him governor acting from San felipe gave Tenorio 15 min to surrender or they would "put every man to the sword"

this was likely just rhetoric Americans as a whole had always allowed surrender when fighting uniformed soldiers the threat was a dangerous precedent

Tenorio agreed to surrender and handed over all weapons and public property Travis sailed the MExicans to Harrisburg on his ship told everyone he was for "Victory or death"

when he got home, Travis told smith, "This act has been done with the most patriotic motives, and I ghope you and my fellow citizens will approve it, or excuse it"

p 128 lots of unhappy texians travis had acted unilaterally without cunsulting civic leaders accused of trying to cause a revolution

"if anything, it was this Anahuac episode that finally brought the polarizations amon gAnglo Texians into the open."

after this, travis, bowie, johnson, houston, the whartons, etc known as the War party - never called themselves that there were about two dozen of them

p 129 travis called the others a peace-party after this, just like in 1832, there was a clash in Nacogdoches Bowie got to Nac in mid-July found out that local militia already forming b/c they thought Anahuac would cause mexican garrison to be more stern

july 13, 100 men gathered in center of Nac and elected Bowie their leader Bowie marched them to the armory, where they broken in and got weapons local commander Peter Ellis Bean not happy about this either garrison was too weak or they were surprised

Bean told his superiors that he thought Bowie wanted to incite a general rebellion

most of the people in Nac were not willing to fight

p 130 1 week later Bowie intercepted the dispatches talked about earlier at this, many of the peace party people in Nac began to change their minds

as a precaution, the alcalde wanted to make peace with the Comanche so that there would be no fighting ont he nothern border rather than send Houston, who had experience witht eh native tribes, sent Bowie - possibly to get Bowie out of the way

travis published an open letter to Texians asking them to reserve judgement later that month he sent Bowie a letter "Unless we could be united, had we better not settle down and be quiet for a while. God knows what we are to do!  I am determined, for one, to go with my countrymen, 'right or wrong, sink or swim, live or die, survive of perish', I am with them"

Travis wrote directly to Ugartechea that his intentions had been pure

p 131 too late, arrest order on its way August 1 Cos sent an order that "the ungrateful and bad citizen W.B. Travis who headed the revolutionary party" should be arrested

Travis fled and spent several days in hiding

the arrest order angered a lot of Texians- they were mad that Austin had been in prison for a year and didn't want to see any others become political prisoner this, with news that SA would send more soldiers to Texas, made people angry San Felipe refused to act on the arrest order

one of the others ordered arrested, Moseley Baker, said "This military order may justly be regarded as the final success of thw ar party"

editorials in the US began to reflect this July New Orleans Bee said "It is impossible forTexas to remai long under the dominion of Mexico. The character of the Texonians, who are generally emigrants from the United States, is too essentially different from that of the MExicans for them to remain long attached to the uncongenial laws and customs of Texas"

Austin reached NO soon after that was printer; he was embittered and disillusioned and ready to be in war party

p 132 urged his friends in NO to encourage people to move to Texas from the US and bring their rifles

many Texas communities so angry about the arrest that they started urging for another meeting

in July, in response to Anahuac, Peace Party of Mina asked for a convocation of delegated from all texas - not to frame constitutions, just to talk, so wouldn't threaten legal authority of ayuntamientos

never happened

August 15, in Colubmia a call for a consultation - very vague about its goals some said it was to exchange views and make recommendations to ayuntamientos others said it should have power to make legislation

Travis returned to San felipe

p 133 Sep 12 San Felipe held a meeting to decide whether to send delegates to the consultation

Sep 1, SFA reached home he made a public address - his first in texas in almost two years

said he was disappointed that no peace at home fault completely with Santa Anna "Texas needs peace and a local government" he said urged a consultation

he arrived in san felipe on sep 12 and was promptly elected head of the meeting to decide what to do about the consultation

he said yes, "I hope to see Texas forever free from MExican domination of any kind" (quote also p 134)

as they met, got word that Cos was coming to Bexar with more toops Austin said that was to break up the settlements and subjugate people

within days, Austin sent a call to every ayuntamiento to send delegates to the consultation and to raise their militias

per Davis, "for several years now, when Mexico acquiesced to their remonstances about their rights, it produced only momentary calm. They came here iwth a cultural history of pushing for more and more and then taking it... By 1835 Texians had simply come to regard themeselves as too different from MExicans to coexist as a polity"

p 135 Davis says that this would have happened eventually regardless of what Santa Anna had chosen to do

when the call came to raise the militias, men joined in the service of tExas, not just the local ayuntamiento

p 136 Austin said he did not want to take command of the military Sep 22, Travis wrote SFA, "All eyes are turned towards you. Texas can be wiedled by you & you alone; and her destiny is now completely in your hands"

Austin began making plans for what the consultation needed to do consultation set for oct 15; in the meantime he asked each ayuntamiento to send one man to forma permanent council so they could start gaterhing information

by 2rd week in september, word that Mexican artillery landed at Copano Bay (120 mi sw of San Felipe) and waiting for cos to bring 500 men to march on San Felipe

Fannin formed a militia to wait at the crossing on the Colorado River to stop any advance

Warren D. C. Hall, at Austin's behest, raised a militia to protect the consultation from attach

Columbia committee of safety suggested that all the delegates be fully armed as if for battle

p 137 began raising money Sep 21 in Nac men handed over $2801 on the spot and pledged additional money

Houston helped muster militia, supposedly to protect nac from indian threat

Sep 25 Ugartechea snet men to Gnzales to retrieve the cannon Gonzales many leaders thought this a pretext; said mexicans must know the texians would say no, and therefore it was just an excuse to attack the town and siperse its militia

at the town meeting the next day, 3 men said just hand it over, rest said no

acalde Andrew ponton tried to buy delay, saying most of ayuntamiento was out of town and said they still needed the cannon for protection

p 138 also said he needed to consult with political chief

day before he sent this to ugartechea, he had sent a plea to Mina - the cosest town, to send men to help out gonzales 50 mi east of san antonio, so only 2-3 days march if ugartechea decided to send reinforcements

sep 27 the alcalde of bexar, angel navarro, told gonzales to hand over hte cannon before force was used same day ugartechea sent another order and then told francisco de castaneda to march with soldiers and take it

sep 29 austin started spreading the word said this was d efense of rights and told texians to go to their aid but still said they should not make unprovoked attacks - just defend did not want them to be aggressors; esp as thought this would diminish likelihood of aid from US

Sep 20 Cos had landed at Copano supposedly on way to Bexar with 500 men Dimmitt wanted to attack the mexican column and capture Cos

p 139 austin said no

Sep 29 volunteers had been at Cap John W Moore's farmon the CColorado and got msg from Gonzales that they were especting 300 Mexican soldiers that day and needed help

sep 27 castaneda and 100 men left bexar reached san marcos rivercrossing just below gonzales on sep 29 and demanded release of cannon

18 armed men, incl George W Davis, Alamron Dickinson, John Sowell, and Joseph D. Clements appeared - Ponton was basent so they acted in his place told castaneda to wait until ponton got back texians had moved the ferry and all the boats to their side and the water was too high to cross safely

these men became known as the Old Eighteen their bluff wa svalualbe that night, Robert M. Coleman arrived with 30 men from Mina Moore came in with another 50 more expected

p 140 Sep 30 Castaneda asked again and offered to negotiate old eighteen said they needed to discuss with Ugartechea himself and wuld not turne over cannon to anyone else "Texas lore credited Clements with coining the first defiant aphorism of the conflict, reshaping his reply to Castaneda into the simple words, 'come and take it'"

Castaneda sent a message to Ugartechea saying he though the Texians were stalling so they could gather men next morning he got word that there were now 140 Texians and he was outnumbered

tried to find an unguarded spot upstream Texians did not know he had left his spot

Texians trying to figure out who was in charge the various captains of the groups differed on whether they should attack imediately or not

that evening, all the men voted on new captains - ensured a popular leader but not necessarily a competent one Moore was selected Colonel (defeating Coleam, Albert Martin, Burleson, Joseph W.E. Wallace)

Moore, Coleman, and MArtin issued joint appeal for reinforcements to repel the attack and then help them move on bexar

p 141 the cannon was "a modest gun tube of bronze or brass, reinforced at the breech to allow it to fire a six-pound iron ball" had been buried for safekeeping

Coleman ordered it disinterred from George Davis's peach orachrd John Sowell was a blacksmith, he fixed it on an acle and two wheels and forged a few cannon balls

James C. Neill, who had fought in War of 1812, then took over gun and formed first artiellery company of Texians - Almaron Dickinson in charge of gun crew they went to a field and practiced with a few rounds to make sure it worked

oct 1, they figured out that Mexicans were moving upstrean

Moore moved all the Texians across the river to follow; now about 160 of them

kept moving after nightfall; about 7 mi upstream they stumbled on the mexican camp; well after midnight

brief exchange of fire with no one hit lots of fog at dawn

mexicans had taken cover on a wooded rise

poor visiblity Castaneda sent in dragoons; texians fell back into trees so the mounted attack couldn't be successful

because still foggy, the commanders met in the open - Castaneda said he did not come to fight; he was a federalist at heart Moore told him to join the Texians then when parley ended, texians loaded cannon with scrap iron, incl a broken tea kettle

p 142

the flag had been created while neill and his men were practicing "it seems ot have been a spontaneous act, though certainly informed - if only subconsciously-by cultural recollections of the "Don't Tread on Me" and similar banners of their Revolutionary forebears"

local women made a white cotton flag; someone painted the cannon and "Come and Take it"

"the first rallying cry of the incipient revolution, though not its last"

cannon fired Moore led men in a charge before they got there, Castaneda ordered his men to retreat - his own orders said not to fight

no casulaties at all for Texians Mexicans maybe had 2 men killed from the cannon blast and the initial volley of rifle fire

news spreak quickly "inconsequential skirmish in which one side did not try to fight" became known as a "battle" that was a Texian victory

Oct 5 San Felipe got a report that said 40 killed on each side

now that shots fired, most Texians in support of the effot Austin said on the 5ht, "There are no peace-men, no parties here now. All are war-men"

pp 142-143 per Noah Smithwick, "some were for independence, some wer efor the Constitution of 1823, and some were for anything, just so long [as] it was a row"

p 143 volunteers came to Gonzales to see what to do next

Travis had missed it due to the flu

at that time, unknown to Texians, SA dissolved all the state legislatures - all officials in the states answered to him rumor that Cos brought 800 pairs of iron hobbles to shackle Texians

Wharton published a broadside in Brazoria urging all men to turn out

"Five hundred men can do more now than 5000 six months hence" since Bexar garrison still pretty small some in Brazoria offered $5,000 reward for Cos, dead or alive

Austin told the vigilance committe in San Felipe, "War is declared. Pubic opinion has proclaimed it against military despotism"

p 144 Austin believed that if they acted quickly they would be okay as SA had "too much to do at home to come ot Texas

by Oct 4, over 300 men in Gonzales Austin caleed it an Army of the Peopl

Austin had already privately committed to independenc,e but publicly did not do so - baby steps so that everyone would participate and not alienate some

2 days after the skirmish, Ugartechea sent message to Gonzales saying he had no intention of making war on them and that Cos had halted three regiments at Saltillo in the hopes that a non-miltary solution could be found

p 145

U wrote Austin the same day saying he's better make them surrender the gun or "I will act militarily and the consequence will be a war declared by the Colonists"

on Oct 10 Austin reached Gonzales to find 300 men there 100 had just left because a rumored threat at Victoria - 60 mi south

unrest among the men - most wanted to serve under their original captain moore no longer in charge because all the newcomers hadn't participated in the election, so there was a providsional council

elections scheduled for 4 pm on Oct 11 to choose a general everyone bowed out of the race when Austin arrived

p 146 most men in Austin's army brought their own weapons, clothes, horses Austin had the property appraised and vouchers issues so if lost or damaged Texas could repay - when there was money

Oct 5 Houston issued call for volunteers to Americans in IS	Houston offered land bounties for those who came - but no authority to do so Austin sent messengers to other areas asking volunteers to join them for Bexar

p 147 Oct 8 Houston issued call for volunteers in Nac Oct 11, Austin ordered muster for next day and then would march tried to instill some discipline - captains to take daily reports on company strength

by 11 am Oct 12 men crossing Guadalupe, learned during crossing that Goliad had been taken Oct 6 - 20 men in Matagorda under Cpt George M Collinsworth marched to Goliad -hoped to capture Cos, but only 50 Mex left behind with Lt Col Francisco Sandoval

p 148 120 Tex by nightfall - alcalde refused to surrender the town, so Tex immediately went to fort, took Sandoval prisoner one Tex threatened to massacre everyone who didn't surrender - like Bowie and Travis had done 1 or 2 Tex wounded; 3 Mex killed and 7 wounded; 21 surrendered, 20 escaped

Goliad important - on only direct route between Bexar and Copano, other ports either too far away, behind Tex lines, or very vulnerable to tattack

other good port was Corpus Christi (north of Nueces), about 100 men at Lipantitlan 30 mi upriver

if Lipantitlan taken, no way to get reinforcements/supplies to Bexar by sea Tex found about $10k of supplies at Goliad and "several hundred nearly useless muskets" also 2 little four-pounder smoothbore cannon

p 149 by end of month, Tex had gotten an iron six0pounder cannon from a San Felipe blacksmith, then a 12-pounder and an 18-pounder from elsewhere

"The news of the Goliad capture enormously cheered Austin and his army, minor though the affair was militarily" 2nd success

Travis reached Austin's army Oct 11

Austin told his subordinates to emphasize that not for independence but for Const of 1824 - this should get Tejanos to join

army moved slowly; Austin issued public reprimands as punishment Oct 15 - "a brief and inconsequential skirmish with reconnoitering Mexican lancers whom the Texians easily pushed aside"

Austin modeled org after US Army infantry regiment - Moore as regimental colonel, Burleson lt col

p 150 almost 600 Mex in San Antonio Austin ordered Goliad victors to stay there - some refused and came to join Austin Oct 16 reached Cibolo Creek (25 mi from Bexar) and stopped Milam sent ahead with scouts; these reports and the skirmish implied Mex knew they were there, so waited for reinforcements Council of War argued to wait and said Austin should open negotiations with Cos to explain why Tex had arms and to propose terms for laying them down no request for Mex surrender - "might have been a bluff to convince Cos to leave Texas"

p 151 Austin sent message to Cos in SFA's words "to avoid the sad consequences of the Civil War which unfortunately threatens Texas" Cos said no authority to deal with insurgents - colonists violating lawand said Mexico would not "yield to the dictates of foreigners" - did not regard Tex as Mexican citizens

Cos told his men - "The veil which has concealed the perfidious designs of the colonists is at length withdrawn. These ungrateful men have revolted against our government, and assumed the right to live as they like, without any subjection to the laws of the republic."

p 152 Oct 19, another Tex council of war - knew Mex bow varricading themselves in Bexar; the more time they had, the harder it would be to stop them

Bowie had arrived with a few men from Nac, and Austin appointed him col Seguin came with 37 Tejanos Oct 21 - 11 co of about 452 men total more came daily, but more got sick too

Cos now had about 650 reinforcements with 100 more on way; 12 cannon, Brown Bess muskets and ammo Tex had 800 by end

Austin decided a siege the best bet, and that required being closer to Bexar Bowie and Fannin sent out to check San Juan and San Jose - reputed to have food there, and Tx army had only what food individuals had brought

p 153 Oct 22 afternoon Bowie found nothing at Espada but told Austin to go north while Bowie held Espada Cos would now only be able to retreat SW Austin put off move and ordered them on - no suppies at San Juan or San Jose Oct 24 - Cost sent about 100 mounted me on road to Espada - probably scouting Texas strength this road connected to Copano a few shots, no injuries, and Mex returned to Bexar

Bowie requested more men and reiterated that Austin should go closer SFA promised 50 men but political issue - time for Consultation, and some of delegates were in army; delegated and officers has sent message asking the Consultation to be postponed and all men to join the army

p 154 Nov 1 hoped to have men - likely thought they'd take Bexar by then

now it was close to Nov 1 and delegated needed to leave to get there Army torn on whether delegates should stay or go

Houston had gone to San Felipe - not enough delegates for a quorum, so came to army to persuade delegates to return with him Oct 25, Austin convened army for vote - called Bowie and Fannin back debate on delegate issue turned into debate on whether to take Bexar or go elsewhere and train and expand army (Houston's position)

Brank Archer spoke in favor of delegates leaving (and Houston too - p 155)

p 155 Cos likely no threat to Texas as long as no access to coast - likely no reinforcements until December

p 156 volunteers didn't want to delay - some thought Houston sabotaging them Wm Jack spoke after Houston - probably also hesitant about an attack but wanted delegates to go Austin "visibly weakened" said they had to stay here and that men had to go to Consultation - he would stay at Bexar regardless of what others did Austin - unlike Houston - had been leading these men for years

p 157 Austin worried that the army would leave to go home if they waited too long Houston's plan probably better in other circumstances; at this time, Austin right - the Tex had momentum army overwhelmingly decided to send delegateds - except Austin and his staff - to Consultation and didn't want to leave about 20 delegates left the next day, with a memo from Austin with his suggestions - independent statehood, allegiance to 1824, organize provisional govt with governor and lt gov, endorse existing Coahuila y Tejas laws, pledge credit of new state for debts to do army now? formal militia and nullify corrupt land grants

p 158 Oct 27, Bowie and Fannin got to Concepcion - great campsite and close to road Bowie sent Tejanos to Bexar - they said Cos had 9 cannon in place and soldados fortifying housetops Bowie told Austin to come now while he and Fannin held the spot daring - they were closer to MEx soldiers and Tex and knew they had been seen this battle "the closest thing to a genuine battle yet in the infant revolution"

got the small brass cannon

about 60 Mex dead or wounded; 1 Tex dead and 1 wounded

p 159 SFA arrived 30 min later and wanted to pursue, but army tired from march Bowie and Fannin said risk too great another example of how "spirit of democracy crippled any hope of dynamic and decisive leadership"

Austin wary of a siege - inactivity and cold weather likely to make men leave; 1 company had already left during march to concepcion

issued immediate order that any officer disobeying orders to be arrested learned that 300 reinforcements on way, so Oct 30 sent Bowie w 30-400 men "in a feint before San Antonio hoping to lure Cos into coming out of his defenses" didn't work

Oct 31 sent rest of Army to N of city

p 160 Planned simultaneous advance of two wings, but cancelled it Bowie, on his own, sent surrender demand to Cos, who returned it unread Austin sent another surrender demand next day then Austin had council of war with all but Fannin and Bowie all but Milam voted against idea of assault, instead investment Bowie held similar council on Austin's orders - same result Bowie did not vote and then resigned

Consultation finally reached a quorum each municipality supposed to elect 5 delegates, but Nac committee said 7 and many others did that Travis, elected from San Felipe, told Henry Smith that "I want to see that body composed of men talented, firm, and uncompromising" Matagorda criteria - "'Is he honest' 'Is he capable' 'Is he identified with and a friend to Texas'"

Austin requested p 161 that invitations be sent to Shawnee and Cherokee to be observors to "the Talk on the Brazos" most of delegates had "little or no experience as lawmakers" and unsure what powers they could have de Zavala worried that War Party would argue that they had authority to pass legislation and Peace Party would try to restrict to just discussion = "You can see that both parties are dangerous, and that the second is mortal"

p 162 San Augustine sent its delegates with "unlimited powers" "This committee deemed it impolitick to limit the capasity of their delegates" (spelling original)

Permanent Council met week before scheduled start, but some municiplaities sent no reps to that; this council often let Army decide (for example, election of Austin) - Austin acted as unelected head of state

p 163 SFA sent directions to the council and the secretary of the council told others that they needed those since Austin was absent - "virtually confirming the group as little more than his alter ego"

Oct 13 council president wrote "We are all united here and it requires more Pattriotism to keep men at home than to get them in service" (sic)

Oct 15 was scheduled start of Consultation; no one there as of oct 14 Oct 16 - 32 of the 98 there

Austin's colony only had 2 delegate there even those meeting in its capital R.R. Royall president of Council no quorum fso first 2 days adjourned; 3rd day passed resolution to adjourn until Nov 1 or quorum reached Nov 1 - only 25 delegates Houston had arrived Nov 3 finally got quorum Austin had suggested Zavala as a suitable president

p 164 Zavala had similar ideas to Austin Branch T. ARcher became president - War Party about 1/3 of delegates from War Party; 1/3 from Peace Party; 1/3 in middle

Archer's first speech was appeal for unity Archer listed questions they had to answer - taken from Austin's list - draft statement of grievances - est provisional govt "to prevent Texas from falling into the labyrinth of anarchy" (archer's words) - organize military and provide supplies -est military law - agents to collect funds -land policy to reward volunteers (Us had done this for years) -fraudulent land grants no Tejano delegates; only Zavala there and he had Spanish blood Archer reminded delegates of American revolution

p 165 Houston next to speak thanked Austin, Bowie, Fannin for Concepcion victory -Royall presented report from Permanent Council on what military preparations had been taken -Houston thanked council and a group of new volunteers from Louisiana "None of those thanks resolutions were important business, but by standing so frequently Houston established himself as a leading presence being seen and heard"

- next drafted rules of order and adjourned for a committee to finish 20 rules - similar to those used in US and Europe; emphasized courtesy and order was a prohibition on abstaining from vote - needed decisions quickly -meant waverers needed to choose a side president couldn't vote except to break ties

debate began on Nov 5 Houston introduced a resolution about 1824 constitution grievances (as Austin recommended) but withdrew it when John Wharton objected (JW was head of committee to draft statement) James W Robinson of Nacogdoches called for declaration of independence p 166 delegates kept arriving - up to 28 on Nob 5; no Tejanos only Bexar had elected Tejanos, and the siege prevented them from coming Nov 6 - Houston proposed provisional govt based on 1824 const; passed 33-14 Archer proposed prov govt for independence; failed 15-33 Nov 7 adopted declaration of causes; a contradictory document similar to 1775 US declaration - emphasized that they were loyal citizens not revolutionaries but forced to take action by bad ruler

SA accused of dissolving "the social compact" (doc) between Texas and other states - this disingenuous - Texians had long argued that Texas was socially distinct from Coahuila and the other states

Tex thus had to use "natural rights" to take up arms and defend liberties form Const of 1824 asserted that "Texas is no longe rmorally or civilly bound by the Compact of Union" and that SA no longer lawful ruler of Texas said Texas had right to withdraw if they choose (but didn't do so) said supported any other states that wanted to resist

p 167 said they'd be loyal if despot overthrown "the three shortest yet perhaps most significant resolutions in the document" -Tx would pay for army -pledged to repay for any goods purchased by its agents -promised land donations for all volunteers these 3 acts were "those of an independent state, and could themselves be considered violations of the 1824 Constitution"

land donation was to lure people from US Tx owned no public land - it all belonged to central government author said this provision meant that they expected Texas to become independent houston moved that everyone should sign the doc Zavala elected to translate it 500 copies to be printed in Spanish 57 people signed - all Anglos

after that, authorized privateers, sent purchase agents to New Orleans to getm unitions, approved $20/month in pay for volunteers (retroactive to Sep), compensation for property lost in war

p 168 Henry Smith in charge of committee to draft plan for provisional govt committee not unanimous minority unhappy with a statement that Texas was "sovereign state" this and a preamble very similar to US Const preamble seemed more like a declaration of independence

minority wanted to present an alternate doc, but vote was 21-20 against giving them time lots of parliamentary procedures - War and Peace parties couldn't agree on what to do anothe rcommittee revised the doc and "objectionable suggestions of independence disappeared"; added was a requirement that all officials had to swear allegiance to 1824 Const -debated doc for 2 days; Nov 13 adopted a final version "a mainly conservative document" with 21 articles "reflected primarily American ideas of republican government"

called for a gov and lt gov - to be elected by Consultation; no time to organize a general election and in US states it was common for legi to elect them

gov would be commander in cheif; Consultation to elect "general concil" with 1 memeber from each municipality (elected by delegation from that municipality) lt gov to preside over this council - no legislative duties unless a) an emergency and b) no convention or consultation council could be responsible for army, defense, loans, taxes, and post offices

p 169 govt and council to be provisional govt until another convention no checks and balances and no separation of powers called for all trials to be by jury if a Tex left state to not serve in army, property would be forfeit reconvene on March 1 at Wasington on Brazos, 40 mi upstream

Was on Brazos considered safer in case of invasion because further away, but "the important of the name itself was hardly lost on these Anglos"

were hints of independence in Const - the oath swore to uphold "principles of 1824" not the document itself referred to Texas people as "free and sovereign"

p 170

then adopted report from committee that was to org th emilitary -called for a regular army of 1120 men, to use regulations of US Army Consultation to appt a major general who would report to gov and council -called for militia of all able men between 16-50, must assemble in 1 month major gen to command them too, but they could elect all other officers no provision for how these two branches would interact 2 men nominated for governor - Austin and Smith; Smith won 31-22 Smith was a member of th eWar Party and considered more radical

"it was not the rejection of Austin that it appeared" - Peace Party bloc vs War Party bloc the difference in # for Smith likely due to recently arrived delegates who had seen that Austin was sick and having trouble controlling his officers

p 171 instead, Austin appointed ambassador Robinson elected lt gov - more moderate than Smith he was unopposed Houston elected major general and council members were relatively balanced between the parties Houston proposed a last resolution - to abandon the siege; delegates wouldn't hear it adjourned Nov 14

Houston upsert that the resolution was not voted on and got very drunk

p 172 Anson Jones described Houston as "a broken-down sot and debaucher" Jones had gotten there at very end and said later "My impressions of the Consultation, taken as a whole, were unfavorable. There appeared to me a plenty of recklessness and selfishness, but little dignity or patriotism."

p 174 rumors that in lower part of Austin's colony (near Columbia) a slave revolt planned Texas though Mexicans would encourage slaves to rise up

p 175 rumors flew and soon people saying that black males would attack white females Goliad commander released men to go help - whipped slaves and hanged some there may never have been a slave consipracy

Dimmitt thought up to 500 cavalry gathering at Lipantitlan to march on Goliad

p 176 by mid-Nov, almost all Mex outposts in Texas were taken over no route to Gulf for supplies

p 177 after Concepcion, Texas army shrank to under 600 - cold weather and no blankets or shelter more volunteers arrives; Nov 7 between 700-800 Tex in Nov, Neill, Dickinson, and Come and Take It cannon arrived - Austin realized this little cannon not likely to have any effect aainst fortified positions of Mex and told Neill to fire the cannon if he wanted; Neill did and a betting game ensued over where cannon balls would strike - "negligible damage"

p 178 with the inactivity - desertion, alcohol, insubordination (refusing to answer roll calls), wandering around officers afraid lack of discipline would be more obvious in a fight Bowie very vocal in favor of siege Nov 5 bowie appointed temporary adjutant general by Austin Nov 6 Austin announced he was leaving army in election that day, 5 candidates - Bowie =5; Burleson won (had been militia officer in Missouri and Tennessee) then Austin said he wasn't leaving and would let Burleson have operational supervision "Austin's motives are cloudy. It may simply have been his health that led to indecision and vacillation.  Or there may have been crafty policy in his action."

p 179 Bowie, Wharton, Hall so mad about the reversal that they all resigned some in army said morale improved as soon as these vocal people left a few minor skirmishes over next 2 weeks Nov 18, Bowie came back with dispatches from Consultation - Austin learned about the ambassadorship morale down again -e veryone object to something from Consultation from 600-400 people Nov 21 Austin ordered an assault on Bexar next day but on 22 half of army said no new election on Nov 23; Burleson again elected

p 180 one week later, Burleson reorganized into 2 divisions, commanded by Milam and Johnson, with 11 scouting companies Grass Fight

Burleson election #2 men got to vote on whether to continue the siege and they did "the fact that Cos risked sending out nearly a fifth of his garrison to gather fodder revealed that the animals in the MEcian garrison were close to starvation"

p 181 Dec 2 Burleson said we should attack, but council of war said no unanimously Burleson postponed and morale dropped men hungry (not enough provisions); tired of indecision and inactivity some companies refused to answer roll call some talked about going to Matamoros for action and plunder Burleson called for a general parade and found that half of army readying to leave Dec 4, Burleson said siege to be called off and back to Goliad as they were getting ready to go, a Mexican deserter arrived to say MExican conditions very bad; Milam came back after short absence and furious over decision to go

p 182 Milam "widely respected and admired in the army"

Milam and Burleson concocted plan - if Milam could get volunteers for attack, B would keep rest of army in place to cover a possible withdrawal, and if it failed all would go "it was a mature and eminently sensible expedient" about 500 volunteers in camp; 300 agreed when asked "Who will follow old Ben Milam into San Antonio?" men voted for Milam to lead attack

Milam's plan 0 sieze abandoned homes north of SA to use as a base before dawn Dec 5 they got ready 5 am Neill opened fire with cannon at Alamo - for an hour or two - kept this up, providing distraction for Milam's advance got up to houses 1 block from Main Plaza

p 183 Mex opened fire when spotted Tex Mex had cannon at end of streets and fired down them Tex had no cover and broke into homes, so started house to house skirmishing several hours of this Texas "silenced" some MEx artillery and had few losses, but ammo low afraid they wouldn't be able to get through to Cos Burleson sent courier to San Felipe to Gov to request more men and ammo urgently

Cos turned big cannon from Alamo onto the houses where Tex were sheltered Tex used axes and crowbars to hack through walls Tex hadn't brought water that evening Tex began barricading their end of some streets next day started again, with hand to hadn combat in many houses

p 184 Tex "steadily advancing" Milam shot Dec 7 Johnson elected new leader that night and immediately launched " a successful morale-boosting night attack on Mexicans barricaded in houses close to the plaza"

Dec 8, Ugartechea arrived with 600 reinforcements and a few artillery most were conscripted prisoners who refused to fight and threatened to attack Mexican officers Cos had sent 200 of his men to find U; they deserted

evening of Dec8, 1 fortified house between Tex and plaza by midnight the house was taken open plaza had to defend Cos had little food, threats from convicts

dawn Dec 9, Cos sent out white flag; negotiated until midnight

Dec 8, Burleson's msg reached Smith

p 185 Dec 9 Smith had a proclamation printed asking citizens to join army quickly Burleson said Tex chances at Bexar "doubtful" about time it came off press, Bexar in Texas hands

Cos allowed to leave with cannon and a few arms for protection from Indians

Mex had 150 casuatlies less than 40 Tex casulaties "first really significant victory" for Texas and no losses much of army went home,with Johnson in charge of small force in San Antonio

p 186 land speculation had become a big deal - push west for Americans to get cheap land many prominent Tex had gotten large land grants from Monclova, but then Cos dispersed legislature when Consultation repudiated those land claims, speculators not reimbursed for what they's spent to gain them - mad

Dimmitt had first floated idea of taking matamoros

p 187 Mat. supposed to be doing $100k per month in port business taking port wouldgive $ to finance a larger revolt against SA if federalism reinstated, Tex to stay in union and land grant potentially religitimized

mat. was "one of only two practical main roads from Mexico into Texas"

Jose Mexia simultaneously planning assault on Tampico Dimmitt's taking of Lipantitlan a first step becaus eit was on road to Matamoros Nov 14-15, Tampico expedition failed

p 188 31 of Mexia's 150 men captured; 3 died of wounds, the others executed "first Texian setback, though few of the expedition had actually come from Texas" Dimmitt's correspondants in northern Mexico made it clear lots of sympath for federalism in Tamaulipas, but not enough Dimmitt soon for independence not federalism, which put him at odds with Grant and Viesca, who had run with the idea

Dimitt still supported Matamoros for military benefits

Viesca went to San felipe to try to convince the governor and the Council of the good of Matamoros Expedition Grant went to Bexar to see if any of the soldiers in the siege would want to help; got there just as Austin left and Burleson took over

Johnson was also heavily involved in Monclova speculations, and he took charge when Burleson left

most of the Texians who stayed after Cos left were men who had just come from the US and had nowhere to go they plundered livestock and grain of local tejanos -- didn't care whether those men were centralists or federalists both Johnson and Grant spoke to the soldiers, telling them lots of riches for the taking in Matamoros.

p 189

Dec 17, after Viesca's lobbying, Smith told Houston to take Matamoros

the Council issued the same orders to Johnson

Houston told Bowie to try to organize an expedition to Matamoros; expectation was that he would be in competition with Johnson for me

Johnson said most of the men wanted to go to Matamoros; h ard to find some to stay behind in Bexar

Johnson bypassed Smith and worked only with the Council

he also either "engineered or at least encouraged" the captains of the companies at Bexar to refuse to take orders from Regular Army officers

p 190

Johnson also started complaining about Dimmitt - trumped up things - when Dimmitt started to cool to the idea of Matamoros

Smith incensed when learned that the council backed Johnson

rumors that Johnson and Grant really wanted a new country, Republic of North Mexico, independent of Mexico and of Texas

"The competition for its command between Smith and the Council in San Felipe, and between Houston and Johnson in the field, risked something close to civil war without a revolution."

Council also made Fannin a supply agent for the expedition - same day that he accepted a commission as Houston's 2nd in command in the Regular Armu

Bowie had no commission in either Regular or volunteer forces

Jan 1, Grant declared himself acting commander in chief and heading for Goliad with 200 men and all the provisions

p 191

Jan 6, Johnson temporarily withdrawn from command, so Council appointed Fannin

Jan 9, Smith tried to cancel expedition altogether; Houston agreed that this was not a good idea

Council refused to rescind their orders, so Smith dissolved it Council impeached Smith Jan 10, made Robinson acting governor

Council passed a declaration that Bowie wasn't an officer in any force so had no right to assume command in Goliad (as Houston has asked him to do); also said Houston had no authority

Bowie got to Goliad and found grant and Johnson both there, ignoring Fannin and Bowie

Houston arrived Goliad Jan 14

p 192

Dec, Anson Jones called for a public meeting in Brazoria. They voted to hold a convention to meet Mar 1836 to declare independence and draft a constitution

Dec 22, Goliad did the same

San Augustine also did on Dec 22

Goliad different - not citizens involved, but soldiers complained about people being given command who didn't deserve it indecision and ambition among the officers

angry that Cos's men had been released on parole - sure they would come back blamed this step - the release - on the Matamoros Expedition; if we kept the prisoners we would need men to guard them

p 193

"Let us carefully guard against deceiving ourselves. Men of Texas!  Nothing short of independence can place us on solid ground."

"Its unfair slap at the tejano community aside, the Goliad declaration was perhaps the most sensible and mature assessment of the case before Texians to appear since the outbreak of hostilities."

real problem for those advocating for Matamoros - actually named Johnson, Grant, and Council as, per Davis "self-interested scoundrels" independence part was against what the expedition was trying to do

Dimmitt raised a flag proclaiming independence. Grant ordered it be taken down, since Tx still for the constitution

Dimmitt said no - the men expected a fight

Dimmitt resigned in disgust Jan 10 and left just before Houston and bowie got there

"Matamoros fever had spread throughout the command"

Houston told Bowie to go to Bexar and assess the defenses - only a handful of men willing to go

p 194

Houston addressed the men more the once, trying to convince them of their duty to Texas Houston had not fought in 1835, so men did not respect him

some thought he was against the expedition because he wasn't in charge of it

Grant led the command to Refugio; expected to meet Fannin with reinforcements Houston went with him, "in some degree humiliated at his lack of influence with the men, and now more than ever convinced that volunteers were too unreliable to save Texas"

200 men arrived Refugio on Jan 21

Johnson rejoined the command there, with orders from Council putting him in charge of the whole army (instead of Houston)

Houston made one last speech to the men - most of them finally gave up

2 of the companies with Frant said they would enlist under the govt as volunteers (not Regulars)

others returned to Goliad

none willing to report to Houston

p 195

Houston left in disgust to report to Smith

by the time the force left Refugio, only 2 companies = 64 men left

"So many officers, political leaders, and men in the ranks felt disillusioned now with the confusion, crossed purposes, and selfishness of the movement that any chance of success was fatally compromised."

early Feb Fannin landed at Copano with reinforcement and moved to Refugio to join Grant then marched to Nueces and San Patricio

they were waiting to see if there was massive support from Mexican federalists willing to help out - Houston and Dimmitt both knew this was unlikely

Mexican reinforcements reached Matamoros first Fannin heard that and he withdrew to Goliad

Grant still thought federalists in Mexico could make twice that many men to take Matamoros

Johnson took 34 men to forage for animals and provisions around San Pat; Grant and 26 went "a few miles south to Agua Dulce Creek"

none were aware that Urrea on the way

Urrea reached San Pat on Feb 27; all Johnson's men killed or captured

p 196

Johnson taken prisoners but escaped

4 days later Urrea caught Grant

200 soldiers; 6 men escaped initial action

Texians fled and were ridden down; Grant rode 7 miles before dismounting to fight

never got within 130 miles of Matamoros

"Matamoros had disintegrated the ill-conceived government created by the Consultation. It crippled for precious weeks the efforts of Houston and others to create an army of defense as opposed to Grant and Johnson's army of opportunity"

confused goals - federalism vs independence

Mexican federalists didn't rise up to help; Texans would be on their own

Chapter 9: Victory or Death
p 197

Mexican opinion on revolt mixed

"Much of the population scarcely knew of it"

for others, just another one of those small rebellions that kept cropping up

the Army/ruling elite saw the uprising differently: per Davis, Anglos had "repeatedly insulted the nation, violated customs laws, attacked customs officers and military garrisons"

Anglos were aggressors, Mesxicans were the attacked

the perception that the Texans had forced war on Mexico

p 198

Mexico ill-prepared for war

financial affair a mess - almost no money; made worse because Texas were really good at evading customs duties

Santa Anna needed a large army to enforce his will, and that cost money

few had wealth; those that did heavily taxed

Mexico was very large, and its size made it difficult to collect taxes - state capitals like Saltillo a long distance from the capital of Mexico city

If SA were to maintain order in the northern provinces, there still needed to be troops elsewhere to maintain order in settled states, and to defend against Indians in frontiers like Sonoro, California

"It appeared to Pena and other critics that Santa Anna was actually concentrating more of the nation's scarce wealth in support of the Texas campaign than was either justified or necessary, especially in taking more than six thousand soldados to meet a rabble whose army would never number more than nine hundred on any field." => Davis

p 199

SA thought too many risks if he didn't taken action after Gonzales

Zacatecas showed that there was significant unrest in pockets in the country, and he knew that was a danger to his own power if Texas continued to revolt, it could spread to Coahuila, and together Coahuila y Tejas the largest state in Mexico, larger than all of the rest of the country south (not west) combined

If TX was to ally with US, then New Mexico and New California would be at risk from US encroachment later

SA did not want to have to mess with the US; if he put down this revolt quickly, then US wouldn't have time to get involved

"The Texian idea of equality ... posed a threat to social stability in Mexico itself."

Texas revolt actually helped some federalists in Mexico switch to supporting centralism, because it was more stability to their financial interests than the alternative

SA learned of Gonzales events on Oct 23. Almost immediately began planning a response - Sesma ordered to move from Zacatecas to Saltillo

p 200

mid-Nov, SA went to Mexico City. Put Major General Miguel Barragan as temporary president and he took over as commander of Army of Operations

at this time, a total of 2500 troops in Mexico, including Sesma's 1500

wide-scale conscription; by Dec more than 6000 at San Luis Potosi

regular army with lots of experience; reserves; conscriptees

Bexar strategically important - major land route to the interior of TX symbolic - political center pride

"The greatest impact of the Texian revolt on the people of Mexico themselves came, ironically, from their own army as it marched north" enforced conscription - men just taken goods just taken too, whatever they wanted

p 201

Mexico had had a generation of internal fighting

p 202

Nov 25, Council had authorized Smith to issue letters of marque for privateers; privateers must sail under the 1824 flag (Mexican flag with 1824 in the middle)

"the ragged Texians posed no threat whatever to the nations's commercial relations any more than to its social structure, or really even to its political culture."

Texians never went south of Rio grande except as prisoners or war

SA got to san Luis Potosi with Filisola on Dec 5

Two days later he ordered Ramirez y Sesma to go to Laredo on the Rio Grande, 150 mi south of Bexar, and march to Bexar to reinforce Cos didn't know Cos about to surrender

SA gave him detailed orders on how to attack the Texians

p 203

SA desired to have one quick and decisive victory and be done with the rebellion

responded with increasing severity to each new federalist threat, like most threatened regimes

by Dec 18, Mexican army organized and complete Sesma's 1541 men already near the Rio Grande SA at SLP had 2 brigades with 3379 troops Urrea had 601

only one months' supplies for the Mexicans, no doctors

Austin reached New Orleans Jan 1836 to try to raise money

p 205

Neill had done a lot to improve the Alamo's defenses

only 2 routes SA would likely take - up Atascosita Road from Matamoros through Goliad or the Laredo road that went through Bexar

p 206

if Bexar and Goliad could hold for any length of time, Houston would have time to raise enough of an army to resist

and Cos had held Bexar for a month, so surely they could do it too

Americans up for an adventure had been hurring in for weeks

p 210

a lot of current US soldiers in posts on western LA border "deserted" with their commanders' approval to come to Texas and they fought in their US army uniforms

p 211

SA left SLP on Jan 2, 1836

after hearing of Cos's surrender, he ordered the army north to Saltillo, then to cross Rio Grande at Paso de Francia from there, Camino de la Pita went NE 140 miles to Bexar

Urrea left Saltillo to go to Matamoros

Sesma march from Laredo to meet them at Paso de Francia

Cos's men arrived in Laredo and went with Sesma's men to Paso de Francia

even now, some of Sesma's men went without rations for 2 days at a time; little water

most of Mexican commanders thought the entire army should go through Goliad

p 212

easier to get supplies

SA said no

also thought Bexar would be easier to take because he knew most of the Texian army on its way to Matamoros

Feb 16, crossed Rio Grande Feb 17 they reached the Nueces, the southern boundary of Texas

p 213

Alamo captured the imagination in part because it already included semimythical heroes - Bowie and Crockett were well known

"It may have been a small event in the course of history, but it would loom paramount in defining Texas and its people now and forever"

p 214

many local Tejanos joined Alamo garrison

p 215

after surrender of Cos and the exodus to Goliad for Matamoros, Seguin's Tejanos scouted the areas around Bexar looking for a Mexican counterstrike

p 216

some Tejano families in Bexar split - Esparza brothers fought in either side of Alamo

Few Tejanos were actually centralists, but were worried about what would become of them if they were a minority in an Anglo-run nation

p 217

Seguin only Tejano to get a commission as an officer in the Regular army by late Feb

p 219

"Travis ... succeeded in delaying Santa Anna for nearly two weeks, buying time for the convention being held at Washington-on-the-Brazos to wrangle interminably over a constitution" and, he thought, giving Houston time to raise an army to come help them

p 220

Mex officers knew heavy artillery would arrive in another week and wanted to wait until the walls could be kicked in

SA did not - knew there would be more battles, thought it would do his men good to have a good victory would also send a loud message to those still agitating in the interior (my words)

SA put most seasoned regulars at the vanguard of the attack, with conscripts behind to follow their example....meant heaviest casualties among his best troops

p 221

Travis possibly first defender killed

p 222

actual battle less than half an hour

then just a matter of flushing out the Texians barricaded individually in rooms

p 223

probably 80 men - 1/3 of the garrison - went over the wall to escape, but caught by Ramirez y Sesma's leancers

day after the battle, bodies stacked and burned

Chapter 10: Atmosphere Devilish Dark
p 226

Houston gave a report to Smith on Jan 30.

"I do conside rthe acts of the council calculated to protract the war for years to come"

per Davis "By backing the special interests of those behind the Matamoros enterprise, the Council had encouraged insubordination in the military, divided its high command, compromised the unity of purpose vital for an underdog in their situation, and diverted crucially important resources from the defense of Texas."

Houston very angry that the Council had sent money and supplies to the Matamoros Expedition, but nothing retained to give to the regular army

p 227

Houston concerned he'd end up the scapegoat for the Matamoros Expedition, which he knew wouldn't end well, and for the collapse of the regular army, since the ME took all the stuff, so he left

convinced it wasn't worth doing anything until the new convention met in March

Feb 5, he and John Forbes rode to Nac to meet with the Cherokee; met with Chief Bowl; treaty signed Feb 23

p 228

made his report on Cherokee treaty directly to Smith on Feb 29 he was a delegate to the convention on Mar 1

per Davis, "a strange lethargy prevailed both in Washington and in San Felipe, the deadly aftermath of the demoralization and indecision fomented by the disintegration of the government."

p 229

Houston had not favored holding Bexar, and he didn't have an army to go to Travis's aid anyway

Houston wanted line of defense to run from Copano to Goliad, to San Marcos River and along to Gonzales, to San Marcos thought Bexar too far west

Alamo of no value militarily, but if SA hadn't stopped there, then he could have been in San Felipe on Mar 2, and the new convention might not have been able to meet

p 230

Houston didn't believe the Mexican army was there already; thought Travis lying to position himself as a military leader and/or the Council lied to make Houston look bad

p 231

delegates met in unfinished hall owned by Noah Byers

45 of them for 21 municipalities were there on Mar 1

Richard Ellis was named president of Convention. He hadn't been in Texas long, so didn't have enemies

Houston on Mar 1 on a committee to draft rules of order for the convention

basic parliamentary procedure, except lots of attention given to order and decorum - anticipated a lot of contention

likely this prepared before the convention stated

immediately after rules approved, dec of ind introduced echoes of US declaration

listed out grievances: arrest of Austin, no trial by jury, nop ublic education, complaint about religious obligation (which Mexico never bothered to enforce)

SA's armies in Texas now also a complaint

p 232

Since no Mexicans came to help them in their fight against tyranny, "They are unfit to be free, and incapable of self-government." so they must not be connected to them anymore, Texas now an independent republic

Houston made the motion to adopt the declaration, and it was unanimously accepted

declaration was "a wordy and somewhat querulous paraphrase" of the US Dec of Ind

shortly after approving this, they got a dispatch Travis had sent one week earlier, the day after the Mexican troops arrived

Houston wrote a broadside to be published, as commander in chief, "Independence is declared; it must be maintained" and asking for men to join the army

Mar 3, motion to reappoint Houston in charge of the army was tabled temporarily

p 233

Houston not named to either committee looking at the army; he was on committee to draft a constitution

Mar 4, Houston named in charge of all land forces, regular, volunteer, local militia, and he should take over now

the rule said a resolution should be on table for 1 day before debate, but they waived that for this amendment - Houston only in charge until there was a president who might appoint someone else if he wished

resolution passed after debate; Robert Potter spoke in opposition

convention took a break on sat, Mar 5

Sunday, Mar 6, convened again. Had Travis's Mar 3 letter, the last one Houston immediately rose and asked to make a statement

p 234

He explained his conduct during Matamoros affair, thanked them for making him commander, and said he was leaving to figure out what was going on said he would go to Bexar (at this time, the men already dead)

Houston in no particular hurry - in 3 days only moved 40 miles; in a hurry, could have done all of that in 1 day

p 235

took back roads that were longer

took 5 days to make the 2-day ride to Gonzales, reached 4 pm Mar 11

p 236

Houston first told Fannin to march nort to the west bank of the Cibolo; Houston to meet him and they'd rush off to the Alamo

Fannin ready to go on Mar 12, but got word that the Alamo had fallen, so he didn't go

the next order, from Mar 11, was to evacuate Goliad and pull back to the Guadalupe near Victoria to protect Copano

Fannin sent a substantial portion of his men to help evauate settlers

didn't want to leave Goliad until he men returned - they had been attacked

March 15 Urrea executed 30; another 40 killed or captured the next day

Fannin continued to dither, Urrea continued to advance

by Mar 18, Urrea's advance riders very close

p 237

skirmishing with Urrea on Mar 18 Fannin intended to go that night, but a heavy fog after dark, so he waited until morning

set everything on fire before they left, so Mexicans knew they were leaving - big thick plumes of smoke

Urrea's men rushed to get him

Fannin moved slowly. Stopped after 6 miles and realized they hadn't packed any food

didn't rush for the woods, isntead formed a square in the open

Mexican lines attacked

fighting all day, stopped at dark 60 Texian casualties out of 420 total men; Mexicans lost 200

by morning Urrea had even more men and some artillery around them - hopeless

p 238

Urrea pleaded with SA to spare the prisoners

was severely reprimanded for it

Mar 27, the men were marched out, having been told they were oing to get firewood, cattle, or even going to ships to take them away

342 died 28 fled successfully

p 239

Robert Potter had immediately proposed adjourning so that all of the delegates could go fight they stayed

conscription law; established supply depots at Mina, began considering how to organize the army. This is stuff the Consultation or provisional govt should have done but did not

Mar 9 began debating the constitution exact same preamble as US Const similar organization - president, sentate, house, supreme court with duties very similar to that in US

prohibition against preists and religious leaders from holding any public office

p 240

it required TX to have public education - far ahead of what was going on in US

military impressment allowed soldiers could be housed in private homes penalities for those who left Texas to avoid helping out

repudiated the Monclova land grants

"removed all uncertainty on the slavery issue from their constitution"

slaves were slaves forever, free black not entitleed to citizenship

lengthy debate, especially on land issues

March 10, a report showed that only 60 enlisted men in the Regular army, with 122 officers (supposed to be raising their own companies) and 520 enlisted men in the volunteers at least 160 of these men on the list at the Alamo

p 241

Mar 15, officially notified by Houston of the fall of the Alamo

Mar 16 they authorized a formal appeal to people of US with news of the Alamo's fall decided not to publish news of alamo's fall in Tx -> feared people's reaction

delegates began asking to leave and go to the army

adjourned Mar 17 after adopting the constitution and electing officers officers elected by voice vote - list of cabinet members

Burnet the oddest coice

Zavala a centrist who was close to Austin

more on this page about their choosing

p 242

"there was now one civil authority in Texas, empowered with full political control, and overseeing one unified military establishment"

Mar 18, Burnet issued first public address, concerning families starting to flee to Louisiana - that could spread panic, and it reduced the number of men available to fight

told pepole to be calm, to go help Houston

in the same address, said the govt was moving 70 mi sw to Harrisburg ":That removal is not the result of any apprehension that the enemy are nrea us" but was "for the common good". Moved in less than a week

Harrisburg closer to Galveston Bay and communication with the US )via NO); also in a more populated region

however, W on the B also in an exposed area; Indians could menace them or SA could be on his way

among last acts of Convention, provisions to help the families that had already started fleeing

p 243

flight began when SA crossed the Rio Grande

when Houston arrived at Gonzales, he found 374 men; within 2 days there were 500

when news of Alamo spread, at least 20 deserted to go see their families

Mar 14 he went 25 mi farther east to the Lavaca

"the very visible withdrawl contributed to the growing panic among the civilian population, who saw themselves left unprotected by their army."

for weeks, Seguin and his men the rear guard, helping to keep civilians safe from any advancing enemy columns

Brazoria declaration that Mexicans here with "avowed purpose of a general extermination fo ourselves, our wives, our children, and all who inhabit this country."

p 244

when govt left Washington on the Brazos, so did the people who lived in that area

many settlers leaving took no prepartion - not enough food, no idea where they were going, not enough protection agianst the cold - just get us out of here

also feared Indian attacks

panis spread as far south as Galveston

old fears about slaves - Brazoria on Mar 17 also saying SA wanted to work with the slaves

p 245 Mexican patrols often made themselves at home in abandoned cabins; so too did survivors of Goliad massacre

many in Runaway Scrape died of exposure

p 246

at this point in time, Texas had villages, but no cities no burning of Bexar or Goliad - lots of tejanos in that area that were loyal to SA that he didn't bother to burn them

schools were closed where they existed

p 247

churches were closed too, but there weren't many established churches anywhere; Texans used to praying wherever

there were no arts to disrupt, and no real cultural stuff to disrupt

"The war was too short to generate more than a few new patriotic songs"

Texas had no literature, no painters

biggest impact - halt on the law

lots of legal work dealing with titles, and the land speculation had been halted during the war; land prices even fell because there was no money, no people to buy, no guarantee that the title would be good after the war

civil order did suffer during the revolution, especially on outer fringes

p 248

must of the 1836 crop was lost - not enough labor

Chapter 11: Do You Feel Like Fighting
p 249

600+ Texians killed in 3 weeks at the Alamo and Goliad campaign

when threatened at home, democracies rally

mar 19, Houston learned that Sesma's men were a few hours west of Burnham's Ferry

pulled back to Beason's Ferry -> that location was more protection for the Brazos settlements; here, more volunteers began to catch up. These were men who had heard that the Alamo had fallen

p 250

by Mar 21, Houston had almost 1400 waiting for Fannin

Mar 23 Houston found out Fannin had surrendered

near mutiny when he ordered a retreat on Mar 26

Tx outnumbered Sesma's army and wanted to fight

tX would have needed to cross the river, where Mexican could pick them off

p 251

Houston's men spent one day in San Felipe, then left Mar 29 panicked residents joined the Runaway Scrape

p 252

SA convinced the Texans would not fight

almost half of army deserted after they left the Colorado; 7-800 on the Brazos now

p 253

Mexican army under SA didn't advance until Mar 11 (same day H reached Gonzales)

waiting for other units to arrive - army had been very spread out on the road to bexar from Mexico

SA sent 1 col to join Urrea in dealing with Fannin and then to go to Brazoria

another 700 men along Camino Real through mina and on to Nac

lastly, 700 men under sesma to take rd to San Felipe; 600 more to follow

40-50 mi between ea company; moving roughly in parallel

TX shouldn't concentrate on just 1 bc of threat of the others; a col could come to aid of others with 2-3 days' notice

Mar 15, Sesma to Gonzales

Mar 21, Fannin surrender Mar 23; Victoria fell

SA prob thought he had won - Houston fleeing, garrisons defeated so he changed his plans

separated Sesma - some men to go towards Galveston, rest under Sesma to go to Harrisburg (new capitol) prepared to ignore Houston and take the govt

p 254

if govt taken, maybe the army would disperse increasing complasence

SA found out Barragon died and considered going home to take over SA concerned Urrea doing too well - could be a rival

didn't want to leave and let Urrea get all the credit for Texas

Mar 31, SA left Bexar to join the center column (Sesma)

Mexicans crosses Colorado on April 5 3k troops with sesma - reached Brazos Apr 8

Sesma and 800 to deal with San felipe guard

SA took rest 30 mi south to Ft Bend; crossed Apr 12

Tx then pulled out of San Felipe, so Sesma's men could cross now

Mex could cut off Tx supplies from Galveston Brazos was "the last defensible Texian river barrier"

p 255

now only line of retreat for Tx was road to Nac, and the northern column might be able to move fast and black them in

but Filisola stuck at Mino on the Colorado by floods

SA redirected Filisola to San Felipe

new govt had no money, no elected Congress and could do little and enforce less

p 256

Burnet wrote Henry Clay asking him for help getting US to recognize Texas Apr 1, Burnet ordered Carson to go to Washington D.C. and press for recognition

no recog. in time to help; Austin didn't even know about independence at the end of March

p 257

mid Apr, Burnet issued order that fleeing families should stop if no place to stay, go to Buffalo Bayou and the govt would help "first effort at public welfare" and some were helped

Carson warned early Apr that "nothing can save the people from themselves. Their own conduct has brought this upon them"

he said "Nothing can stop the people unless Houston is successful"

pp 258-260 may be good later

p 261

Houston couldn't risk a defeat or a long drawn-out battle

Apr 12, reports that Mex had crossed the Brazoa

from Thomas, not acting Sec of War since Rusk was with the army, wrote: "You have assured the Government that the enemy should never cross the Brazos [and] they have relied on your assurance, but they find your pledges not verified, and numbers of families exposed to the ravages of the army"

p 262

same letter: "The country expects something form you, the Government looks to you for action, the time has now arrived to determine whether we are to give up the country and make the best of our way out of it or to meet the enemy and make at least one struggle for our boasted Independence"

p 263

Carson advised Houston to go all the way to the Sabine, where Us volunteers would join them and they would win

p 264

after Houston left Groce's, SA thought they were going to Nac, so still ignored

p 265

SA increasingly confident battle was over -> govt off the mainland, army cut off from govt and headed out

then capture of courier and news that SA had 500 men only and was 15 mi away from New Washington

Houston prepared for attack - "they had before them an incredible opportunity, due mostly to Santa Anna's complacence and failure to regard the TExian army as any longer a threat, as well as to the mere chance that Houston's line of retreat, followed by the change of direction dictated by the army itself, put it on the road behind Santa Anna"

p 266

reached Lynch's Ferry just before noon; Texians had about 900 Mex got there at 2 pm

p 267

Houston mad about infantry going to help in 2nd skirmish - SA got better estimate of how many men Tex had and realized he was outnumbered

Mex troops better trained with better weapons

Tx troops mad because they wanted full engagement and grumblings that night

p 268

Cos reinforced SA - now 1200 Mex troops

p 270

at 4:30, Texas cannon shot grapeshot and Lamar led cavalry to left to distract attn. from the infantry

40 yds out, Houston stopped his men, had them straighten their lines, and ordered a volley 1st and last volley - men rushed forward

p 271

per Davis, "It was almost nothing like a battle, but rather a host of isolated personal fights that lasted just eighteen minutes"

hand-to-hand combat; Texas used guns as clubs, which broke many of them at the breech

p 272

Tx did not defeat MEx army, "Through his own luck, S.A.'s complacense, and the Texian volunteers' impetuosity, he had simply defeated S.A."

4k more Mexican soldiers in Texas

p 273

SA had nothing to bargain w/ and knew Texians wanted his blood

suggested he get Filisola to leave

imm. sent orders to go to Bexar and wait

Houston knew the TX lucky victory prob not repeatable against Filisola or Urrea

armistice for now; peace treaty to come

SA wrote to filisola that "yesterday evening had an unfortunate encounter"

Filisola and Gaonoa to Bexar and Urrea to Victoria

p 274

San Jac "one of the most one-sided victories in history"

p 275

Tx had ideological cause and fighting for their homes both armies tired, hungry, demoralized

when H got command: "Houston not a great general on the evidence, but most Texians of the time perceived him as a great leader"

p 276

"their good fortune almost stunned the Texians"

party of incoming prisoners - Houston thought it a MExican attack and that they were toast

ppl did not immediately return no celebrations (a lot of towns destroyed)

p 277

rains so bad that soldiers retreating to Bexar sinking to their knees in mud

Filisola's men exhausted their provisions, rain rusted muskets and ruined ammo, dysentery, many deaths

Filisola later said "Had the enemy met us under these cruel circumstances, on the only road that was left, no alternative remained but to die or surrender at discretion"

isolated skirmishes but no more land engagements; crossed Nueces by late May

p 278

Houston sent POWs from San Jac to Galveston

Tx cits could post a bond to take a Mex POW as a bound servant

now cit had to feed and clothe them until govt ready to send them back

some Mex POWS resentful specifically of SA and blamed him personally

p 279

Rusk wanted to press their advantage

Tx army camped on Buffalo Bayou for 2 wks

Burnet arrived at camp May 1; angry that Houston had been negotiating without talking to him 1st but didn't complain much since rusk had been there

p 282

SA suggested there be 2 treaty versions

public one, SA said he wouldn't take up arms against Tx again required all Mex troops to go S of the Rio Grande private property to be respected and restored, esp slaves

POWs to be released -> Texians first and an equal number of Mexicans

SA to go home to Veracruz immediately

secret treaty: SA's personal agreements - ensured Mex cabinet would acknowledge Tx ind and Rio Grande as border

p 283

May 14, both treaties signed; Lamar didn't sign 3-1 Lamar against; Collinsworth, Hardeman, Grayson in favor

shooting SA got momentary revenge; holding him did nothing treaty might help with ind

if SA reneged, secret treaty to be released to embarrass him Burnet pleased w/treat, public decidedly not partly from lack of confidence in govt

p 284

govt didn't publish new const, so most Tx didn't know what the laws were

p 285

"public relations nightmare" - releasing SA pretty much everyone wanted SA killed or tried

Jun 1 SA put on a ship to go to Verzcruz in Velasco crowd gathered and demanded his release

volunteers arrived that day and joined in

June 4, soldiers under Gen Thomas Green seized him, then moved him to Columbia - Tx violated the treaty

p 286

May 20, Mex interim pres Antonio Montoya and Congress said they were committed to war reclaim Tx, release SA said any agreement with SA was void b/c he was a prisoner so peace and ind in limbo

Tx thought war not over

p 288

Angos, within weeks of San Jac began to revoke or challenge Tejano land grants, threaten them, etc w/in a few years, hundres resettled in Mex

Mexicans wanted to come back 'news of SA's capture -> proclamation issued asking cits to volunteer to rescue SA and punish Tx

p 289

Filisola eventually relieved of command and sharply criticized for leaving Tx; Urrea took his place

summer 1836 Urrea got a new army of 6k at Matamoros continued instability in Mexico, so he went south instead

w/SA gone, Congress reworked nation so pres was weakest branch and Congress the strongest states forfeited their autonomy

Const of 1836

still not stable SA pretty much disgraced

p 290

he got home in 1837 to find he wasn't pres anymore, Bustamante was

after 4 years of more instability, Bustamante overthrown by SA again

p 291

so many Tx army volunteers in summer that Treasury had no idea who they were or how many there were these new volunteers no loyalty to es leaders b/c they hadn't been here

p 295

when vote called for elections, also a referendum on whether to apply for annexation to US

p 299

Houston won - 5,119 votes to 743 (Smith and 587 (Austin) approval of referendum to seek annexation Cons. ratified

rev. over w/1st election by voters of a govt even though MExico wouldn't recognize it

p 301

by exec order, SA sent to DC by Houston

p 302

about 3700 men served in Tex army, most for 30-60 days at a time

over 700 Tx died, 20% of total enlistment, about 100 wounded

Mex losses: abt 1000 dead, about 500 wounded

these figures not the norm for 19th century warfare, usually more wounded than ded by 2-1 or 3-1 changed by "traitors" and revenge

p 303

Alamo and Goliad confirmed prejudices by Anglos against Mexicans and thus Tejanos

"turmoil and insecurity" for Mex politics for generations

Tx was embarrassing but no real influence on Mex life or politics

p 304

Tx began building a "myth of unanimity and exclusivity" - everyone united, everyone white

immigrants cont to flock to Tx

still security threats from Indians on W and N

p 305

"no new ground militarily"

p 306

occasional clashes between Mex and Tx -> big difference in opinion of southern boundary

1842, SA in charge again, Mexican troops captured Lipantitlan and Bexar then withdrew

Houston ordered counterattack by Alexander SOmervell - captured Laredo and Guerrero

as soon as Tx became ind, part of power struggle in US over slavery and expansion

p 307

antislavery ppl thought Tx should stay free southerners wanted another slave state

"no immediate neighbor populated so largely by Americans and governed so entirely in the American model could long remain outside the orbit of the Union."

Tx annexed in 1845, leading to more debates over future of slavery

1846, Mex-Am war broke out — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.139.179.91 (talk) 23:42, 17 January 2015 (UTC)