Vol. VII. APRIL, 1904. No. 4.
The publication committee and the editor disclaim responsibility for views expressed by contributors to the Quarterly.
In April, 1833, Santa Anna was inaugurated President of Mexico. He was the champion of Republicanism, and great things were expected of him. In less than a year, however, he began to carry into effect a series of measures for the thorough centralization of the government. The national congress and some of the state legislatures were dissolved, the cabinet was dismissed, and for several months Santa Anna ruled as a dictator. In January, 1835, he undertook the legitimation of Centralism. A subservient congress was called, and in May it declared itself competent to reform the constitution of 1824. This it proceeded to do, and on October 3 a decree was issued declaring the establishment of a centralized government.
While these movements were taking place Stephen F. Austin was in Mexico—whither he had been sent by the convention of 1833—pleading for the separation of Coahuila and Texas and the elevation of the latter into a sovereign state. He was thrust in prison, and in October, 1834, Santa Anna definitely rejected his petition. At the same time the dictator decided to station four thousand troops at San Antonio, “for the protection of the coast and the frontier.” 2
These troops began to arrive in the early part of 1835, and the Texans particularly resented the efforts of a small detachment placed at Anahuac to enforce the payment of tariff duties. In March, 1835, congress decreed, as a part of the program of Centralism, the reduction of the militia throughout the Republic to one man for every five hundred inhabitants. The rest of the militiamen were to be disarmed. The Legislature of Coahuila protested against this measure and was dissolved. Shortly afterward Governor Viesca was deposed and a military governor installed in his place.
All this was sufficiently ominous to arouse the apprehension of even the most conservative Texans. What should they do? A small but very active party—called the War party—counseled secession from Mexico. The great mass of the colonists would not think of such a step, but they realized the necessity of some concerted plan of procedure. Local committees of safety and correspondence had already begun to be formed. Mina (Bastrop) took the lead (May 8, 1835), and the movement spread rapidly. By the end of August every municipality and precinct, or jurisdiction, had a committee, and through these local organizations the call was issued for a general convention or consultation.
The first suggestion of a consultation came from a public meeting held in Columbia on June 28. 3 In less than a month every committee of correspondence in the country was urging it. Encouraged by the general approbation, the people of Columbia held another meeting, August 15, and appointed a committee to arrange for calling the convention. 4 The committee numbered fifteen, and Dr. Branch T. Archer was its chairman. An address was issued, reciting the various causes of the prevailing uneasiness and asking the committees of safety and correspondence to take steps for the election from their respective districts of five delegates to meet at San Felipe in general consultation on the 15th of October. Subsequently, by amendment of the committee of Nacogdoches, the number of representatives was increased to seven. 5 The election was to take place October 5.
Before the election could be held it became evident that war was inevitable. During the latter half of September the San Felipe committee, with Austin—who had just returned from his Mexican prison—as chairman, assumed general direction of affairs. Austin, however, felt that this committee lacked authority, and in order to make it representative he urged each of the other committees to send to San Felipe one member to form a “permanent counsel” until the meeting of the consultation. Only Matagorda and Liberty responded, but on October 11 the council organized itself by electing R. R. Royall president and appointing C. B. Stewart secretary. It numbered five members. In the meantime delegates to the consultation had been elected, but hostilities had also begun, and when the day of assembly came it was found that so many delegates were away with the army that a quorum could not be obtained. Those present thereupon adjourned until November 1, and upon invitation of the permanent council a number of them united with that body.
The permanent council thus had a corporate existence of twentyone days. Its work formed an introduction to that of the consultation, and some of it was very important. From October 11 to 26 a journal of its proceedings was kept, but this has hitherto in some way escaped publication. In the archives of the State the MS. is bound with the manuscript journals of the consultation and general council. A number of documents are referred to in the journal, and a search through the archives and through the newspapers of the period has discovered about half of them. They are printed as annotations to the text. Why the journal was discontinued on the 27th is unexplained. The council remained active until the 31st, and several of the documents printed below relate to the work of these last five days. On November 3 the consultation finally organized and after making to it a general report 6 the permanent council dissolved.
Council Room Oct 11. 1835.
The president of the Committee of Safety and Vigilance of San Felipe, Col Stephen F Austin having considered it important that He should proceed to the head quarters of the Army of the People left this place on the [8th].
The remaining members of the aforesaid council or committee to wit Col Wm Pettus and Gail Borden Esq together with R. R. Royall a member from the Commee of Vigilance of Matagorda &Joseph Bryan a member from the Comee of Liberty, these two Gent. having come from those places at the request of the Committee of San Felipe to form a permanent Council until such time as the General Consultation of Texas can be held. 7
Assembled this day—When it was proposed that another member should be added to the body to wit a Secretary &that R R Royal should be elected President—which propositions were carried into effect—C B Stewart added to that body &c in pursuance of the above
Oct 12
Dispatched this day per M Roberts a letter to the commander at headquarters &to Col Austin of which a copy marked (A) is retained 8
13th.
A communication was made per Mr. Montgomery to the Committees of Nacogdoches &San Augustin of which a copy marked (B) is on file 9
Also 13th October
Received from Nacogdoches a Com. marked (C) on file. 10
Also 13th Oct
A copy of Capt Collingsworths letter by J. C. Kerr of Labaca— with an account of the capture of Labahia &c marked (D) 11
Sent an account of the foregoing to Col Austin at headquarters— and another to Genl Houston to be sent on to the Committee of Naco'doches leaving them open that all persons might be put in possession of the fact &c—
This day received from W. P. Huff and C B Stewart the returns of an election held by the citizens of San Felipe for a Captain of Patrol—
Stephen Miller being unanimously elected—presented himself to the permanent council praying that he be Commissioned in form —Whereupon the president and secretary were requested to issue to him such commission with a draught of such regulations as they may think most fitting The commission accompanied with the regulations were accordingly executed in form and given to Capt Miller—
13th
The following letter © of the resolutions of the members of the Convention and the officers of the Army present at Gonzales were received from Col Austin
Gonzales Oct 10. 1835
I herewith enclose the resolutions adopted by a meeting of the members elect of the Gen'rel Consultation and of the officers of the Army of the People now at this place by which the members of the Consultation who meet on the 15th will be informed of the wishes of those who are with the army and also of the officers—The recommendations contained in the resolutions were adopted after the most mature deliberation with but one dissenting voice.
It is expected that a definitive organization of the army will take place to day and that the line of March will be taken up tomorrow for Bejar
Signed Austin To the Members of the General Consultation who meet on the 15th
Resolutions
Resolutions of a meeting of the members and officers of the Army present at Gonzales—
Resolved that the Chairman of this meeting be instructed to address the members of the Consultation requesting all of them who can repair to the camp of the volunteers armed and equipped for battle and when so assembled if war is necessary to aid in fighting the battles of the country, but if their services can be spared from the field to determine in holding the Consultation at such time as a majority of the members may agree upon
Resolved That if any portion of the Convention meet at the time and place appointed and find it impracticable to repair to the camp, as invited in the foregoing resolution that they be requested if they amount to a quorum to adjourn from day to day and suspend all action until the first of November
Adopted Oct 11. 1835 Signed S. F. Austin Cham
Oct 14th
This day appointed Wm Hall Contractor for the Army of the people—who forthwith proceeds to carry into effect the object of the appointment—issued to him a writ of his powers &c
Order to Capt Wm Hall.
San Felipe 14th October 1835. Capt Wm Hall
You will please proceed with all possible dispatch to fill the call of Col Austin for supplies, for the Army and forward them to Head quarters with all possible dispatch. Contracting for all such things as may be necessary and giving your official receipt for the same and In case of a refusal to obey your demand and knowing it to be of Vital Importance to the Army you will Press into service any Valuables that may be necessary to a spedy and prompt Co operation with our forces at headquarters.
Relying at the same time upon your Prudence and Moderation to so execute the Order as to Distress none and produce Satisfaction If Possible
R R Royall Presdt &c. C. B. Stewart Secy
14 Oct
Wrote Col Austin advising him to date of all that has occurred and that has been done toward forwarding supplies &c
Issued an order to Charles C Givens.
Order to Bearer
To Charles Givens Esq
Sir This Committee have thought Proper to press two yoke of Oxen for carrying into effect the requests of Colonel Austin for supplies and as we learn you have care of Mr Williams's this will be to you an authority for delivery of two yoke of Oxen to the bearer.
R R Royall President &c C. B. Stewart Secty
14th Oct
Paid Geo Huff one hundred Dollars to go to Columbia and forward the ammti—[ammunition] artillery &c to the army—this amount to defray expenses—with an order to press Four waggons into the Service—
Borrowed the said $100.00 from Jas Cochran for which this committee gave a receipt and it is to be taken out the said funds in his hands on deposit by J H Money—
Circular
San Felipe 15th October 1835— Fellow Citizens
Col Austin has Just Written for more help, help, help. he took the line of march for San Antonio on 13th and Wrote for help, help, help. he fears being forced into a fight before the Nacogdoches troops arrive. Felow Citizens you have false reports among you I pledge my Head for the truth of what I write when I say to you that your Countrymen are in danger and have written here for help and that in a few days. Your Immediate assistance may save our troops and our country. I would Gladly be in the field but cannot be permitted to leave San Felipe. Turn Out. Turn Out, and that Hastily. Repair to the Camp.
Your friend R. R. Royall Presdt of the Council &c Circular sent out
Oct 15
Wrote Col S. R. Fisher president of the Committee of Matagorda to send Sugar Coffee and Salt to camp and to forward to this committee a bill of the articles so sent—“We have some funds—for these things draw on this council—we would like however to be advised how far you may be able to comply with this request that our arrangements may be shaped accordingly”
Signed R. R. R. Pressed wagons 1 belonging 12 with the contemplated supplies and to go to Camp
16
Gave Capt Stephen Miller an order to arrest Bob (a free negro) alive if possible or dead if it be impracticable to take him alive—he having made violent threats against the whites—and take in possession his property and effects and do all necessary in his opinion toward this end &c &c
On the 17th
Received the three officers captured by Capt Geo. M. Collinsworth at La Bahai who are turned over to the council as Prisoners of Warr Gave a receipt for the same—Names and Rank are Colonel Francisco Sandoval—Capt Manuel Savarigo and Ensign Antonio Garza. Also the President Gave a certificate to a Number Going to Bevil Settlement that this council Will Honour any Drafts Drawn by any Officer elected by their Respective Companies to the command for Expenses supplies &c
The members elected to the consultation having met (agreeable to the Purposes of their election on the 16th) and not being a quorum to proceed to Business adjourned till this day when meeting and not finding a quorum the major Part having taken the Field they
Resolved on adjourning 1st November or as soon as a quorum could be assembled and by Leave of the Permanent Council it was resolved that those members who could not conveniently Go to the Army should be attached to and become members of the Permanent Council. When agreeable to a call of the President of the Council they met at 9 oclock A. M. When the House being called to Order and the following members appeared
Viesca A. G. Perry
Jas. Parker
J. G. W. Pierson
Saml. T. Allen
Alex. Thomson
Austin Wm. Pettus
Matagorda R. R. Royall
Ira R. Lewis
Harrisburg Jesse Batterson
Lorenzo De Zava[la]
On motion of Mr. Parker of Nacogdoches the following resolutions were adopted
Resolved that Silas M. Parker be and is hereby authorized and required to impl[o]y and superintend the conduct and proceedings of twenty five rangers whose business shall be to range and guard the frontiers between the Brazos and Trinity rivers, and that Garrison Greenwood be and is hereby authorized and required to impl[o]y and superintend the prosedings &conduct of ten rangers on the East side of the Trinity River—and that D. B. Fryar be and is hereby authorized and required to impl[o]y and superintend the conduct and Procedings of twenty five Rangers Whose business it shall be to range between the Brazos and Colorado Rivers and that each of those superintenders have a right To engage to each ranger that [is] employed one dollar &twenty five cents per day untill the convention make other arrangements and to draw on the council or the executive established by the Convention from time to time for such sums of money as is necessary to defray expences accompanying each draft by account of expenditures.
On motion a committee of five men appointed on the subject of the above resolutions
Whereupon the following persons were nominated by the Chair said committy Daniel Parker Alexander Thompson A. G. Perry J. G. W. Pierson William Pettus
On motion of Mr. Perry of Viesca
Resolved that the President of the Council be authorized to take charge of And provide for the Mexican prisoners to day received from Head quarters of the Volunteer Army
On motion of Mr Perry the house adjourned to wait the report of the Committy appointed by the Chair on Mr Parkers Resolution
Satturday 3 oclock the council met in pursuant to adjournment
Mr. Perry from Viesca Chairman of the Committee to whom were referred the resolution of Mr Parker on the subject of a line of rangers on the frontiers made the following report
The committe to whom were refered the resolution of Daniel Parker adopted by the genl council of Texas for the establishment of a line of Rangers from the Colorado to the Nazish [Neches] River have had the matters and things refered to them under consideration and beg leave to report that in their opinion that the superintendants of the rangers from the Colorado to the Brazos and from the Brazos to the Trinity should make their place of rendezvous at the Ouaco [Waco] village on the Brazos River, that the superintendant of the rangers on the East side of the Trinity River make his place of rendezvous at the town of Houston that the said superintendants have full power and authority to call and contract with men and for ammunition and provisions agreeable to said resolutions and draw on the genl council or executive hereafter appointed for pay—making an exhibition of his accounts for the same that said Superintendants should be Vigilant in carrying said resolutions into effect on being notified of said resolutions that said companies when assembled at their places of rendezvous shall elect their officers whose duty it shall be to report to the superintendants every fifteen days their proceedings who shall report the same to the genl council or executive as the case may be at least evry thirty days by express the expences of which shall be paid out of the public funds of Texas that the companies ranging from the Colorado to the Brazos and from the Brazos to the Trinity shall rendezvous at the Ouaco Village evry fifteen days unless prevented by engagement with or in pursuit of the Indians that said companies shall unite when ever in the opinion of their officers it shall from the situation of the country become necessary that said officers be particular not to interfere with friendly tribes of Indians on our borders that said superintendants shall watch over the conduct of the officers and report accordingly and see that full justice is done to the bounds assigned them.
A. G. Perry Chm Daniel Parker Alexander Thompson J. G. W. Pierson William Pettus Which on motion of Mr Perry was adopted And on motion of Mr Perry the secretary furnish the editor of the Telegraph and Texas Register with a coppy of the foregoing resolutions &report Henry Millard from Liberty Peter J. Menard ” do Hugh B. Johnston ” do A. B. Hardin ” do Clabron West ” do exhibited their certificates and took their seats House adjourned to half after seven P. M. The House met pursuant to adjournment On the suggestion of the chair Mr William Sims Halls appointment and instructions were presented to the house by Mr Hall who was present were by the house unanimously confirmed as contractor of the army The chair proposed to the house an address to the people of Texas which was red &refered to committe of five whereupon the following persons were appointed said committee A G Perry Peter J Menard Joseph Bryan A. Houston Daniel Parker The house adjourn till tomorrow nine o'clock A. M.
Sunday 18th October 1835 A. M.
The House met pursuant adjournment
James W. Parker applyed for absence which was granted
The Chairman of the committee appointed on the subject of an address to the people of Texas presented a substitute to the one proposed which was adopted as follows
San Felipe de Austin Oct 18th 1835
The committee to whom were refered the communication from the chair on the subject of an address to the People of Texas generally have had the subject under consideration and beg leave to report that on the 16th inst they arrived in San Felippe De Austin as representatives to the genl consultation of all Texas that on the evening of the same day they went into a committee of the whole number present being thirty-one—That information had been previously received at San Felippe which was laid before said committee that the Mexicans had entered our territory in hostile array—that on the receipt of said information a majority of said members had proceeded to the field of battle and who together with the officers &soldiers of the army requested that said consultation be postponed until the first of November next—which was agreed to by the committee then present owing to the emergency of the case and Texas being without a head a council had been previously formed termed the genl council of Texas requested each municipality to send a representative and on the meeting aforesaid it was resolved that the Delegates to the genl consultation who were not prepared to join the army should be attached to the general council which was accordingly done who proceeded forth with to business and whose powers will cease on the meeting of the consultation. Thus far fellow citizens have we to show you the authority by which we now act Texas is without a head this council has been formed to act as one until the genl consultation can be held War is upon us the enemy is already upon us—Yes fellow citizens the enemies of freedom trampling our rights and constitution under foot—Many of our patriot and energetic citizens have already taken up arms and are now in the field to repel the invader—Yes fellow citizens to oppose The riveting of the chains of Military despot upon necks of freemen—Felo citizens this is no chimera af the brain of a few interested individuals or land speculators the time has arrived that all must submit to the military and clergy lay down our constitution which we have sworn to support or rise and assert our rights—Already has the first blow been stricken many of our fellow citizens are now in the field fighting for the rights of the people of Texas and for the constitution they are a calling aloud for help and will you fellow citizens remain inactive and suffer yourselves your wives and your children to become the slaves of a tyrant Fellow citizens blood has already been shed two companies have met at Labahia the Volunteer company of the people under Capt. Collingsworth and the Mexican troops under the command of Col. Francisco Sandoval the latter were completely defeated with the loss of ten thousand dollars worth of public stores 300 stand of arms one killed and three wounded one American wounded—the three principal Mexican officers were taken prisoners &were yesterday brought to San Felipe Fellow citizens you have the most of you been apprised that Santa Anna has declared the constitution under which all procured our homes null and void and that we must leave the country or submit to a dictator—Fellow citizens the genl council of Texas is disposed to lay all matters and things before you in that is any way connected with your interests they are disposed to make every arrangement in their power guaranteed to them in the exercise of their present responsible station we occupy for the Safety and Welfare of the country already has a line of rangers been established on the frontiers to protect the inhabitants form the savage scalping knife Already have we said we will respect the rights of the No[r]thern Indians amongst us so as not to compromit the interest of Texas and now fellow citizens we call upon you for aid Yes we call upon you as your representatives guarding your interests to march to the field of battle the blow of liberty has been struck it is for you to follow it up or let it recoil with a tenfoal vengeance the resources of Texas are sufficient to defray expences the officers of companies will make his contract and draw and draw [sic] on the genl council for pay his drafts will be honored so long as they continue to Fite—arms and ammunition have been received from New Orleans and forwarded to the army now on their march under the command of Genl Austin for San Antonia at which place Genl Coss is stationed with about eight hundred troops—Fellow citizens this is not the cause of a few it is the cause of the whole people of Texas let us be united and our cause is sure let us lay aside party feelings and sectional prejudice the cause we espouse is the cause of the people and on the people we call
A. G. Perry Chm Committee.
Daniel Parker,
A Houston
P. J. Menard
Jasper Bryan
On Motion of Mr D Parker it is Resolved that a thousand coppys of the address to the people of Texas be printed in handbill form and Messrs Parker and Perry superintend the printing thereof
James B. Wood appeared and presented his certifficate and took his seat—
The house received a resolution from Gen'l Sam'l Houston by the hands of Mr. Garrett which was adopted so far as the word void which is put on file—marked A *
The house met pursuant to adjournment
R R Royall Presdt. J G W Pierson Secetary On motion of A. Houston the following Resolutions were adopted marked B, on file * The house adjourned until tomorrow 9 oclock A. M.
Monday 19th Oct, 1835
The House met pursuant to adjournment
On Motion of Mr. Perry for the determined place of the meeting of the Genl Consultation on the first of November 1835 of all Texas as follows
Resolved by the Genl Council of Texas that the Genl Consultation be held at Washington on the first of Nov, 1835—first proposed by the Committee of Columbia.
Adopted with one Dissenting Voice—Marked C, on file *
The House adjourned till two oclock p m—
The house met pursuant to adjournment.
On Motion of Mr Hood the President of the house presented a letter to Genl S. F. Austin datted the 13th inst in relation to a parole of honor for three officers prisoners of War taken in the battle at goliad Whereupon be it Resolved that we regret the necessity of delaing of them but that the President be instructed to give them the privalege of the town upon a written parole of Honor and such other privaleges as he may grant Be it also resolved that said officers be allowed the privalege of righting to their friends submitting it to the inspection of the President
R R Royall Presdt J. G. W. Pierson Secty This day received a letter from the president of the council of War commitioning S. F. Austin Commander and Chief of Texas army marked D on file. * The House adjourned till tomorrow nine oclock A. M. Tuesday 20th The house met pursuant to adjournment. On motion of Mr A. Thomson on the subject of a male [mail] route or male routs in Texas Upon which there were appointed a committee as follows J. S. Hood Joseph Bryan A Houston The President was presented with a Draft of G. Borden in favor of a Mexican Manuel Sanchez for ten dollars for carrying express and the President Issued his Draft on said Borden for that amt in his hand as public funds—The Draft filed marked ED* On motion of P. J. Menard Resolved that a committee of five be appointed to enquire into the state of the Public funds and If necessary Report a Plan of Replenishing them for the Purpose of Defraying the expenses of the Army &c &c When the chair appointed Messrs Zavala, Houston, Menard, Pettus &Thompson a committee to Report at 9 oclock on tomorrow When the House adjourned to 9 oclock tomorrow
Wensday 21st Oct
The house met persuant to adjournment and on motion of Col Pettus it was unanimously agreed that Mr Boardon [Borden] be called upon to report to this council the state of Funds in his hands as collector Mr Boardon came forward and made a Report which is on file in this office togather with receipts for Monies paid over which were Receipted for by the president of the council all marked F*
On motion of Col Pettus the House adjourned for one hour
The House Met persuant to adjournment and on Motion of P. J. Menard it was Resolved that only five Hundred Coppies of the circular &c be printed
The committee to whom ware refered the subject of the Finances of Texas Made a report togather with Resolutions which ware unanimously adopted said Report on file marked G 13
The House then adjourned untill two o'clock P. M.
two o'clock P. M. the house met persuant to adjournment and proceeded to business P. J. Menard offered the following resolution which was adopted
Be it Resolved that the committees of each Jurisdiction of Texas are hereby authorized to take such measures as may be necessary to forward troops on their march forwarding their acts. for payment to this council taking care to preserve duplicate accounts of all Drafts sent and be it resolved that Committees of Safety of the different Jurisdictions may commission Captains elected to command companies to contract for supplies for their Respective Companies and Draft on its council for the same taking care to accompany the first Draft with a duplicate of the commission
Signed R R Royall. Presdt A. Huston Seety
The house adjourned till tomorrow 9 o'clock A. M. 22nd House Met and Ishued Commishons to P. J. Menard Jacob Garrett &Jos L. Hood in accordance with the Resolutions today adopted as will be found on file marked Letter G as above entered
R R Royall President A. Houston Secty
The councel adopted the Report of the Committee on Mail Routs which is on file marked H 14
Also a resolution Recommending a compromise of the difficulties between Texas and the Mexican forces which is on file marked I 15
The House then adjourned to 9 o'clock A. M. to morrow
23rd the House Met persuant to adjournment
And after due deliberation Released one of the officers Prisners Capt Manuel Savanego Said Release on File marked J 16
Alexander Thompson asked Leave of absence untill the first of Nov which was granted By the Council
The Council Received Capt Manuel Savarigos Declaration which is on File marked K. * and returned those of Col Sandovals and ensign Garzia
The House went into a Committee of the Whole on the subject of Mails &c and after due deliberation on the Matter appointed John R. Jones as Post Master General to take charge of the affairs and to put them into opperation as soon as may be
Signed R. R. Royall Prest A. Houston Secty
Recd Mr. Freol's account for Blacksmiths work which was Paid out of the Public funds and Receipted for $10.50
The House adjourned untill 9 o'clock A M to morrow
24th The House Met Persuant to adjournment—
Ishued Gail Borden Jun a commission (signed on 22nd Inst) as collector of Public dues and instructed him to Publish that Drafts of officers of Companies accepted by the President of the Council will be received in Payment.
This day Ishued to P. H. Jack authority to obtain supplies and Guns for a small company of volunteers and Give his Receipt as Superintendant.
Monday 26th Oct The House met and Passed a Resolution granting 25 men to be added to the Company of Rangers commanded by Garrison Greenwood
R. R. Royall Prest A Houston Secty
On Motion of Daniel Parker of Nacogdoches it was Resolved that the Genl Council address the people of the U. States making an appeal to their Philanthropy in behalf of the People of Texas whereupon the following address was unanimously adopted and ordered to be printed and circulated the above address is on file Marked M 17
R. R. Royall Prest A. Houston Secty
The House adourned till 9 oclock A. M. to morrow
27th The House Met persuant to adjournment and proceeded to business
And Motion Passed a Resolution closing the Land Office stopping Surveying &c untill the session of the Consultation Said Peramble &Resolutions on file Marked N 18
Ordered the printing of an address to the people 500 coppies
Authorized J. H. Blount to instruct the commissioners to cease their opperations in persuance of the above Resolutions
[Here the journal ends, but the council continued its activity until the 31st. On the 27th a resolution was passed authorizing a loan of $100,000; 19 on the 30th the report of the committee on mail routes was adopted; 20 and on the 31st a form was adopted for letters of marque and reprisal. 21]
The first railroad built in Texas was the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado, commonly called in its early days the Harrisburg railroad. With this road the writer has been familiar from near the day when its building was begun down to the present time, and perhaps the following partial history of its beginnings may not be without interest to the readers of The Quarterly.
The first charter for a railroad from Harrisburg was granted by the fifth congress of the Republic of Texas, January 9, 1841. The name of the corporation was the Harrisburg Railroad and Trading Company; but there is evidence that the enterprise was commenced almost one year earlier under the name of the Harrisburg and Brazos Railroad. An original contract let for three thousand cross-ties dated February 28, 1840, signed by M. L. Birdsall and by A. Briscoe, proprietor of the road, is in my possession, and a copy of it is herewith given:
Republic of Texas, County of Harris.
This contract and agreement made and entered into this Twenty-eighth day of February, A. D. 1840, between Maurice L. Birdsall and Andrew Briscoe, proprietor of the Harrisburg and Brazos Rail Road, both of the county above-written, witnesseth: That the said Birdsall doth engage and agree, that he will take from the woods and deliver within thirty feet of the line of the said Rail Road three thousand pieces of post-oak or cedar timber in a sound state. Seven feet in length, clear of the chip or kerf, and from eight to twelve inches in diameter, hewed straight on one side, and that said timber shall be deposited five sticks or pieces to every twenty-five feet of the road; also that five hundred pieces shall be delivered within one month from the first day of March of the current year, and that the remaining Twenty-five hundred shall be delivered within four months thereafter at the discretion of the said Briscoe: In consideration of which the said Briscoe doth engage, that within ten days after the next public sale of lots in the town of Harrisburg, or on the fifteenth day of April next, at the option of the said Birdsall, he will pay to the said Birdsall or his heirs &assigns, the value of five hundred pieces of said timber delivered as aforesaid, at the rate of fifty cents lawful money each or the equivalent thereof in the promissory notes of the government, at the option of the said Briscoe; and that if the said Birdsall should deliver more than five hundred pieces of said timber previous to said time, and if the said Briscoe should have funds in his hands belonging to the stock-holders in said Rail Road for the use of said Road, then so far as said funds shall go towards paying for said timber, the said Birdsall shall be then paid: and afterwards on the delivery of every three thousand pieces of timber by said Birdsall, the said Birdsall shall exhibit a statement of all expenses incurred by him on account of this contract, and of all monies received by him on said account; and the said Briscoe shall pay as aforesaid till the amount paid to said Birdsall shall equal the expense by him incurred, and the balance coming to said Birdsall shall be reduced to its value in the promissory notes of the government, and the said Briscoe shall give to the said Birdsall his rect. for said balance as stock in the Rail Road, for which certificates of stock shall issue when the road is vested in a chartered company or when it shall be completed to the Brazos timber; The pieces aforesaid shall be counted at the rate of fifty cents each lawful money or the equivalent thereof in the promissory notes of the government.
This agreement further witnesseth, that if the country should during the time of this contract be invaded by a foreign foe, from the time that said foe shall enter the limits of the Republic till they shall depart beyond said limits, all obligations on either party by this contract shall be suspended, and shall commence again on said departure of the enemy. Also that Andrew Briscoe aforesaid agrees that all moneys which may come into his hands on account of the Rail Road above-named, not exceeding the amount herein contemplated for this contract, shall be paid to said Birdsall, on the delivery of the timber aforesaid, (saving and excepting the sum of one thousand dollars of the promissory notes of the government, which may be needed for the purposes) till he shall be paid for said timber.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals; at Harrisburg the day and year first aforesaid.
M. L. Birdsall, (seal) A. Briscoe (seal) Witness— Wm. P. Harris Lewis B. Harris.
Wrapped up in the original contract is an order on A. Briscoe for one hundred and fifty dollars in Texas promissory notes, dated May 8, 1840, and signed by M. L. Birdsall.
From the wording of this contract it is evident that no company had been formed and no charter obtained at that time, and that Andrew Briscoe was alone in the enterprise, no doubt, however, expecting to enlist others with him afterwards.
In the “Morning Star” (a newspaper published in Houston) for May 16, 1840, appears the following notice:
It is gratifying to notice the progress made by the enterprising proprietors of this work. A large number of laborers are engaged at present in throwing up the track and preparing it for rails at an early season, and a greater number will soon be employed. The enterprise and resolution manifested by the projectors, far from exciting feelings of jealousy among the citizens of this place, call for the most unequivocal praise and emulation. The Houston and Brazos Rail Road will have very few if any interests at variance with those of the Harrisburg Road, as they are projected to terminate at points on the Brazos widely apart from each other. We wish them both the most complete success, and we have not the least doubt that in time both will attain it.
In the same paper, on various dates, appeared the following advertisement: “Wanted to hire, sixty negro men for which good wages will be given and secured, to work on the Harrisburg and Brazos Railroad. They will be taken for not less than six months, and kept two years if desired. Harrisburg, March 18th, 1840.”
This was signed by A. Briscoe.
Among my early recollections is that of jumping my horse over the ditches of this grade, and seeing the ties scattered for miles along the route. I infer from the wording of the tie contract that the funds to pay for this work were expected to be largely realized from the sale of Harrisburg town lots and lands. This, no doubt, was on account of the slow sale of property and the impossibility of enlisting foreign capital because of the unsettled condition of the country. A Mexican invasion being probable at any time, the enterprise was abandoned.
In March, 1847, the Harrisburg Town Company sold and transferred all the unsold town lots and lands to Sidney Sherman, who, after repeated trips to the North, succeeded in inducing northern capital to invest in his enterprise, which was the building of a railroad from Harrisburg westward. Of course the Harrisburg town lots and lands were used as an inducement, as after the organization of a company these lands represented fifteen hundred shares of paid up stock. A charter was applied for and obtained under the name of the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos, and Colorado Railroad, by an act of the third legislature, February 11, 1850. The company was organized June 1, 1850. The incorporators were Sidney Sherman, Hugh McLeod, John G. Todd, John Angier, Jonathan F. Barrett, E. A. Allen, Wm. M. Rice, W. A. van Alstyne, James H. Stevens, B. A. Shepherd, and W. J. Hutchins. Jonathan F. Barrett was made president, and in the early spring of 1851 John A. Williams of Boston, Mass., as locating engineer, commenced the survey near the west bank of Buffalo Bayou in the town of Harrisburg. Late in the year 1852, the first locomotive and iron were received, and track-laying commenced; and by the first of August, 1853, twenty miles were completed, and the event was celebrated by a barbecue at Staffords Point.
The first locomotive was named “General Sherman,” and it weighed probably ten or twelve tons. It had one pair of screws, four and a half or five feet in diameter, with inside connections and with four ordinary track wheels in front. The tender was not apparently different from those now in use, except in size. F. A. Stearns of Massachusetts was master mechanic, and I believe the first to pull a throttle on a locomotive in Texas, if not the first west of the Mississippi River.
The “General Sherman” did the road good service. It was in use until about 1869 or 1870, and was the first locomotive to cross the Colorado River, into the town of Columbus, in the year 1867.
The second locomotive received was called the “Texas.” It was not like any I have ever seen, before or since. Engine and tender were on one frame, mounted on two pairs of drivers, thirty-two or thirty-four inches in diameter, placed some sixteen or eighteen feet apart, connected outside to a rocking shaft in the center. This machine was of very little service to the road; it would move heavy loads on a straight track, but would not follow curves, except where they were very slight. It was soon consigned to the scrap-heap, and afterwards sold to run a sawmill.
Other locomotives came later, and their names follow in the order in which they were received: “Austin,” “Columbus,” “Richmond,” and “Harrisburg.” These were not very different in appearance from the engines now in use, except that they were of much lighter weight. They comprised all that the road owned up to the time when it was sold (1868) and its name changed to the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad.
About the first of December, 1855, the track was completed to the east bank of the Brazos River, opposite the town of Richmond, making thirty-two miles in all. To construct a suitable bridge over the Brazos River at that time would necessitate delay in building the road, and cost a great deal of money. The state legislature had passed several acts to assist railroad-building, one of which authorized the loan of six thousand dollars on every mile of road completed; therefore it was politic to devote all energy to adding miles of track. But the river had to be crossed, so a temporary bridge was decided on. In 1856 an ordinary pile bridge, only about six feet above the water at a low stage, was built, perhaps one hundred feet below the permanent bridge now in use, leaving an opening of fifty feet for the passage of steamboats and other vessels which occasionally navigated the river at that time. This opening was covered by one span, supported or braced by logchains underneath. A large flatboat was kept moored under the span to carry it out of place when desired. The bridge being so low, it was supposed that when a rise in the river occurred the drift would not accumulate sufficiently to do any harm until the water rose higher than the bridge and allow the drift to pass over; but this proved to be a mistake. The bridge caught the drift, which at one time threatened to form a permanent raft, the river being blocked for two or three hundred feet; and it was only after a great deal of labor, with the assistance of a steamboat that happened to come up at the time, that the raft was cleared. Then three more spans of similar construction and length were added, making an opening of about two hundred feet for the passage of drift. The spans were always floated out of place on flatboats, and moved to the bank, when a rise in the river came. On such occasions the road used the public ferry, and frequently the bridge was out of use for weeks and sometimes for months. This bridge was approached on each side by a very steep incline, so that it was necessary for a train of any length to cross with all the speed possible in order to make the opposite hill. The bridge was used from the time it was built in 1856 or 1857, until about 1870. I remember only two accidents of any consequence on it, one in 1860, and the other in 1867. In each case, one of the spans gave way, throwing the train into the river and killing two or three men. To cross the bridge was very trying on the nerves of passengers. They were usually given the privilege of crossing on the ferry if they desired, a privilege that a great many of them accepted.
In the fall of 1859, Eagle Lake station was opened, and the following fall Alleyton, just eighty miles from Harrisburg, became the western terminus of the road. Austin was the objective point at this time; but, after some twelve or fifteen miles in the direction of La Grange had been graded, the Civil War came on and stopped all railroad building. The citizens of Columbus, fearing they would be passed by, built a branch about two and one-half miles long from Alleyton to the east bank of the Colorado opposite the twon during the war. This branch was not much used until a bridge was constructed over the river and the track laid into the twon. This was accomplished in 1867, when Columbus became the western terminus, and it remained such until after the road changed owners and name. The route was then directed towards San Antonio, instead of Austin, and this branch became part of the main line. Construction was then pushed until San Antonio was reached, and, after a short delay at this point, the road was continued on to El Paso, where it met the Southern Pacific from the west. After this, the road made an important link in the Southern Pacific system across the continent, which no doubt would have crossed the northern part of the State, but for the energy exerted in pushing the construction of the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio line.
The gauge adopted at the start was four feet, eight and one-half inches, which is now the standard gauge all over North America. This is a very remarkable occurrence, as at that time it was very uncertain what gauge would be established. Many roads in Texas adopted a different gauge, and hundreds of miles of road had to be changed at an enormous expense.
The first passenger coaches used on this road were no doubt made for street cars, and probably employed as such in Boston, before they were brought to Texas. They would seat about twenty passengers each, and were mounted on four wheels. They were used but a short time, as it was difficult to keep them on the track. The last use I remember that was made of one of them was at Eagle Lake in the winter of 1859-1860. The car was placed at one end of the warehouse and used for an office and bedroom by the agent and the clerk. Michael Quin was the agent, and the writer hereof was the clerk. The roof leaked like a sieve, and the car had no heating arrangement; but by the use of tarpaulins to cover the top of it, and a ten gallon pot, confiscated out of the freight of some one, in which to build a fire, we managed to get along.
No telegraph line that could be used was constructed by the road until 1868. Prior to that date, two mixed trains, one each way, usually did the business. They had a leaving time and a meeting time and place; but beyond these they had little use for a schedule. When either train failed to reach the meeting point on time, they met at the nearest turnout or switch. This occurred very frequently. The writer served as conductor of one of the trains during the years 1866 and 1867; and he remembers meeting and passing, on one occasion, two trains of ten or fifteen cars each on a spur switch that would hold only an engine and one car.
The general office and shops were located at Harrisburg until railroad connection was made between Houston and New Orleans, but since that time Harrisburg has been virtually abandoned in favor of Houston. The offices and shops were moved, and the Harrisburg lands that played such an important part in starting and building the road were put on the market and sold for what they would bring. So the owners of the town of Harrisburg, after all their efforts and sacrifice, lost the road and their lands as well.
On the 18th June 1821 started from New Orleans in the steam boat Beaver for the Province of Texas in company with Wilson late a Lieut. in U. S. army. J Beard a saddler from St. Louis, &Doctor Hewitson.
On the 20th took in — Little at the mouth of Red River one of my party—Arrived at Nachitoches on the 26th and found Joseph E. Seguin and Berrimandi and several other Spaniards from St. Antonio, who were waiting the arrival of my father to deliver him the confirmation of his grant from the Spanish Govt. Made an arrangement to go on with them. Purchased mules for the Trip, and other necessary articles—
On the 2d July Mr. Lovelace and par[t]y from Catahoula joined me, and on the 3d July the company all started from N. except Wilson the Spaniards and myself.
July 4, dined at Sibley; and in the evening attended a Ball.
July 5. was detained by one of the horses straying out of the way.
July 6 found the Horse that was missing and started, stayed at Capt Ivins Mo. [memorandum?] the Capt. &his man Fryday, being both drunk had a furious quarrel, and parted 11 o'clock at night—buried a dead Cat that Quin had in the chimney corner for a nosegay—(Item, habit even familiarises man to the smell of Carrion) Suped on half a cup miserable Coffee &1 biscuit—Slept on the floor (a dirt floor)—
July 7 came to where the company were camped near McGuffins, &found that a mule had left them, in search of which Wilson had returned to Town[.] Spent this day in looking for the mules.
July 8 Wilson still out, Mr. John Lovelace very sick with fever— Wilson returned at night, no news of the mule—On the evening of the 8th heard of the runaway mule, &gave a Spaniard 2.50 to bring him in, which he did in a few hours &no doubt had him tied out for the purpose of getting the reward—Swapped away Wilsons Horse &an old Grey (both of whom had given out) for a mule, &exchangd a french saddle for a Spanish one—
July 9. In the morning had a race of about two miles to catch the runaway mule, who outrun us all hobbled, tied head &foot &with a long Cabrass &bell on—
Mr. John Lovelace was too sick to proceed, &left us to return home to Catahoula—accompanied by 23
About 10 o'clock the company started from McGuffins to wit— Edward Lovelace, Neel, Gasper— Bellew— Henry Holsten, from Catahoula— Wm. Wilson from District of Columbia late Leut. U. S. Army— James Beard from St. Louis— William Little from St. Louis— Doctor Hewitson— — Irwin— and W. Smithers from Indian [Indiana?] and G. Bush from Nachitoches, the two last I emploied as hunters for the company during the trip &agreed to furnish them with ammunition and let them come into the settlement on an equal footing with the other settlers—Bush furnished a horse for himself &Smithers Wilson mounted on the Black mule Beard on Bay horse, Little on brown mule, 3 mules for packs, I rode Little's horse—left Thomas at McGuffins—8 miles from McG. came to the first waters of Sabine—Smithers and Lovelace killed a deer, and we camped at Lanan creek 15 miles—
July 10—At day light this morning Mr. Barnum (one of my company who we left at Nachitoches) overtook us and communicated to me the sad tidings of my Fathers death— — —this melancholy news came to Nachitoches in a letter to Dr. Sibley &Barnum stated that Sibley had forwarded letters to me which would overtake me at Camp Ripley on Sabine—I started on with a heavy heart and stoped at Camp Ripley, the Company crossed the Sabine &camped in the Province of Texas—I stayed this night at Forsythes—
July 11. I found that Bush was a worthless fellow and discharged him—Smithers agreed to remain at Forsythes—engaged 2 bushels of cold flour, &50 lbs bacon—spent the day at Forsythes settling some business relative to Richmond—
July 12 not receiving the letters from Nachi—I determined to return after them &started back, got to Buckers—
July 13, went to Nachitoches to breakfast—and found that Dr. Sibly had forwarded the papers by Erasmo—
July 14 Started out again &overtook Don Erasmo &the other Spaniards 14 in number at the Lanan &camped with them—recd. letters from my friend Hawkins &one from Dr. Sibly and some newspapers. The unhappy intelligence of my Fathers death was confirmed beyond a doubt, he died on 10th June—
July 15—Arrived at Sabine—Stayed at Camp Ripley where Wilson was waiting for me.
Monday July 16 Started from Camp Ripley and entered the Province of Texas. Stayed at Amberson's (Boreg Creek) 8 miles, the first 4 miles fine timber &poor land—we then suddenly came to a open rolling country thinly Timbered soil about the color of Spanish Browne, &in some places redder—this red land is very productive and is covered with the most luxuriant growth of Grass I ever beheld in any country, almost any of it would produce as much hay as the best meddows. the country so far is well watered.
July 17 Tuesday Star[t]ed on in company with Wilson, Polly, &Marple, the two last overtook me at this place &joined me for the whole route, they produced satisfactory recommendations and I accepted of them as part of the Company—stoped at Englishes 17 miles for breakfast and turned off the road to J. H. Bells. the others continued on after the company. stayed at Bells this night—
Wednesday July 18.
Crossed the Atouyaque River about 25 yds wide high banks &fine bottoms—overtook the company 12 miles from Nacogdoches and found that Erasmo had captured a Caviard of mules &horses which some traders were taking in from the Comanches.
Thursday July 19. Arrived at Nacogdoches with the Caviard prisoners. The Inhabitants of the country collected to the number of 36 by request of the Spaniards to hear what the got. wished them to do—and Erasmo informed them that it was the wish of the Spanish Got. that they should all remove to the eastern part of the province which they agreed to do, &promised to go to St Autonio to make the necessary arrangement for their removal in Novr. next.
July 20. This day the council was held with the Inhabitants and Mr Dill was appointed Commandant at Nacogdoches. I started in the evening, &went out 4 miles leaving the Spaniards at Nacogdoches, after dark I was informed by Mr Barnum that a party of Americans intended to attack the Caviard and take it from the Spaniards. on receiving this information I immediately returned to Nacogdoches to aid the Spaniards to guard the Caviard. No violence was attempted and the people declared next morning they had no intention of attacking it—
The general face of the country from within 5 miles of the Sabine to Nacogdoches is gently rolling and very much resembles the Barrens of Kentucky, except that the growth of timber is larger and not so bushy—Black jack and Black Hickory, Mulbery, is the principal timber, but it [is] all too low and scruby for Rails, or building, except on the Creeks where the timber is very good and lofty— the grass is more abundant and of a ranker and more luxuriant growth than I have ever seen before in any country and is indicative of a strong rich soil, the appearance of the Corn through the country proves to me beyond a doubt that the red soil is nearly if not quite as good as the black The soil generally is very red, the richest is a pure Spanish Brown—
This country is tolerably well watered—though springs are not so abundant as I could wish—the creeks are numerous and the water very pure and limpid—no appearance of Rock or Stone except a soft argillacious Rock at [Nacogdoches?].
Nacogdoches is now the ruins of a [once] flourishing little village. the church and Seven Houses are still standing entire one of them two story high built of soft Rock— it was the seat of the Indian trade and a great deal of business was formerly done here. the situation is a vally. a creek runs on each side of the town.
July 21 Started in Company with the Spaniards and came on 12 miles to a fine runing Creek, where two families had settled—this is the last habitation to Bexar this country this day was heavier timberd some pine, land more rolling and sandy—large rich bottoms on the banks and good pasturage on the upland.
July 22d. Started late. Don Erasmo was taken sick yesterday with fever &complained very much this morning Seven miles passed a runing Creek good bottoms two miles further crossed the Yauhaline River— this is a branch of the Naches and receives the Atouyaque &a number of other Creeks[.] the bottoms are wide, but overflow[.] three miles further came to a beautiful running Creek with wide rich bottoms well timbered where we overtook some of my men who I sent out in the morning to hunt. they had one deer at camp and wounded 4 [more] Don Erasmo was too unwell to go on and we camped for the day &turned out to hunt—but killed no deer
July 23 Started late Don Erasmo still unwell. stopped at Mount Prairie 9 miles— The country this day was very similar to that we passed yesterday, except that the timber is rather more scrubby, interspersed with handsome smooth Prairies, tolerably well watered with small creeks, and some fine Springs the soil generally 2nd rate, on the branches rich bottoms and heavy timber. Oak Hickory, Elm and some black walnut—very little undergrowth—
July 24 Don Erasmo very sick with fever, took an emetic, Barre and Beard also quite unwell— remained here the whole day the party washed their clothes and in the evening turned out to hunt. Killed one deer. The country for 4 miles round this place, which was as far as the hunters went was good some tracts of first rate and the balance good 2nd rate land. they found several good springs— this place takes the name of Mount Prairie from a mound which stands at the edge of it—
July 25. Started early—two miles came to the forks of the road— the right hand goes to the Comanches &a part of the company took the Comanche road by mistake &I sent a Spaniard after them, they went 4 miles on that road 2 Miles further came to the River Naches— This River is about 30 yds wide— It affords tolerable keel Boat navigation from the mouth of the Atouyaque down, &mouths in Sabine Bay. The bottoms on this River are generally liable to overflow, but it affords some large bodies of rich uplands the timber is generally good, after crossing the Naches passed a fine body of rich land for about 3 miles, after that the country became broken, poor pine ridges for 3 miles to a clear running Spring branch where there was a small body of good land, after which pine ridges for about 5 miles, &the country then becomes level and very much resembled the barrens of Kentucky, interspersed with small level Prairies. timber very low and scruby, soil generally 2d rate, water very scarce, 12 miles from the last Spring branch to the next water, a Small branch nearly dry, where we encamped for the night, came about 20 miles this day. Erasmo better. Barre &Beard both sick. Bellew took the Comanche road in company with the two Spaniards who also took it by mistake
July 26 Started late this morning owing to absence of Barnam's Horse &Don Ferdinand the Drs[.] came on 10 miles, to Creek where we found water standing in holes badly flavored &very warm— took dinner of dryed Buffaloe meat &cold flouer.
Met two parties from La Bahia who informed us that they saw three fresh corps on the road, one Spaniard &two Americans and saw where one more had been lately buried Supposed to have been killed by Indians— they also stated that the Indians came into the very Town of St Antonio and killed men &stole Horses &mules, and that the people were in a very distressed situation— there were two women within this party who Spoke English— Mr Lovelace went out a hunting &killed one Deer &a fawn
Started again at 2 oclock &came to the Trinity River, 13 miles were benighted and had some difficulty in getting through the bottom
The Spaniards and Mr Lovelace &party did not get to the River &encamped in a Prairie without water— I got over about 10 oclk at night with my packs and 13 men and encampd on the western bank in the edge of a large Prairie—
about 6 miles back a large trail came into the road and went on the same direction we were going, in consequence of which we began this night to watch, and herd the Horses,—we finished supper at 11 oclk, &I took the first watch until 12— in Dr H's watch between 2 &3 he saw several Indians &other alarming things, and soo roused the Camp. some of the party distinctly saw them mounted on White Horses, &the Dr and B presented arms to fire at one of them, but I stopped them, this alarm prevented our sleeping for the balance of the night—in the morning we discovered the Indians firmly fixed in the ground in the form of a stump &some Roots of trees that had been blown up— at day light some of the party went hunting, others fishing, &I tryed to make up some lost time in sleeping—
The Spaniards &Lovelace came up about 9 o'ck, no news of bellew and the other Spaniards, and we concluded to go on to the forks of the road about 5 miles ahead and wate for them— the Spaniards went on &I remained &took dinner of Turkey &venison soup and started about 12 oclk.
Fryday July 27.
The Trinity River is about 100 yds wide from the top of one bank to the top of the other. the banks are very steep &about 40 ft high—the water at this time is uncommonly low &is about 15 yds. wide 2 feet deep &a lively current— the bed of the River including sand bars is 40 yds. the water at this time is very clear, but a little brackish and unpalative—the bottom hard gravel the banks whitish Clay—Iron Pyrites in abundance with the gravil—&some detached masses of soft sand stone— the bottoms of this river are very wide and where we crossed there is a large smooth Prairie on each side, covered with the highest and thickest growth of grass I ever saw— the grass is coarse &very much resembles sugar cane the soil in the bottoms is deep &a jet black— This River rises at times from 55 to 60 feet and overflows all its bottoms &forms a sheet of water from Hill to Hill—more resembling a lake than a River— there is a large Prairie on west side extending about 2 miles to the high land where Col. Peros encamped. at this place there formerly was a Spanish Post. the situation is very beautiful and commanding on a smooth knoll which rises at the edge of the Praire—Paros left a part of his men and 4 pieces of Artillery at this place when he went out against Long. At this old encampment the roads fork, the left goes to La Bahia, the right which we took to St Antonio, 2 miles further overtook the Spaniards who passed us while at dinner at Trinity and came on 2 miles further where finding water we stoped for the night, Barre &Beard being too sick to go in the hot sun which was very oppressive today—
The country from the low ground of the Trinity out so far is open—poor dry Barrens, covered with fine grass, and a good deal of low scruby oak bushes— The Spaniards came on about 3 oclk &continued on to the next water.
Beard took an Emetic. Barre very sick with the fever and Wilson quite unwell with a headache and severe cold. in the afternoon several turned out to hunt, and Little found a Bee tree, which afforded about 1½ gallons honey—heavy rain in night.
Saturday July 28. The sick were much better this morning, and we made a pretty good start and came on 12 miles where the Spaniards were camped and a heavy cloud appearing we stoped &pitched Tents— the rain was very heavy and we remained here the balance of the day— Mr Polly killed a fine Buck this morning and Little killed a small Buck in the evening so that we lived on fresh venison &Honey this day
The country these 12 miles is open Barrens and only wanted the lime stone to make it a perfect picture of the Barrens of Ky. the soil rather thin, of a dark colour mixed with sand badly watered &Timbered
Barnum &the Dr had a Skirmish about a ramrod
Sunday, July 29.
came on 6 miles to a Creek, water standing in holes—small Prairies.
10 miles further to the Navisot River a branch of Brassas, clear running water, well tasted—extencive swamps in bottoms with ponds. timber oak hickory Pecan. Item found a human Scull—camped at Navisot—
Monday July 30—Started early. Barnum &Neel went on ahead to hunt—they were cautioned not loose sight of the road, neither of them being good wood men— 6 miles came to a beautifull Creek of pure runing water called Corpus Christi—fine bottoms covered with heavy timber a good deal of Cedar, very large—from Navisot to this place the country is principally prairie very beautifull. soil good, but a [bit] gravelly in places—
came on 8 miles further &stoped at a hole of water in the edge of the Prairie. Neel came in with a faun, &said that Barnum was within hearing of the Bells at camp soon after that we heard him shout and expected him in every moment.
The Country from Corpus to this place is very handsome, rolling Prairies, intersected by dreans in most of which water was standing in holes. timber rather scarce, but sufficient— after Dinner Barnum not coming in we concluded he must be lost, and nearly the whole company turned out to hunt him— at night we all returned to camp. no news of Barnum— Bellew overtook us this day from the Comanche trail
Tuesday July 31 This day was spent in hunting Barnum. Lovelace &self took a tour to the South East and I killed a Buck &L— a Buffaloe about 12 miles from camp— got back some time after night to camp no news of Barnum—
The country we travelled over this day is very good, rolling Prairie black soil, sufficiently timbered. runing water scarce, but abundance in the holes of branches—
Wednesday Augt. 1— Our water hole was exhausted &we were obliged to proceed &accordingly started and crossed the Brassos River and encamped on a beautifull eminence in the edge of an extensive Prairie, 2 miles from Brassos— The Country from last camp to this one is very good, rolling Prairie, sufficient timber—soil generally good—parts inclined to be gravelly— Brassos bottoms at this place 4 miles on the west side. overflows in extreem high water— a large dry Creek at beginning of bottom—land exactly like Red River same colour &texture &timber the River is about the size of Red River at Nachitoches— Banks very high the bottom smooth Rock. water about 4 feet deep and 80 yds wide—the land raises on the west side from the bank to the Prairie— water a little brackish tho much better than Red River. (Navigation.)
Thursday Augt. 2
I could not feel satisfied with myself without making another effort to find Barnum &accordingly this morning I went back in search of him, accompanied by Mr Wilson, Marple, Polly &1 Spaniard we steared S. E &S. S E [.] aften ten crossing the river—8 miles thence N. E &N—until night. country near the River very good. out 8 miles hilly Postoak—scarce of water—campd this night without water—mustangs good
Fryday July 3. started early steared N. N. W—and soon struck the large Prairies. stoped at a hole of water in Prairie &took breakfast— Buffaloe at a distance—Deer abundant—Steared N. W. &struck the road about 10 miles from the River &came on to camp at night where we found Barnum
He struck the River about 12 miles below the road, tied his horse and came up on foot under the bank until he came to the road, eat nothing for 4 days—very much fatigued &his feet scratched &inflamed &blistered was lost 4 days— sent 2 Spds for horse
Saturday Augt. 4— This morning we started all togeather once more, the strays all up— 6 miles the Nunas a beautifull clear runing Creek of pure lyme stone water. 7 miles a clear runing Creek Angeline 6 miles another runing Creek ulmo 4 miles another Creek—Ailes The country on these Creeks is very good—rolling Prairie—sufficient timber. good water soil black &generally very rich—killed a Buffaloe. Higginbottom [sic].
Sunday Augt. 5th. Buffaloe was plenty &all hands turned out hunting, but the Spaniards run them off &we only killed a Bull. I killed a fat Buck—
Monday Augt. 6. came on to the Yagua, 6 miles R. W. land good 15 miles further to Agua Dulce land not so good, rolling, post oak.
Tuesday Augt 7 came to the Colorado River 10 miles. poor gravelly ridges and near the river heavy pine timber, grapes in immense quantities on low vines, red, large, &well flavored, good for Red wine The C. R is something less than the Brassos banks very high—generally clear of overflow—bottom and banks gravelly. water very clear and well tasted, current brisk the river very much resembles Cumberland River, except that there are no rocks &it is some larger—
The bottom where the road crosses is about 5 miles, mostly high prairie clear of overflow, land rich, timber Pecan, Ash, Oak, Cedar, abundance of fish.
There is a small hill 2 miles above the road out of which Dn Era [Don Erasmo] informed me smoke &sparks issued— there is a very rich silver mine up this River on the St Saber, also a gold dust mine on the Yana [Llano] the country up this river is very good but scarce of timber
Wednesday Augt. 8 came on to Cedar Creek 8 miles—country generally poor &gravelly. abundance of cedar on this creek very large good water—Post oak wood— 10 miles further to a Creek in the Barrens— no water, weather hot &we travelled until 10 oclk at night. country poor &gravelly
Thursday Augt 9 In the morning we found water in a hole 300 yds above the road where we took supper &breakfast togeather— came on about a mile &found plenty of water on the left of the road— the Spds were in the lead &took a mustang road &went 3 or 4 miles out of road came to St Marcus River 20 miles Country beautifully rolling, soil very black &rich not much sandy—very gravelly, round pebble &flint, no timber, Muskete bushes &grass 8 miles from St M. there is a Creek called Los Ulmos, between which &the River there is an extensive rich prairie and with some timber adjoining &on the Creek— the River very clear pure water, but 9 miles to the head of it, where it breaks out in 3 Springs and forms the river at once— fall very great. Current rapid— by taking out the water high up and leading it in cannals the up lands on both banks might be watered.
Fryday 10th. came on to the Guadaloupe River—country the most beautiful I ever saw—rolling Prairies—soil very black and deep—mixed with flint pebbles—from the size of a hazlenut to a man's head, no timber but Muskete except on the branches ¬ much there—soft white lime stone rock, water scarce but very good— the soil cracks badly in many places where it is not sandy—is very stiff— The Guadaloupe is a beautiful bold stream of perfectly clear lime stone water, banks very high. There was formerly a Stockade fort at this place and at St Marcus—
Saturday 11— came on to the Paredona Creek, 16 miles and camped, country the same as yesterday—except being more hilly. there is a high ridge near the Guadaloupe which I was informed is well timbered— Guade. river has a very great fall and rapid Current also the St. Marcus—the latter fine for mills—
Sunday 12 This morning at daylight three men who had been dispatched from the Gal. [Guadaloupe?] by Erasmo to St Ao. returned with others &brought the glorious news of the Independence of Mexico— the Spaniards hailed this news with acclamations of “viva Independencia” and every other demonstration of joy— Erasmo invited us to breakfast with him on various Spanish dishes sent out by their wives and started in high spirits and arrived at St. Antonio about 11 ock
Remd at Bexar untill the 21— purchased mustangs— mustang hunting &c— Indians killed 1. wounded 1 Sp.
Bexar
From Bexar
Tuesday Augt. 21— Started from Bexar, came to St. Juan, sand— valley— missions — cannibals— River—Springs — irrigating—Bn. de Br. [Baron de Bastrop]—Govr. his Lt. &Ch. Erasmo &Lt Berrimindi—cooking—kings cavalliard
Wednesday 22. came to ranchos de las arrochas a Creek, not runing but good water in a hole—country rolling, land generally rich, rather more sandy than near Bexar— in the afternoon the hunters turned out hunting, but killed nothing, and as we got no meat at St. Ao. we had but bread and coffee—
In the evening the head chief of the Tankawas and 3 other chiefs and 4 men and 10 squaws came to camp on their way to Bexar, the chief was called Gocoso— I had a talk with him, smoked and gave him some tobacco, informed him of my intended settlement which pleased him, &he sent on two of his sons next day with me to his town to inform his nation who we were and our objects &c—
Thursday 23 came on about 12 miles and turned out of the road about 1 mile and encamped on the River, banks 50 feet high country beautifully rolling less brush—no gravel, and more sandy—
Fryday 24 started very early, about 7 oclk we were met by the chief from Tankawa village (which was about 4 miles to the left of road) and a number of Indians—they are great beggars, &wanted Tobacco. I gave the chief a piece, and moved on, which displeased him very much, as he wanted me to halt the company and smoke with them they dogged us on ten miles begging
stoped at St Bartolimy a large runing creek of good water, on which the Indians live—land very good no Timber started again at 3 and came on to alamito 12 miles making about 25 miles for this days journey
Saturday 25. made an early start, passed a fine stream of runing water. came on to Cabeza a Creek of runing water, about 20 miles—and within 6 miles of labaddie— the country is more beautiful than near Bexar—the land generally first rate but very sandy in places not to much muskite &under brush—water scarce—had an alarm in the night with Horses—the land adjoining the river is very rich and lays beautifully—
Sunday 26 Arrived at La Bahia.
This place is beautifully situated on an eminence, immediately on the bank of the St Antonio River. the surrounding country is rolling prairie, land rather sandy but produces well, might all be watered from the River— Town in a state of ruin, owing to the Shock it recd in the revolution and subsequent Indian depredations— the Inhabitants have a few cattle and horses &raise some corn. there is however a very considerable trade through this town from Nachitoches to the coast and money is tolerably plenty—
The Spaniards live poorly, have but little furniture or rather none at all in their houses— no knives, eat with forks &spoons and their fingers—
Monday 27. presented my letters to the alcalde from the Govr. which contained an order to furnish me with guides to explore the country, in the evening I was informed that the only guides to be relied on were Two Soldiers and they could not be had without an order from the Govr— this made it necessary to send to Bexar to the Govr. and it being so important to have guides I concluded to wate the return of the express which the Alcalde dispatched immediately.
Tuesday 28. because acquanted with Senr. Jose Valdes and curé of the Parish a very gentlemanly and liberal minded man and a great friend of the Americans. he expressed a wish to be appointed the Curé of my new settlement The father at St Antonio had expressed the same wish,
Wednesday 29. I concluded to send in the loose horses and mules belonging to the Company amounting to upwards of 60 and accordingly selected 6 of the Company to return with them. I spent this day in writing to the U. S.
Thursday 30. This day I also spent in writing and fitting off the company for Nachitoches,
Fryday 31. This morning the company for Nachitoches started The mail also arrived from Bexar and I recd an official letter from the Govr appointing me Civil commandant of the new settlement—I also recd a letter from the Baron de Bastrop—
Saturday Sepr. 1— In the evening the courier arrived from Bexar, and the Govr wrote to the alcalde that he could not spare any soldiers I then concluded to take the Spd. who the Alcalde had selected
Sunday Sepr. 2d. This [day] I started all the company, and remained myself to come out with the Spad— in the evening engaged three Indians of the Haranames tribe as pilots—these Indians were collected at an old mission half a mile out of town and placed under the care of a Priest whose consent it was necessary to obtain before they cd. be had—
Monday 3d. owing to the delay of the Spad in