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 report6 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 retained8
13th.
A communication was made per Mr. Montgomery to the Committees of Nacogdoches &San Augustin of which a copy marked (B) is on file9
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 belonging12 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 G13
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 H14
Also a resolution Recommending a compromise of the difficulties between Texas and the Mexican forces which is on file marked I15
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 J16
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 M17
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 N18
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 by23
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 getting of[f] did not start until near the middle of day—had to pay him $10 in advance &promise a Dollar a day— came out 4 miles to a Creek where the company encamped—clear runing water, land good but rather sandy— in the afternoon came on 12 miles to the Colato Creek a large bold stream of clear runing water land generally good, in some places too sandy, considerable quantity of oak timber— heavy rain in the evening &night
Tuesday 4. Turned off the road. came on to the Guadaloupe river. 12 miles. Prairie gently rolling land generally good, near the river very good, wide bottoms heavy timber of oak, Pecan, &c stoped in the edge of the Prairie on the East side of the River &took dinner—cloudy &windy— In the afternoon I directed the Pilots to stear for the old mission on the lake that the Guadaloupe and St Antonio Rivers empty into—and accordingly we left the road and took a S S E course encamped on the Bank of the Guadaloupe 3 miles from the road and Deer being plenty some of the party went a hunting &some a fishing. The hunters brought in a fat Buck &the fishermen two fine soft shell turtles &one fish— the Turtles, were very fat and made good soup with no other seasoning but salt &pepper— the water of the river is very clear and pure, and well tasted—fish appear plenty tho we caught but one—
the land is good and lays beautifully after leaving the river bottom there is a rise of about 50 feet, after which is level smooth Prairie as far as the eye can reach—
Wednesday Sept. 5. continued on a SSE direction down the river, and immediately on the bluff which is from 40 to 50 feet high— the bottoms are very wide, and heavy timber—land rich, back from the bluff level smooth Prairie as far as the eye could reach—Deer very &mustang horses very plenty saw at least 400 of the former &150 of the latter, one mustang colt that got seperated from the gang came on with us, some of the Horses are very good and would sell from [$]100 to [$]200 in La. stoped on a pond in the river bottom took dinner, water a little brackish Alligators plenty,—&very mirey
In the afternoon came on about 8 miles to a Spring branch of very good water, tho there was not much of it, barely creeping through the grass here we encamped for the night. Land &country the same—
Thursday 6—came on about 5 miles and struck a large lake in the River bottom of good sweet water, high banks, and hard bottom. found an old Karanqua encampment on the bank of the lake apparently a month old— this lake is about 4 miles long &½ wide. two miles below is another lake longer than the first which are connected by a narrow channel—on this lake we stoped for dinner at a large Karanqua encampment, about 3 weeks old— In the afternoon at the bottom of this lake we came to the head of Matagorda Bay, &the mouths of the Guadaloupe &St Antonio rivers— The Bay has a beautifull appearance—on the east side the land is high, say 25 feet above the water and form an immense prairie as far as the eye could reach—on the west side there is a strip of high timber, just discernable— the Guadaloupe &St Antonio rivers empty into this Bay
The head of the Bay on the east side is a beautiful situation for a Town, the land is all first rate, but too level, there is no timber except on the river, there is an extensive Cypress Swamp on the river, and heavy pecan &oak timber
found another Karanqua encamp at which was a small Anchor &a quantity of large iron spikes, and seven [?] Alligator heads and the skins of Alligator Gars These Indians live principally on fish and eat all kinds, Alligators &c&c—
Fryday 7. This morning I directed the guide to steer the nearest course to old La Badee, he struck due east, after traveling about 15 miles on this course over level prairie we came to the sea coast, which run N.E. followed it about 5 miles and came to an inlet which we headed about 1½ miles round and struck a fresh Indian trail apparently one day old, followed it &near sun down came to a small hole of stagnant water, which tho very bad and offensive to taste and smell we drank with avidity, it being the first we had met with during the day we camped here for the night and one of the Indians went to the sea there distant one mile &brought up a plank, apparently part of a Kentucky boat which had drifted from the mouth of Mississippi—with which we made a little fire to cook with, there being no timber or even twigs growing in the Prairie— the Indian reported that he saw fresh mockasin tracks on the shore I thought it best to tie up our horses and guard them
Saturday 8th Started early without breakfast and struck the Sea Shore in about 2 miles at a Karanqua encampment found an old copper Stew pan— followed the coast about 2 miles and came to an inlet which was impassable, followed it to its head near 6 miles due west, from this steared north to gain the high prairie and soon came to another inlet which we steared west to head. by this time I found that our guide knew no more of the country than we did &therefore continued due north to gain the high Prairies once more, struck 3 more inlets which took us to the west and about 2 oclk came to a fine hole of fresh water at the head of one of the inlets, the first we had met with this day. halted here for breakfast &Dinner, &encamped for the night, the country a dead level—and after leaving the sea Shore about 4 miles the land a Stiff black soil very sticky and mirey in wet weather and hard in dry—cracks badly.
Sunday 9 came on due north abt. 8 miles and struck another inlet which took us 2 miles to the west to head—good runing water at the head of it—4 miles further another Creek of runing water where we stoped for dinner— in the afternoon struck N.W and encamped on a Creek which run into the Bay on which old Labaddie formerly stood— showery
Monday 10 In the morning sent out the men hunting and I went with the Spaniard and one man to examine the site of old Labaddie— came to the bay 2 miles fjrom Camp at the mouth of the Creek we were encamped on &found that the old town was still further to the East
The Bay had a very handsome appearance, and I think was about 5 miles wide. it bore to the S. W. towards the sea— at the head of this Bay which turned East a large Creek of good water puts in on which was established old Labaddie on the Creek there is good timber tho not plenty— This harbour is said to be the best on the Coast tho it is exposed owing to the bank being so low—the depth of water is stated to be 11 to 12 feet over the bar &. . . in the bay— the banks are about 20 feet high on the bay where I was &come bluff to the water— the head of this Bay is fresh water like the head of Matagorda Bay, where the old town was the Spaniard informed me the banks were a little higher—
The whole country round this Bay is a dead level Prairie, not a bush growing, soil a deep black &in wet weather will mire a horse almost any where. in dry weather cracks open so that a horses foot would go into them, it is however very much cut up with dreans &Creeks of good running water. the marks of the Surf was about 5 feet below the top of the bank, tho the Spaniard informed me it sometimes broke entirely over it and drowned the Prairie— If the country was rolling &timbered this Bay could afford a most beautifull site for a commercial town finding that neither the Spaniard or Indians knew anything of the Country, and our provisions being short and no game to be found I determined to strike for the road and discharge all the guides. two of the Indians preferred going strait in and steard for the Guadaloupe —the other Indian &Spaniard started with us
We steared up the Creek encamped nearly due west &were obliged to follow it to its head before we cd cross, so steep were the banks &mirey bottom, after crossing it steared N. W. to the head of a branch of the same Creek, at this Creek the Spaniard &Indian fell behind &left me without saying a word of their intention to do so— we continued N. N. W. to the head of another branch of the same Creek and encamped for the night— when we stoped there was no appearance of rain &we did not pitch our tents for which we paid dearly in the night, for it rained pritty steady all night and we were completely soaked &passed a sleepless night—
Tuesday 12 [sic] Started very early before breakfast (there being nothing but a little willow where we were and steared N. N. W. about 12 miles and struck a large Creek well timbered where deer were plenty Stoped and dried our blankets &c. and turned out a hunting, in the evening the hunters returned with 5 Deer, which we put to drying
The country from Runaway Creek (where the Sp. &In. left us) to this place is much like the rest of it on the Coast—the first part black stiff soil very deep, near the big Creek (which I presume is the one called Garcia) the Prairie becomes rolling &very sandy in places too much so for cultivation—the water in all the Creeks is very clear and good
Wednesday 12 Spent the morning in drying our meat. Mr. Lovelace killed a fat Buck—and we spent the day in drying meat and laid in a stock sufficient for 10 days—marked my name &date on a tree, and named the Creek Benado from the great quantity of deer—
This is a beautiful Creek of as good water as ever ran from the Earth, and sufficiently large for mills
The land on [it] is pritty good tho rather sandy. Timber plenty—
Thursday 13. Started early from Benado Creek, and continued a due north course, passed several branches of the same Creek, post oak timber—Prairie only good in some places—becomes more rolling— about 12 ock struck the road 5 miles from the Garcia Creek—
The Garcia is bold runing stream of clear good water, sandy bottoms abundance of Post oak—land adjoining rather sandy and in places very poor being a perfect sand bank. Stoped for dinner
In the afternoon went on 4 miles to a large bold runing Creek very clear &good water land between the two Creeks nearly all first rate, &plenty of timber—
Memo. at the mouth of the Garcia the old town of Labaddie was established. this is the place I spent so many days in trying to find
Fryday 14. came on to the Baca a large clear creek— about 7 miles— land sandy— plenty of post oak24 . . .
Saturday 15 came on to the Colorado River— land is better &con[tinued along] the River . . . 8 miles— all first rate [land] the Colorado bottoms are very wide— rich Prairie &timbered land, timber very heavy— Pecan oak Cotton woods black . . . On our arrival at the [ri]ver it was dark . . . could not get over without getting wet &as it was too late to look for a new ford we encamped on the beach . . .
Sunday 16 in the [morning found] a new ford little below and got over [While] crossing 4 Bedi [?] Indians from the River Trinity camp up from whom [we] got some fresh dryed Buffalo meat Irwin was too unwell to start— the whole [party thought it?] more prudent to send him in directly to the settlements and accordingly started him and Jeff [?] Polly Stoped at a little Creek at the edge of the Prairie for dinner &then struck down the river a S S E &S E direction— the land on this side the river is very good and just below the road the Prairie goes bluff to the River— The Timber is all good and abundance of it— Continued on down the river just out side the timber about 10 miles and struck a large lake in the bottom— turned to the left and encamped on a small Creek that runs into the head of the Lake— The land so far is all first rate and lays beautifully and is well timbered—
As we were going round the lake we heard something on the opposite side which very much resembled the bark of dogs &we also saw 3 Horses running at a distance ahead of us which we suspected from the manner in which they went off were not mustangs tho' the distance was too great to distinguish whether men were on them or not— these circumstances induced us to tie up our Horses close round us and keep watch
Monday 17 started early and continued a S. E. course along the Lake— at the lower end the Indian war whoop was raised from . . . and I immediately . . descried an Indian coming towards me, who beckoned me to [stop] &made signs of Friendship [He] advanced towards me into [the] Prairie and was followed at a short distance by 14 warriors [I] advanced about 20 yds ahead of [my] company directing them to be prepared for battle if necessary . . . Chief asked me in Spanish [where I] was from and where going [I informed] him, . . . he said they were Coacos . . . who I knew lived with the Karankawas . . . this induced me to watch them closely and refused to go to their camp or to permit them to go up to the men, untill one of the chiefs laid down his arms and five squaws and a Boy came up to me from their camp— this satisfied me they believed us to be too strong for them and therefore that they wd. not attack us (of their disposition to do so I had no doubt, if they thought they cd. have succeeded) some of the warriors then went up to the [men] and appeared friendly, I gave the chief some Tobacco and a frying Pan that we did not want and parted apparently good friends— there was 15 warriors in the group . . . the chief informed me that they were going to encamp on the road to trade with the Spaniards &Americans— he said we cd. not reach the mouth of the river with Horses owing to the thickets he also said that there was a large body of Karanquas at the mouth
These Indians were well formed and apparently very active and athletic men, their Bows were about 5½ to 6 ft long, their arrows 2 to 3 well pointed with Iron or Steel [Some] of the young squaws were handsome &one of them quite pretty— they had Panther skins around their waist painted, which extended down to the knee &calf of the leg— above the waist tho. they were naked— their breasts were marked or tatooed in circles of black beginning with a small circle at the nipple and enlarging as the breast swelled
These Indians and the Karanquas may be called universal enemies to man—they killed of all nations that came in their power, and frequently feast on the bodies of their victims— the [approach of] an American population will be the signal of their extermination for there will be no way of subduing them but extermination . . .
After leaving these savages we continued on our course S. E. down the River 10 miles and stoped at a hole of water in the Prairie— the land from the Lake down was not so good Prairie very level &sandy— ahead of us in sight was a very thick timber intersecting the river timber nearly at right angles and extending out in . . .
Tuesday 18 made an early start . . . four miles . . . timber oak Pecan . . . 5 miles further a very large bold running Creek . . . land first rate . . . miles further crossed another Creek, heavy timber— rich black soil— good water—and encamped on a small branch at a [hole] of water— this branch appeared [to] run into a la[rge creek which] lay in front of us and appeared to run W. S. South [sic], land all the richest kind of black soil very deep. Yellow Clay found ... Saw three gangs of mustangs in one of which was 2 mules— the timber on these Creeks is very good and in abundance
Wednesday 19 Mr Lovelace [went hunting] &killed the fattest Buck I ever saw in my life and we started about 9 oclock continued a north course along the large body of timber which lay to our right, and which from its extent we began to think was the Brassos River— Prairies of the richest kind of black sandy land, intersected by branches and Creeks of excellent water— heavyly timbered, beautifully rolling— in the afternoon stoped at a small Pond in the edge of the bottom and one of the men went in to the River which proved to be the Brassos
The bottom about 1½ miles wide— very heavy timbered— no appearance of overflow.
Thursday 20 Started from the Pond &came on about 4 miles and struck the Tuscasite or oppelou[sas] road, turned along it to the River &we concluded to divide the company. Mr Lovelace and 3 others went up on the west side &I crossed with 4 others to examine the country on the east side, agreeing to meet at the Labaddie road.
The Prairie comes bluff to the river just below the Tuscasite road, and affords a most beautifull situation for a Town or settlement— The bluff is about 60 feet high—
The country back of this place and below for about 15 miles (as far as we went) is as good in every respect as man could wish for, Land all first rate, plenty of timber, fine water—beautifully rolling— we calculated that we were within 12 or 15 miles of the Coast.
The river was humming[?] &raising fast we therefore built a raft, loaded our things and one of the company who could not swim on it, and swam over pushing the raft before us, in this way all crossed safely, took dinner [on] the bank and entered the bottom. The trace was a very old and blind one, the bottom (which was about 6 miles through) most of the way a heavy cane break, we therefore had great difficulty in following the road and getting through Caves &vines &did not reach the Prairie before night— just before dark after we had almost despaired of getting through that day struck the Prairie at a delightful clear running spring Creek where we encamped for the night—
Fryday 21, made an early start &continued on a north course, the land adjoining the river bottom is rolling Prairie, intersected by small streams of runing water, land of the first kind of black sandy soil. In about 3 miles the land became rather more sandy though very good and abundantly watered &timbered up to the road, which we struck about 4 oclk and encamped on a clear runing spring branch about 4 miles from the river— to the east of where we struck the Prairie there is a large Creek, distant about six miles from the river heavy timbered &good land— saw abundance of mustang signs.
3 or 4 miles below the labaddie road there are two small traces which probably go to Oppelousas— Saturday 22d. About 11 o'clk Mr Lovelace and his party came up, they had to swim the river— they reported that the Country they came over was superior to any thing they had seen before in the Province, they found two fine springs that broke out from under a sand rock, crossed a number of fine runing Creeks all good water and many of them large enough for mills, abundance of timber, and land all first rate and very rolling— the River bottom about 2 miles wide heavy timbered no overflow— the range of rich land on the west side is about 150 miles in length and generally extends from one river to the other, on the St. Antonio it is the same, 25 miles above one of our company (Higginbottom) had been through &he said it was the same &two of the company H— &Barr had crossed it at the Wacoe village 60 or 70 miles further up and it was the same there only rather more rolling &plenty of mill seats —saw several Bear and plenty of sign—near the mouth of Brassos there are plenty of wild cattle. we saw abundance of cattle.25
[Philip Nolan, as the leader of the first Anglo-American invasion of Texas, is a historical character of considerable interest. Very little is known of him, and the following letters add a small fraction to what has hitherto been published. The originals are in the library of the Department of State at Washington. The copying was supervised and verified by Professor A. C. McLaughlin, head of the Bureau of Historical Research of the Carnegie Institution, and his valuable services are gratefully acknowledged. Parts of the letters might have been omitted as not referring to Nolan, but it has been thought best to publish them entire.—Editor Quarterly.]
Philadelphia June 24. 1798 Sir
It was some time since I have understood that there are large herds of horses in a wild state in the country West of the Missisipi and have been desirous of obtaining details of their history in that state. Mr. (?) Brown, Senator from Kentucky, informs me it would be in your power to give interesting information on this subject, and encourages me to ask it. the circumstances of the old-world have, beyond the records of history, been such as admitted not that animal to exist in a state of nature. the condition of America is rapidly advancing to the same. the present then is probably the only moment in the age of the world and the herds above mentioned the only subjects, of which we can avail ourselves to obtain what has never yet been recorded and never can be again in all probability. I will add that your information is the sole reliance, as far as I can at present see, for obtaining this desideratum. you will render to natural history a very acceptable service therefore, if you will enable our Philosophical-society to add so interesting a chapter to the history of the animal. I need not specify to you the particular facts asked for, as your knowledge of the animal in his domesticated, as well as his wild state, will naturally have led your attention to those particulars in the manners, habits, &laws of his existence, which are peculiar to his wild state. I wish you not to be anxious about the form of your information. the exactness of the substance alone is material: and if, after giving in a first letter all the facts you at present possess, you could be so good, on subsequent occasions, as to furnish such others in addition as you may acquire from time to time, your communication will always be thankfully received. If addressed to me at Monticello &put into any post office of Kentucky or Tenissee, they will reach me speedily &safely, and will be considered as obligations on Sir
Your most obedt. & humble servt Th: Jefferson Mr Nolan
New Orleans 12 february 1799 Sir
You will pardon the Liberty I take in addressing you when I inform you that your Letter of the 24th. June of last year directed to Mr Philip Nolan (with whom for many years I have been connected in the strictest Friendship) has in his absence come into my possession. That extraordinary and enterprising Man is now and has been for some years past employed in the Countries bordering on the Kingdom of New Mexico either in catching or purchasing Horses, and looked for on the Banks of the Mississippi at the fall of the Waters with a thousand Head which he will in all probability drive into the U. S. Having directions from him to peruse all Letters addressed to him previous to their being forwarded that in case of accident, no expression contained in them should awaken the jealousy of the suspicious people among whom he has by a coincidence of fortunate circumstances introduced himself, I have by this Means acquired a knowledge of the object of your researches, &shall feel particular pleasure in affording my mete of assistance to forward your Letter in safety to him. You judge right in supposing him to be the only person capable of fulfilling you Views as no Person possessed of his talents has ever visited that Country to unite information with projects of utility. Shortly after his return, but not before on acct. of the impossibility of applying himself during his travels with that attention he could wish to the subject, I will be responsible for his giving you every information he has collected, and and it will require all the good Opinion you may have been led to entertain of his veracity not to have your Belief staggered with the accounts you will receive of the numbers, &habits of the Horses of that Country and the people who live in that Neighborhood whose Customs &ideas are as different from ours as those of the Hordes of Grand Tartary. Did it not interfere with your other occupations I would presume to request you would point out particular subjects on which my Friend should enlarge, as some which would be probably very interesting to you, might be overlooked or seem too trivial to him to notice from having come so often under his observation. In this case your Letters addressed to the care of Mr Tench Coxe of Philadelphia to be forwarded to me will shortly get to Nolan's hands, and I take the Liberty of referring you to Mr Coxe for a knowledge of my Character, that you may not be under any apprehension concerning the Person to whom you write. Mr. Ellicott the Commissioner on the part of the U. S. for running the line of demarcation with Spain being now Visitor in my House and having at his arrival in this Country been acquainted with Nolan who gave him considerable information on the subject in Question, I have hinted to him your Wish of acquiring some Knowledge, and he will doubtless think himself happy in contributing as far as lies in his power to this End until Nolan himself can have an Opportunity of giving you perfect Satisfaction. In the mean time I must suggest to you the necessity of keeping to yourself for the present all the information that may be forwarded to you as the slightest Hint would point out the Channel from whence it flowed and might probably be attended with the most fatal consequences to a man, who will at all times have it in his Power to render important Services to the U. S., and whom Nature seems to have formed for Enterprizes of which the rest of Mankind are incapable.
Should any accident happen which would deprive the World of this extraordinary Character, his Papers which are confided to me &a mutual Friend now in the Spanish Service, shall be carefully examined, and every thing relating to that Country shall be forwarded to you with such other remarks as both of us from our own Knowledge &information have acquired.
The desire I have that you should be possess'd of every information and the certainty that the Philosopher &Politician will excuse the freedom of the Persons interesting themselves in procuring such as may be useful embolden me to mention Mr William Dunbar a Citizen of Natchez in the Mississippi territory as a person worthy of being consulted by you on subjects relating to this Country its productions, or any philosophical Questions connected with them. He was for some time employed by the Spanish Government as their Astronomer on the Line of demarcation, but has retired to his Estate, and for Science, Probity, &general information is the first Character in this part of the World. His long residence in this Country still but little known to men of letters, its Situation with respect to many Savage tribes, some of which lately inhabited the very Place where he resides &where their Vestiges are still perceptible, the extensive Communication with remote parts presented by the Mississippi and concourse of Indians and traders, have given him many Opportunities of making Observations which may not have presented themselves to others &may not probably occur in future, to these may be added those he has made on the Country itself, its population manners Customs of the Inhabitants, the different Changes in their Government for the last 40 Years, the Climate, soil &Trade which are but little known abroad and they will I hope appear so important to a person whose reputation is so great as yours as to procure me your Indulgence for the Liberty I have taken.
I have the Honor to remain with Sentiments of the greatest respect &Esteem Sir
Your most obedient &most humble Servant Daniel Clark Junr [Tho]s. Jefferson Esqr.
New Orleans 12 November 1799 Sir
I have had the pleasure of receiving the Letter you wrote me in June last, and of delivering that which was inclosed for Mr Dunbar who thinks himself honor'd by your application to him. Whilst at his House we had the satisfaction of seeing Mr Philip Nolan arrive from New Mexico, he has brought with him 1000 head of Horses and by a singular favor of Providence has escaped the snares which were laid for him—Gayoso the late Governor of the Province of Louisiana, a few months before his Death wrote to the Governor of Texas the Province confining on this to the Westward to arrest Nolan on his return as a Person who from the Knowledge he had acquired of the interior parts of New Mexico, might one day be of injury to the Spanish Monarchy, the thing would have been effected according to his Wish &Nolan might probably have been confined for life on mere suspicion, but fortunately the Governor of Texas died a few days before the letter reached San Antonio the Capital of his Government—The person exercising the Office of Governor pro. tem. knowing that another had been appointed by the Vice Roy refrained from opening the letters directed to the late Governor, and during this interval Nolan who was unconscious of the machinations of his Enemies passed thro' the Province, was treated as usual with the utmost attention, and only learned the Circumstance from me a few days ago when preparing to go to the Frontier of Texas to bring in a small drove of Horses which he had still remaining there. The certainty that the blind yet suspicious people would never believe that he could correspond with a Person in your high Station on any subject unconnected with Politics induced me to request you would give nothing to the World which could be traced to him, for any Communication, how innocent so ever in itself would be suspected &in case of discovery would have been fatal—He has no longer any thing to fear on this Head and he proposes shortly forwarding you the information you require—In company with him is a Person a perfect master of the Language of signs of which Mr Dunbar has made mention in his Letter to you. I have proposed to Nolan to send him on to the U-S. that you might have an opportunity of learning from him many curious particulars respecting his Country, and have offered to defray his Expenses till his return here and make him beside a compensation for his time—if he can be induced to undertake the Voyage I shall take the Liberty of giving a Line to you that you may know the Man. As the manners Customs, situation of the Country Strength, Population &c are altogether unknown to the People of the U-S. you will not I hope take the liberty amiss, and the novelty will probably compensate the trouble of acquiring the information— Should any particulars respecting this Country strike you on which I could procure intelligence I would spare no trouble in getting it, and when connected with subjects with which I may be unacquainted, my connections here are such that I flatter myself I could obtain it by applying to those who have had better Opportunities &more leisure than myself to attend to the pursuits of Science. In your Letter to Nolan I think you hinted that Horses are found no where in a wild state but in America, I some time ago by accident stumbled on a Work entitled Voyages aux Peuples Lamoeides in which mention is made of some found Wild in Siberia or in Tartary, they are represented as small, exceedingly fleet, &hard to catch living on the borders of the Settlements &of great injury to the Inhabitants by the destruction of their Crops. I paid no attention to the thing at that time but if the Book falls again in my Way I shall forward it to you, as it may contain other particulars on the same subject which I do not recollect, the title may however be sufficient for you to procure it—As this Country produces excellent Oranges, I have presumed to send to the care of Mr Daniel W Coxe of Philadelphia a barrel hand picked &well put to be delivered to you and a Box of Paccan Nuts, these last are not I understand common in the Atlantic Parts of the U-S. tho' they grow every where on the Banks of the Mississippi from the Ilinois River to the Sea, generally in the low grounds and even in Places occasionally overflowed by the annual rise of the Waters, the Tree grows to the usual size of Forest Trees and affords a delightful Shade in Summer, it might be worth while to cultivate it in Virginia for use &ornament. I propose to send you shortly by way of Baltimore if no Opportunity offers direct for Virginia a Bag of a superior kind which I am promised by a Friend and will occasionally take the liberty of sending you any thing which I may suppose either rare or curious with you that I can procure here
I remain with Respect Sir Your most obedient &most humble Servant Daniel Clark Junr Thos. Jefferson Esqr.
Head Quarters on the Mississippi Fort Adams May 22D. 1800 Sir
I have been obliged by a letter from you, with reference to two Italian Busts, which you expect to receive by way of New Orleans, and being on the eve of my departure hence for that City, in my route to the Atlantic States, (probably to land at the City of Washington) I embrace present occasion to make this acknowledgement, and to offer you my assurances of attention, to the Commission with which you have been pleased to Honor me—
In the Bearer of this Letter—Mr. P. Nolan, you will behold the Mexican traveller, a specimen of whose discoveries, I had the Honor to submit to you in the Winter 1797, Mr. N—s subsequent excursions have been more extensive, &his observations more accurate, He feels pride in offering Himself to your investigation, and I am pursuaded you will find pleasure, in his details of a Country, the Soil, clime, population, improvements &productions of which are so little known to us.
An acquaintance of many Years, from his Early Youth, authorizes me to vouch for Mr. N—s high sense of probity— dare I Sir, I would recommend Him to your kindness, &acknowledge myself obliged, by any Courtesy you may offer to Him— With profound respect &attachment, I have the Honor to be Sir
Your Mo. Obedt. Servant Ja Wilkinson Thos Jefferson Esqr.
Natchez 22d August 1801 Dear Sir
I have delayed untill the present moment acknowledging the honor of your letter of the 12th Jan. last, from a Conviction of the impropriety of all trivial intrusion upon your time, always precious, but now dedicated to duties of the highest importance. However anxious I may be to express a due sense of your condescension, I shall ever guard myself against so impardonable an error. I shall therefore confine my Communications solely to such objects as you have been pleased to introduce into our Correspondence and such matters as have naturally sprung from them.
By the present occasion I have the honor of transmitting you a monthly recapitulation of meteorological observations for the year 1800; to which I have subjoined remarks calculated to convey some idea of the nature of our climate.— I have also attended to a hint dropt in one of your letters respecting the Mississippi, by preparing a short account of that river, but my Copist having fallen sick, I am obliged to defer transmitting it untill next post.
I have some time since received notices of fossil bones discovered to the west of the Mississippi, and lately an intelligent French Gentleman, Commandant of the Opelousas, informs me, that at three different places of that Country, bones have been found which are supposed to resemble those of the big-bone-lick near the Ohio, and at another place he is well assured that in digging a well, a set of human teeth (la denture d'un homme) had been found at the depth of 30 or 35 feet. I have recommended to that Gentleman to set on foot a diligent investigation of those objects and if practicable to transmit me specimens of the bones, particularly a jawbone with its included teeth as little mutilated as possible. Shou'd I prove so fortunate as to acquire the possession of any object worthy the attention of the Society, I shall take an early opportunity of presenting it. Mr Nolan has formerly given me some intimation of fossil bones of great magnitude being found in various parts of new Mexico, but we have lately been cut off from our usual communication with that Country by the imprudence of Mr. Nolan who persisted in hunting wild horses without a regular permission; the consequence of which has been, that a party being sent against him, he was the only man of his company who was killed by a random shot.— I am much concerned for the loss of this man. Altho' his excentricities were many and great, yet he was not destitute of romantic principles of honor united to the highest personal courage, with energy of mind not sufficiently cultivated by education, but which under the guidance of a little more prudence might have conducted him to enterprises of the first magnitude. We hope the usual intercourse will be renewed, and I shall endeavour to prosecute our researches into the western Continent.
I have received some imperfect account from Mr. Nolan and his man who instructed us in the signs, of an uncommon Animal having been seen by the Natives in a considerable lake in a sequestered situation in New Mexico. It is compared when somewhat elevated in the water, to the upper part of the body of a Spaniard with his broad brimmed hat, &that it is often hear'd to breathe or blow heavily. The Indians who are often Superstitious express a dislike or abhorrence of the place, seldom going near it, and assert that the departed Spirits of the first Spaniards who conquered their Country dwell in the lake. Mr. Nolan informed me that he was once very near that lake, but knew nothing of it untill some time after, when he was told the above circumstances. Whether we are to suppose this a fable invented by the Indians—or that there really exists an Animal, perhaps the hippopotamus or a nondescript, will remain the discovery of a future time.
In my last I gave you an extract from an old book in my possession, containing Dor. Hooks scheme of a telegraph in the year 1684, wondering that the invention of their Countryman had not been claimed by the English, but I now find I have been anticipated in that communication by a paper in the 1st vol. of the Philosophical Magazine p. 312 London.
Your observation of the Lunar rain-bow is entirely new to me, but I have often observed a Phœnomenon which seems to have been overlooked by Philosophers; it is slightly noticed in Brydone's tour through Sicily and Malta Vol. 1. p. 356 2d Edit. London. This Curious and beautiful phœnomenon may be seen every fine summer evening in this and perhaps in all other countries, where serenity is united to a Cloudless sky. It is caused by the prismatic effect of the atmosphere upon the Sun's departing rays. Soon after sun-set a belt of a yellowish orange Color is seen to extend itself along the eastern horizon, this belt ascends in the same proportion as the sun ascends, being about one degree in breadth; in contact with the first appears a second belt below, of a dark blue color &about the same breadth as the first, both belts being tollerably well defined and of an uniform Color throughout: when the double belt has risen a little above the horizon, the azure sky may be seen below, and as they continue to ascend the belts become fainter, untill at length the prismatic rays meeting with no vapors sufficiently dense to reflect their colors, the whole phœnomenon dissolves into pale celestial light; the belts disappear at about 6 or 7° of latitude. This phœnomenon merits some attention; it exhibits as upon a skreen that species of light, which after a greater angular dispersion, arriving at the moon's orbit, faintly illumines her disk during the time of a total eclipse.
It would seem to result from the above appearances, that if a prism were formed of atmospheric air, the solar ray wou'd be separated thereby into two colors only, a yellow orange and a blue: it is known to Opticians that the Compound Color of orange and yellow and the color which Newton Calls indigo, comprise within themselves the seven primitive colors, that is, united they ought to form White. we ought not therefore to reject this effect of atmosphric air, because dissimilar to the prismatic powers of such diaphonous bodies as are best known to us: modern experiments have shewn that refracting bodies possess very different dispersive powers; and when we reflect upon the heterogeneous nature of our atmosphere, composed of at least three permanently elastic fluids, with the adventitious mixture of perhaps a hundred others, subject from chemical affinity to perpetual resolution and composition, dissolving at all times a great proportion of aqueous fluid, and the whole pervaded by the electric fluid; shall we then presume to doubt that Nature has it in her power to compose a refracting body, whose dispersive powers are equal with respect to the red, orange, yellow &green making rays, and tho' greater with regard to the three remaining primitive colors yet perfectly equal among themselves.
I have the honor to be with the highest respect and Consideration
Your most humble and most Obedient Servant William Dunbar
NOTES AND FRAGMENTS.
Some Fannin Correspondence.—The interesting letter below has just been presented to the State Library by ex-Governor F. R. Lubbock.26 The latter part of it, dealing with Fannin's personal history, has been printed by Governor Lubbock in his Six Decades in Texas.
Velasco. Rio Brasos. Prov. Texas 27th August 1835 Major Belton U S A Mobile Point
My Dear Major—Allow me to recall to your mind our short, but to me, pleasant acquaintance— When I saw you, but for a few moments last winter in Mobile, we had some conversation in regard to this interesting country, when it was suggested by me that we should probably require aid from our friends in the U. States, &particularly from a few of the experienced officers. To this you made no direct reply as to yourself—nor indeed did I then expect to need it so soon, or I should then have pressed you farther on the subject.
The time is near at hand—nay has arrived, when we have to look around us and prepare, with our limited resources, for fight.
I am well satisfied that you have not been an idle spectator of what has been passing in the Interior states of this Republic, and of course, it would be superflous for me to go into a detail of all the grievances the people of Texas have suffered, until forbearance is no longer a virtue; and we now have the dread alternatives presented to us, “of a tame submission to the subversion of our Constitutional rights and acquiescence to Military rule, or like men (&free born white men too) fight to the knife.”
It is scarcely necessary for me to say which horn of the dilema, will be laid hold of, and with what pertinacity that hold will be maintained. We have no men to spare, but each man is a host. Our preparation is now poor but hope soon that it will be bettered. There are but few Muskets and only some 6 or 8 pieces of artillery, &few ball &c but 1000 fathom of chain cable; and at least 4000 Rifles. If you can get a Map, you will see that we are well fortified to the west—there being a distance of some 200 miles of a perfect barren desert, &only six watering holes in the whole route— They now have but one armed vessel (Montezuma) and she mounting one Pivot gun— We are threatened with a desent by water and land of 10,000 troops—and there has already arrived at Bexar (formerly San Antonio) some 1500 or 2000 men &20 pieces of Artillery— The water party cannot, &we are credibly informed, will not sail to co-operate with them before Novr via Galveston Bay &c. To meet this imposing force, we are now preparing—having organized the National Guards into Companies; and sent orders to the U States for arms &munitions; and united in the call of a Convention of the people on the 15th October next. That Convention will Declare us Independent, for the reason that we cannot go for the old wreck of a Republic, that having been subverted, &Centralism substituted in its stead &acquiesced in by the other States—Letters of marque will be issued (applications are already rec'd from old &gallant officers) and we will have afloat a sufficient naval force to guard our coast and cripple their trade from the Campeachy banks to N. Orleans— The land party will, thus closed in, be an easy prey.
Thus, my dear Major, have I given you an outline of our affairs &those of the enemy. And now comes the main object of this communication, to wit, Will you authorize me to use your name at the approaching convention, or at any subsequent time, as an officer qualified &willing to command as brave a set of backwoodsmen as ever were led to battle?
The truth is, we are more deficient in suitable materials for officers, than we are in soldiers—and all being Americans, will be willing— nay, anxious,—to receive an officer of reputation. I hope to hear from you by the vessel which will return soon—and or [sic] any other time you may be pleased write me, &make such suggestions as you may think advantageous—which will be confidential or otherwise, agreeable to your request. “When the hurly burly is begun” we will be glad to see as many West Point boys as can be spared—many of whom are known to me, &by whom I am known as J. W. Walker—my maternal Grand-father's name, &by whom I was raised and adopted, &whose name I then bore.27
By handing your letters to Messrs. Dobson &Williams of Mobile, or forwd to N. Orleans to care of T. Toby &brother, I will receive them regularly— My last voyage from the Island of Cuba (with 152) succeeded admirably.
Yr friend &c J. W. Fannin Jr The letter was folded and addressed: “Major — Belton “U. S. A. “Commandant Mobile Point— “Mobile, Alabama “Care Dobson &Williams.” On the back of it is this inscription: “Messrs. Dobson &Williams will please fore'd this without delay and oblige their friend &c “J. W. Fannin Jr “Velasco. Prov. Texas.”
Major Belton replied without delay, and on November 6 Fannin recommended him to the attention of the Consultation in the following letter:28
Head Quarters of the Army of Texas, 2 miles above Bexar, 6th Nov. 1835. To the Prst. of the Convention of Texas, San Felipe My dear Sir
I herewith inclose for the use of your body a letter from my friend Col. F. S. Belton of the United States Artillery, and now in command of Ft Morgan Mobile point Ala.
It is only necessary for me to say, that I addressed him on the subject of our approaching difficulties in August last, giving him all the information we then had, with regard to all points necessary to form a correct knowledge of our own and enemies situation and resources. In conclusion I asked of him permission to use his name in our proposed military organization, by the convention, knowing him to be one of the most intelligent and accomplished officers of the United States Army, and believing that his services would be acceptable to our fellow-citizens of Texas in the field, as well as by the moral influence it would produce, in the United States of the North. You will see that he does not decline the nomination and, I am satisfied if tendered him by your body, he would accept, at least no harm can result to our service by it, and much good may, and the safe and profitable course should now be taken, when the choice is before us.
You will see that he tenders his services to inspect and forward military arms &stores for our use, and I can vouch for his honesty and honor with my life and fortune. . . .
In haste, I am my dear Sir
Your obt Sevt J. W. Fannin Jr.
The original of Major Belton's letter cannot be found, but there is a copy in the archives of Texas, recorded in volume III, pp. 37-38. It reads as follows:
Fort Morgan Ala. Sept. 23, 1835. My dear colonel,
I hasten to give you an early acknowledgement of yours dated 27. August 1835.
It discusses matters of great moment, in many points of view, but principally as respects the probabilities of success, and the means for effecting it in the struggle which now seems imminent. I am much indebted and gratified for the generous opinions you have formed of my qualifications for the emergency, and to give efficient aid to your noble enterprise.
To be a successful chief requires at least many advantages, which I have not, and would necessarily be slow in acquiring: Some of them are truly obstacles: but zeal and affection for the cause might make head against them, but there are many men among you, whose local information would tell better than mere technical knowledge. You do not say that you have as yet a combined organization, in effecting this, good assistance is necessary to make head against St. Anna's forces, verry good cavalry and fair artillery are necessary, particularly light batteries; these two arms requires sturdy chiefs, and the latter, all quackery apart, some little science and instruction. Riflemen too, if they can be brought to steady duty, but it may prove a risque, too late to remedy, to rely, in a country of pampas and prairie on a force whose best movements depend on the most finished Drill we have, and the point perdu of which is the difficulty of &c, assembling them, and bringing them into close action—I mean practically—it has been thus in all times— the principles of war, as you know, are unchangeable, as those of any science called fixed,— If your convention act coolly and with discrimination there must be found men, who have everything in jeopardy, and a right above all right most sacred when acquired, the right of self or representative Government, among these, you must find those on whom to build hope and command Success, two important elements, passion and principle are thus combined.
I have just consulted an indifferent map— San Antonio seems to be a short way from you, but the country you describe as difficult. The Dictator has at leisure all the resources of the Government, and will at first press you hard, I fear, an early and energetic use of maratime means, may check him in his communications, which being forced to be over land must prove difficult. He has however well chosen his time, but he despotism of these Dictators is rarely permanent. To join you, however, for which I confess a great inclination is to me a step of great importance, a furlo' for some time and permission to leave the U. States is clogged with forms and difficulties, and a considerable delay would occur: to discard as nothing domestic reasons &duties, being assiduously engaged with education of an only son for West Point or a profession, a resignation too from our service on entering yours would be necessary, and indeed would follow as a matter of course, and many military responsibilities not easily shaken off, or settled up are pending.
To your convention among many other obvious duties [it belongs] to organize a constitutional and administrative government, suited to your enfranchised State. A successful resistance brings with it an immediate necessity for authority, Laws &order, without which mere military success does not radiate beyond the field of Battle, skillfull and faithful financial chiefs are only next to military men in such contests, and there is no lack in the adversary of these high qualities, saving political virtue and honor, have your previous works on convention, attained maturity and strength? are laws based upon conventional proceedings? in wholesome respect and vigor.
Pray write me and more fully on the points so slightly adverted to between us. I write hastily to meet a chance opportunity via New Orleans and address to Messrs Toby &Brothers,
With great respect &esteem
Truly Yours Francis S. Belton P. S. I can be at New Orleans six or 8 days every month, while I am stationed [here] and if I can be of use in selecting or inspecting arms &c or military stores, I will attend to it with pleasure, so my actual expenses only being paid. I fear that like Carolina much trash might be put on you, in haste F. S. B. Colo J. W. Fannin Jr. Velasco Texas.
Fannin's letter to the President of the consultation was upon its receipt referred with the above inclosure to a select committee, of which D. C. Barrett was chairman. On November 13, the committee declared that they felt bound to report to the house “the grateful emotions induced by the disinterested offer of Major Francis F. [sic] Belton, of the United States Army, to become inspector of cannon, arms, and other military stores to be purchased at New Orleans and Mobile, for the use of Texas; and recommend that his services be accepted, and a vote of thanks be passed and recorded upon the journals of this house and that a copy thereof be forwarded by the president to Major Belton; at the same time informing him of the appointment of Capt. E. Hall, an experienced officer, who is now engaged in performing the same duties, upon a similar offer, who will be reunited with him.”29
The consultation adjourned the following day without acting on this report, and the general council, which succeeded the consultation, seems never to have taken the matter up.
The following letter is interesting as showing Fannin's plan for securing the organization of the army largely under the command of West Point officers:30
To Gov. Smith
... I have had tendered to me, for the service of Texas, several of the finest, most intelligent accomplished young officers, now in the U. States Army; all of who, say, that whenever the people of Texas, should organize a Govt. upon such a basis, as to secure to them an honorable employment, with a reasonable prospect of reward, for the noble daring any many sacrifices of of a soldier's life, they would quit the land of their birth &forthwith enter into the ranks of their brethren in Texas.
Could you ask of these young men to resign the bright prospect before them, in a land of Law, Liberty, &the smiles of beauty (ever dear to a soldiers heart) &march fowd. without the slightest assurance of any acknowledgement of their merit?
Remember their Education, and that to join you, they must first Resign, their Commissions in the U. S. army.
The first, nearly disqualifies, at least for some time for any other service, &having forfeited all rank in one Govt. entirely settled, they thus may be thrown into another altogether uncertain in its stability; and their reward a cold reception &untimely grave; or what would be esteemed much worse, by a brave &honorable soldier, the neglect of merit. Let me call to your consideration the especial qualifications of these young men! They are all Civil, Military and Topl. [topographical] Engineers. In war you need them to project your fortifications on the Coast and elsewhere; and to work artillery efficiently. In peace, they may survey your Harbours, Coast, Rail ways, Rivers, &Canals. In short you wish them and must have them to organize &direct your army, and protect your coast, and place your country in that attitude, that it will [be] dangerous to invade it.
The Agent selected by you &furnished with the requisite blank commissions and other instructions, can in a few weeks, have a Brigade thus officered (at least from the rank of Captain to that of Coln.) recruited as Emigrants in the U. States, by the several officers themselves, and ready to take the field, whenever the enemy invades our Territory
Might I not say, that so far as dollars and cents are concerned, that a great saving may be made by this policy, by offensive opperations, and thus cripple the enemy by carrying the war into their own country, and make them pay the cost, &save our own firesides of the scourge. I do not pretend to the gift of Prophecey, but little doubt the fulfilment of the last suggestion, if suitable &timely preparation be made to repel the first onset....
J. W. Fannin, Jr San Felipe 31 [sic], Novr 1835. Nothing came of this suggestion, but if the war had been prolonged and a more vigorous, stable government could have been established, it is possible that it might have been fruitful. Eugene C. Barker.
The Battle of Velasco.—
1832 Texas, Austins Colony Aug. 5 My Dear son,
Altho I get no letters from you, yet I feel willing still to write on, hoping that it is not through negligence, in you, but that they have miscaried, and that you will still continue to write, and that I may get some of them— All the family is in good health, and have been so for a good while, your aunt and family is all well, except her little grand daughter mary she has been sick for 2 or 3 weeks with chills and fevers the neighborhood is healthy.—
I suppose you have seen in the publick prints something of our commotions, and no doubt have felt anxious for us, a few weeks ago the clouds of war hung thick over us, but now they are all disperced, and more glorious times approaching than ever have been seen in this dark country,— our commotions in this colony arose from Col. Bradburn having taken 4 or 5 Americans, of the district in which he lived, and put them in confinement, the Alcaldy of the sd. district, went to him and demanded them wishing to have them tryed by the civil law authority, he refused but at length agreed that the Ayantiemanto might try them, which they did, and set them at liberty, a short time afterward, Bradburn had them again in confinement this irritated the people of this colony, and a good many of them volunteered and went down to Bradburn and demanded the prisoners, he required time to deliberate, which they granted, he it is said sent off for help, and then refused, after forfeiting his honor, our men sent on for all the cannon that was in this colony, which they got and put on board of a vessel, at Brassora [Brazoria], but the colonel that commanded at the mouth of the Brassos, would not let them pass, they then attacked the fort, and after a fight of 8 hours the fort surrendered, having fired 90 rounds of artilerry, and 4000, Musket shots, our vessel discharged 116 rounds of cannon, I have not learnt how many rifle balls, but such bold malitia I never have heard of before, they stood in the open Prarie, and fought without covert, and even marched up in 32 paces of the mouth of the cannon and shot down the Spaniards as fast as they approached to fire, it is said there was 150 in the fort, and 190 of our men they killed six of our men and we killed 34 of them and wounded I think about 40— about that time Col. Padrea [Piedras] who commands at Nacogdoches, went to our army on the trinity, and treated with them, and went down to Bradburn and arrested him, and delivered all the prisoners to them, which they passed over to civil power, the men having thus obtain'd their object return'd home peaceably, first shewing the Millitary that the constitution should be adhered to and the civil power rule— Soon after this Col. Austin who was in the interior, came on with a col. in Santanas service and declared for Santana, and was Joined by the whole colony, they sent on expresses to the different garrisons, who all readily consented to Join them, Austin say as soon as the legislature meets the State will declare in favor of Santana I do not suppose that we shall have any more fighting here, it is now past a doubt that Santana will gain his point, General Terán has kill'd himself, and I have understood nearly all his army that was not kill'd have Joined Santana, who now holds all the ports of entry, and commands all the revenew, he has men and money plenty while the other side is destitute of money and their men continually deserting them and Joining St. Santana is said to be a true republican, and is determined not to lay down his arms until republicanism prevails he has declar'd in favor of free tolleration, and free emigration, which are two things very desirable in this country, and so soon as that takes place, our country will begin to flourish we shall then have the right kind of people to settle our rich prairies, and bottom lands, those of us that have ventured and have sufered much, will then be repaid for all our toils and troubles— Some parts of this colony has suffered much for rain, other parts have been quite seasonable, and crops good, we have had but one good shower since the 18th of M[arch or May—the MS. is torn] and yet our corn remains green, and we w[ill] make prety smart corn — As I am about to close I must say something about our fine Mexican Alexander Randle, he is perhaps the hearties and likelies boy we have ever had, and uncommonly handsome, very forward— Susana often talks about you and gives many a kiss for Bro. Wm— She is a very fine little girl, all the children talks a great deal about you and want you to come and see them— it is now nearly darl, and having Just written a long letter to Bro. McDonald I am tired and will conclude— Give my love to my old friends— Your Aff. Father.
Alexr Thomson. The letter is addressed, “Mr Wm D. Thomson “Giles County “Tennessee “Cornerville P. O.” The above letter was furnished by Mr. E. K. Thomson, of Glen Cove, Texas. It was written by his great grandfather to his grandfather. Eugene C. Barker.
The Alamo Monument.—In an article under the above caption published in The Quarterly for April, 1903, the author, in speaking of the inscription, “Thermopylae had her messenger of defeat; the Alamo had none,” quotes Captain R. M. Potter as saying, “Where he [the sculptor] got it, I know not. The expression occurred in some public address of the day; but I can not say whether the orator borrowed from the monument, or the reverse.”
At the meeting of the Texas Veterans' Association, held in the city of Waco on the 20th and 21st of April, 1894, Dr. R. C. Burleson, in his address of welcome, quoted the immortal sentence as having been first uttered by General Edward Burleson in an address to the Texans assembled at Gonzales when the news of the fall of the Alamo reached that place. To use Dr. Burleson's own language, “He made them a speech, in plain, rough English, that fired every soldier's heart. In conclusion he used, for the first time, these immortal words: `Thermopylae had her messenger of defeat; the Alamo had none. So let it be with every Texan. If Texas goes down in this unequal struggle, let no soldier ever cross the Sabine as a messenger of our defeat.' ”
Dr. Burleson may have left some data to show where he obtained this important bit of history. The writer recalls a remark made by her father, Colonel Noah Smithwick, in commenting on Dr. Burleson's address to the effect that the words used by General Burleson were suggested by another person, better versed in the classics than the speaker. Who this person was, Colonel Smithwick could not, at the moment, recall. It could, however, scarcely have been—as Gen. Hugh McLeod is said to have stated—Gen. Thomas Jefferson Green; for the Gonzales episode antedated General Green's advent into Texas by something like a month.
It is matter for regret that the subject, not seeming at the time important, was not again recurred to, since, at another time, the elusive name might readily have presented itself, and the authorship of the expression might have been established. Dr. Burleson, Colonel Smithwick, and perhaps all those who might have thrown light on the subject, are gone, and the truth may never be known.
Nanna Smithwick Donaldson.
BOOK REVIEWS AND NOTICES.
Reconstruction Documents. West Virginia University has issued two reprints entitled respectively The Constitution and the Ritual of the Knights of the White Camelia, and The Revised and Amended Prescript of the Ku Klux Klan, edited by Prof. Walter L. Fleming. These documents are the first of a series to be issued monthly, illustrating the peculiar conditions, social political, and economic that prevailed in the Southern States during Reconstruction.
The American Historical Review for April (Vol. IX., No. 3) opens with an account of the annual meeting of the Association in New Orleans, December 29-31. Five articles follow: Jean Ribaut and Queen Elizabeth, by Woodbury Lowery; Frederick the Great and the American Revolution, by Paul Leland Haworth; Wilkinson and the Beginning of the Spanish Conspiracy, by William R. Shepherd; Compromises of the Constitution, by Max Farrand; and The World Aspects of the Louisiana Purchase, by William M. Sloane. The last two were read at the New Orleans meeting. The Documents printed are: The Interment of William Lovelace, New York, 1671; A Letter of Benjamin Franklin, 1775; William Jackson on Conditions in France, 1794; A Letter of General James Wilkinson, 1806; and A Letter of Admiral Farragut, 1853.
AFFAIRS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The annual meeting of the Association will be held at the University of Texas, Main Building, Room 44, at 4 p. m., Monday, June 6, 1904.
At a meeting of the Executive Council held at the University on April 20th, the following amendments to the constitution were recommended, and they will be voted on at the annual meeting:
Amend Article III, section c, by changing “fifty” to thirty.
Amend Article V, paragraph 2, so as to read: Each Fellow, on being elected, shall pay into the treasury of the Association the sum of five dollars as an initiation fee. The annual dues of Fellows shall be the same as those of members.
At a meeting of the Fellows held at the same place immediately after the adjournment of the Council, Mr. Robert Carlton Clark of Amarillo, Texas, and Mr. Ernest William Winkler of Austin, Texas, were elected Fellows. Mr. Clark's election is based on his articles, “Louis Juchereau de Saint-Denis and the Re-establishment of the Texas Missions” (The Quarterly, VI, 1), and “The Beginnings of Texas” (Ibid., V, 3); while that of Mr. Winkler is based on his article, “The Cherokee Indians in Texas” (ibid., VII, 2).
INDEX TO VOLUME VII.
Academy of Science, Transactions of Texas 170
Adjustment of the Texas Boundary in 1850 177-195
Advocate, The Mexican 243
Affairs of the Association 176, 331
Ahumada, Mateo 128, 149, 151
Alabama, History, Sketches of 239
Alamán, Lucas 104, 112, 152
Alamo Monument 328
Allen, A. C. 215
Allen, E. A. 282
Allen, Samuel T. 260
Alley, Abraham, Recollections of 47-49
Alley, James 81
Alley, John C. 47
Alley, Rawson 47, 48, 49
Alley, Ross 37
Alley, Thos 37, 47, 48
Alley, Wm 47, 49
Alexander, Jerome 81
Alexander, Robt 81
Alexander, Rufus 84
Almonte, Colonel 47
Alstyne, W. A., Van 282, 288
Amberson's 288
American Historical Review, reviewed 75, 169, 239, 330
Amsler, Chas, Recollections of 55-59
Anahuac, fort built at 9
Anderson, Dr. 223
Anderson, Mr. 48
Andrews, Edmund 274
Andrews, Micah 81
Andrews, Reddin 81
Angier, John 282
Archer, Dr. B. T. 250
Archivo General de Mexico, Materials for Southwestern History in the, II., 196-213; Titles of Documents in 204-213
Arciniega, Miguel 118, 123, 125
Arista, Mariano 174
Arnold's march from Cambridge to Quebec 239
“Austin,” a locomotive 283
Austin, Emily M. 176
Austin, John 13, 14, 17, 18
Austin, Moses 65
Austin, S. F. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 32, 35, 36, 37, 50, 55, 61, 116, 118, 127, 138; opposed to Fredonian rebellion, 144, 146, 149, 173, 176, 249, 251, 252, 256, 257, 258, 264, 265, 266, 270; Journal on First Trip to Texas, 287-307 327
Austin's Map 172
Aves, Rev. H. D. 71
Ayish, meeting of citizens of 25
Ażcárate, Juan Francisco 105
Bags, John 142
Baker, Moseley 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46 215
Bailey, Brit 37
Bailey, Gaines 37
Bailey, Smith 37
Baldwin, Senator 190
Barker, Mr. 217, 219
Barker, Eugene C. 85, 249, 325, 328
Barnum, — 287, 289, 293, 294
Barre, — 291, 293
Barrett, D. C. 324
Barrett, Jonathan F. 282
Bastrop, Baron de 101, 102, 297, 298
Batterson, Isaac 68
Batterson, Jesse 260
Bays, a preacher 52
Bean, P. E. 145, 148
Beard, J. 286, 287, 291, 293
Bee, B. E. 166
Bell, Governor 191
Bell, J. M. 42
Bell, John 178
Bell, Josiah H. 31, 32, 33, 288
Bell, Senator, boundary bill 185, 186
Bellew, — 287, 291, 293, 294
Belton, Francis S. 318, 320, 321, 323, 324
Bennet, Miles S., 88; biographical sketch of 166-168
Bennet, Valentine 166
Benton, Thos. H., bill fixing western boundary of Texas, 183, 186, 187, 193, 194 214
Beramendi, Juan Martin de 162, 163, 286, 297
Bernam, Henry 81
Berry, David 81
Bevil, meeting of citizens 25
Biegle, Joseph 81
Big Mush 148, 149, 152
Birdsall, M. L. 279, 280, 281
Birt, S. P. 81
Blackburn, John 84
Blair, Jonathan 81
Blount, J. H. 274
Boatright, Thos. 29, 31
Boles, Jno 159
Bolton, Herbert Eugene 196
Borden, Gail, Jr. 252, 253, 266, 267, 270
Boturini Collection 198
Bowles 103, 128, 148, 149, 152, 159, 160, 162
Bradburn, J. D., Arbitrary Acts in Texas 9, 326
Bradbury, Senator 187, 192
Bradford, Robt 223
Bravo, General 104
Brazil, Geo. W. 81
Brazoria, meeting of citizens, 14; ball at 14
Breeding, David 81
Breeding, Richard L. 81
Breeding, N. B. 81
Brewster, Mrs. 221
Briscoe, Andrew 66, 68, 69, 216, 220, 279, 280, 281
Briscoe, Mrs. Mary Jane, 65; organized Daughters of Republic, 69; died 71
Briscoe P. 279
Briscoe, Gen. Parmenias 69
Brookfield, Wm. 81
Brotherton, Robt. 30, 47
Brown, Alexander 81
Brown, Mrs. J. C. 176
Brown, Senator 308
Bryan, Beauregard 85
Bryan, Guy M. 176, 286
Bryan, Miss Hallie Ballinger 176
Bryan, Jasper 265
Bryan, Joseph 252, 254, 262, 266, 269
Bryant, Andrew J. 223, 232
Buckner, Aylett C. 32, 143
Buckers 288
Bugbee, Lester G. 114, 115
Bulfe, Antonio 112
Burleson, Colonel 45, 54, 328
Burleson, R. C. 328
Burnet, David G. 162, 163, 164, 218
Burnham, Jesse 81
Burnham, Wm. P. 81
Burr Conspiracy, The Aaron 235
Bush, G. 287
Bustamente 1, 2, 3, 16, 132, 150
Caddoes 96
Caldwell, Mr. 81
Calhoun, John C. -79, 182, 190
Campaign of the Spring of '36 49
Canby, Thos. 81
Canary Island Colonists 200
Carankawas, 30; battle on Skull Creek, 31; 35, 36, 40, 47, 48 61
Carbajal, José Maria, arrested by Bradburn 9
Carita, Tonkewa Chief 30, 31, 32
Carrasco 34
Casa-Calvo, Marqués de 202
Castañeda, Francisco de 102
Castillo, Manuel Iturri 102
Castleman, Andrew 31
Champ d'Asile 202
Chaplin, Alcalde at Nacogdoches 135
Cherokees, 39; Cherokee Indians in Texas, 95-165; petition in 1833 158
Chesney, John 81
Chew, Benj F. 81
Chinault, F. 81
Choctaws 39
Chadoin, Thos. 81
Chriesman, Horatio 21, 37
Clark, Daniel, Jr. 311, 313
Clark, Jno. C. 47
Clay, Henry, 181, 182; resolutions on western boundary 184; 186, 192
Clegg, Mrs. L. B. 172
Clements, Robt 223
Clift, Jesse 81
Cochran, James 258
Coffee, Mr. 215
Copes 36
Cole, captor of Santa Anna 63
Collinsworth, Geo. 252, 253, 259, 264
“Columbus,” a locomotive 283
Comanches 97, 117, 119, 126, 143, 161
Compromise bill, 185; debate on 188-189
Conrad Mr., of Goliad 57
Conkright, John 81
Corwin, Senator 18
Cos, General 264, 272
Coshatties 39, 152
Cottle, Lee F. T. 81
Cox, Thos. W. 83
Coxe, Daniel W. 313
Coxe, Tench 310
Coy, Manuel Santos 158
Crisswell, Jno. Y. 81
Crisswell, Wm. 81
Crownover, Arthur 81
Crownover, Jno. 81
Cuk-to-Keh 142
Culp, — 223, 225
Cummings, Cyrus 223
Cummings, Jno. 37
Cunningham, Jno. C. 81
Damous, Manuel 36
Dancy, Chas 81
Daniel, Joseph P. 81
Darling, Socrates 82
Davis, J. L. 82
Davis, Senator 189
Dawson, Senator 192
Dayton, Lewis B., tarring and feathering of 49-50
Decree of April 6, 1830 8
Delawares 129
Demeziéres 199
Dent, Mr. 215
Deussen, Alexander 171
DeWitt, Green 114
Dewees' Letters 61
Dibble, Henry 82
Dill, — 289
Dienst, Alex 175
Donaldson, Nanna Smithwick 329
Donelson, Mr. 179
Doste, José 137
DuBose, J. C. 239
Dunbar, William 311, 312, 317
Durcy, F. 119
Dust, José 158
Earl, Thos. 217
Earthman, Henry 82
Eastland, Wm. 82
Eccles, E. 33
Edwards, B. W. 136, 139, 141, 142, 143
Edwards, Hayden, 105, 114, 116; troubles in Colony of 134, 138, 142
Edwards, Monroe 68
Elam, John 37
Ellicott, — 310
Ellis, Judge 39
English, Henry 82
Ernst, Frederic 58, 59
Espejo 187
Espinosa 198
Espiritu Santo, in Archivo General 199
Evans, Vincent L. 82
Ewing, D. 217
Ewing, Senator 193
Faison, N. W. 82
Fannin, J. W., Jr. 56, 318, 320, 321, 325
Farquhar, Joseph 82
Farris, Wm. A. 82
Fayette County, Early Courts of, 81; Her History and People 236
Faysoux, — 223
Fernandez, ex-Gov. of Tamaulipas 3
Ferril, Hiram 82
Fields, Richard, 98, 99, 102, 105, 107, 108, 116, 118, 124, 128, 131; speech to Cherokees 133; 141, 142, 143, 150, 162
Filisola, Vicente 46, 156, 162, 164, 188
Fisher, Captain 56
Fitzgerald, Samuel 82
Fitzgerald, Wm. 82
Fleming, Walter L. 330
Flores, José 102
Flores, Nicolas 153
Foote's omnibus bill 184
Foster, Randolph 253
Fort Juán 23
Fredonian disturbances 38, 138, 177
Freeman, Rt. Rev. Bishop 70
Frells, Mr. 58
French, Mrs. 71
Free Soilers 189
Fryer, D. B. 260
Fuller, Geo. F. 223
Furnaish, J. 39
Fulmore, Z T 85
Gaines, James 135, 136
García, Lieut 256, 259, 270
Garrett, C. C. 241
Garrett, first settler on Brazos 61
Garrett, Jacob 267, 268, 269
Garrison, Geo. P. 77, 87
Garza, Felipe de la 105
Gasper, — 287
Gates, Amos 30
Gates, Samuel 31
Gates, Wm. 31
Gazley, Dr. 215
“General Sherman,” first locomotive in Texas 282
Gibson, Bathsheba 167
Gilleland, Daniel 30
Gillette, Mrs. Geo. R. 172
Givens, Chas 258
Glenn, Wm. H. 223
Gonzales, Lieut 5
Gonzales, Eighteen Old Defenders of 166
Graham, Andrew 82
Grains Settlement 215
Grant, Col 56
Grant, Julia Dent 215
Grapp, Francis 119
Gray, Alfred 223
Gray, Fairfax 223
Green, James 82
Green, Thomas Jefferson 329
Greenwood, Garrison 260, 271
Grey, Lee 82
Griffin 49
Groce, Jared E. 35
Guerra, José Mariano 6, 7, 13
Guerrero, President 172
Gulf States Historical Magazine, reviewed 74, 239
Hale, Senator 194
Hall, Edward 324
Hall, W. D. C. 17
Hall, Wm. 37, 50, 257, 262
Hardin, A. B. 262
Harlan, Eli 159, 160, 162
Harper, Jefferson 82
Harris, Mrs. Dilue Reminiscences of, III 214-222
Harris, DeWitt Clinton 66, 220
Harris, Guy C. 221
Harris, Ira A. 217, 220
Harris, Jane Birdsall 65, 66
Harris, John R. 65, 66
Harris, J. P. 221
Harris, Lee 221
Harris, Louis B. 220, 280
Harris, Mary Jane 216
Harris, Wm. P. 280
“Harrisburg,” a locomotive 283
Harrisburg Railroad and Trading Company 279
Harty, Rev. R. A. 221
Hawkins, — 288
Hays, Captain 166
Hemphill, John 84
Henry, Mary 217
Hewitson, Dr. 286, 287
Hibbins, — 59
Hickman, S. H. 176
Higgins, first settler on the Brazos 61
Higginbottom, — 307
Hill, Asa. 82
Hill, Isaac L., Recollections of 40-46, 53-55
Hill, James Monroe 246
Hill, Jeffrey 82
Hill, John Christopher Columbus 247
History Club of San Antonio 172
Holden, Edward S. 320
Holliday, Mrs. 217
Holman, Geo. F. 82
Holman, John 82
Holsten, Henry 287
Hood, U. L. 265, 266, 267, 268, 269
Hope, Miss 219
Hopson, Briggs 82
Houston, A. 262, 265, 266, 268, 269
Houston, Gen. Sam. 40, 41, 44, 45, 54, 62, 72, 194, 217, 218, 219, 233, 253, 255
Houston, D. F. 85
Howard, Representative 194
Howe, Milton G. 69
Huber, Jos. A. 142, 144
Hudson, H. C. 81
Hudson, James P. 82
Huff, Geo. 258
Huff, Wm. P. 41, 255
Hunt, Flournoy 217
Hunter, John Dunn, plans and visit to Mexico, 120, 129, 133, 138, 141, 142, 143, 150
Hunter, Senator 188
Hurd, Norman 223
Hutchins, W. J. 282
Ingraham, Jno. 82
Irwin, — 287
Iturbide 103, 107
Ivins, Captain 286
Jack, P. H. 271
Jack, W. H. 17
Jarman, Richard 82
Jefferson, Thos. 309, 311, 313, 314
Jenkins, James R. 83
Jennings' Camp 35
Jestice, Richard 159
Johnson, Frances W. 39, 56
Johnson, H. B. 17
Johnston, Hugh B. 262
Jones, — 215, 218
Jones, Mrs. Anson 220
Jones, James 37
Jones, John 39
Jones, John Rice 270, 276
Jones, Oliver 33
Jones, Wm. 137
Journal of the Permanent Council 249-278
Juergen, — 60
Kaufman, David 194
Kechis 63
Kennedy, Samuel 33
Kenney, Capt. M. M. 172
Kerr, James 127, 138, 254, 256
Kibbe, Mary 166
Kickapoos 145, 152
Kiggans, James 39
Kimble, Homer S. 175
Kimbrough, Capt. 42
Kunetand 101
Kuykendall, Abner 29
Kuykendall, Barzillai 31, 39
Kuykendall, Gibson, Recollections of 29-40, 63
Kuykendall, J. H., Reminiscences of Early Texans 29
Kuykendall, Joseph 29, 30
Kuykendall, Robt. 29, 30, 33, 34, 40
Kuykendall, W. 39
Lamar, M. B. 173, 216, 220
Lansing, Lieut 223
Lara, Bernardo Gutierrez de 132
Leftwich, Robt. 105, 114, 116
Legon, W. B. 142
Lesassier, Luke. 14, 17
Lester, James S. 82
Letona, Gov. 154, 155, 156, 157
Lewis, Ira R. 260
Lewis, Wm. 82
Linn, John J. 255
Lipans 97, 108
Little, Wm. 286, 287
Long, Mrs. Jane. 68
Long, Maud 172
Looscan, Mrs. Adele B. 65, 166
Looscan, Michael 69
Lopez, Gaspar 99, 103
Lothrop, Capt. 223
Lotto, F. 236
Lovelace, Ed. 287, 291, 306, 307
Lovelace, Jno. 286, 287
Lubbock, F. R. 85, 318
Lyon, Geo. 82
McCaleb, W. F. 235
McCrory, Hugh 216
McCrory, Mary 220
McCulloch, Ben 166
McCulloch, Henry 166
McCurley's 60
McFarlane, Achilles 40
McFarlane, Jno. 40
McKenzie, Capt. 228
McKinney, Thos. F. 274
McLaughlin, A. C. 308
McLeod, Hugh 282, 329
McMinn, Gov. Jos. 73
McNutt, Major 45
Madero, José Francisco. 9
Manton, Henry 82
Marple, — 288, 294
Martin, Wiley. 14, 17, 44
Mason, Edward 223
Matagorda, meeting of citizens. 11
Matamoros, expedition against. 4
Maxwell, Thos. 82
Mayo, H. B. 137, 141, 142
Mayo, J. W. 137
Mejía, José Antonio, 4; enters Matamoros, 6, 12, 14, 15; at Brazoria, 19, 20; real object in Texas. 28, 100
Menard, Peter J. 262, 265, 266, 267, 268
Mendiola, — 104
Micheltorena, Sergeant Major. 4
Middleton, — 223
Mier Servando 104
Mier y Terán, Gen., 3, 4; builds forts in Texas. 9
Miles, captor of Santa Anna. 63
Milam, Ben. R., 55, 131, 254; Milam Guards. 218
Millard, Henry 262
Miller, Stephen 255, 259
Miller, T. S. 85
Moctezuma, Gen. 3, 4
Money, John H. 45, 258, 267
Montgomery, Mr. 253
Moore, E. W. 223, 226, 230, 231, 233, 234
Moore, Jas. 223
Moore, John H. 82, 83, 255
Morgan, Mr. 227
Morning Star 281
Morrison, Moses 33
Morrow, Aaron 82
Morrow, Alfred 82
Muñoz, Manuel 200
Musquiz, Ramón 172, 173
Nabors, James 82
Nacogdoches, fort built at, 9; meeting of citizens. 25
Navarro, Angel 244
Negley, Mrs. Wm. 172
Negrete, Gen. 104
Ne-ko-lake 142
Neel, — 287, 293
Nelson, James 33
Newton, Bessie 172
Newton, Mr. 218
Nicolet 103
Niel, Joseph 82
Nolan, concerning Philip 308-317; 309, 310, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316
Norris, James L. 72
Norris, Samuel. 148, 135, 136
O'Bar, Carson, 82; John. 82
Oldham, Wm. 84
Oñate, Juan. 187
Out West. 74, 169
Pacheco, Rafael Martinez. 201
Paredes y Arrillaga, Col. 7
Parker, Daniel 261, 262, 271
Parker, James 260, 262
Parker, Silas M. 260
Parmer, Martin 136, 139, 142
Parson, Delia 222
Parsons, R. J. 222
Peacock, Dr. 223
Pearce, Senator 193, 194
Perry, A. G. 260, 261, 262, 265
Pelters, Jno. F. 55, 56
Pelters, Wm. 36, 55, 252, 260, 261, 262, 266, 267, 268
Pichardo, Antonio 199
Piedras, Col. José de la 15, 23, 24, 25, 151, 153, 154, 155, 156, 327
Pierson, J. G. W. 260, 261, 262, 265, 266
Piggion, — 159
Pilar de Bucareli, in Archivo General 199
Polk, James K. 179, 181, 188
Polley, — 288, 294
Potter, R. M. 328
Price, James, 82; Jerry 82
Prim, Wm. 82
Publications of the Southern History Association, reviewed 75
Purnell, John G. 119
Quick, — 215, 218
Quin, Michael 285
Rabago y Teran, Phelipe de 200
Rabb, John 82
Rabb, Judge 63
Rabb, Tom 83
Ragsdale, James 82
Railroad, The First Texas 279-285
Raines, Cadwell Walton 170, 320
Ramon, Domingo 198
Rather, Ethel Zivley 245
Reagan, Jno. H. 72, 85
Reconstruction Documents 330
Reminiscences of Early Texans, III 29, 64
Rice, Wm. M. 282
“Richmond,” a locomotive 283
Republican, The Texas 242
Robbins, Early 39
Roberts, J. 137
Roberts, M. 252
Robertson, Mrs. 218
Robinson, Andrew 29
Robinson, Joel W., captor of Santa Anna 63, 82
Rodriguez, Father 187
Rodriguez, Ignacio 5
Roemer, Dr. Ferdinand Von 74
Ronquillo, Ignacio 100, 103
Rose, W. P. 214
Ross, James 48, 143
Royall, R. R. 251, 252, 253, 254, 257, 258, 259, 260, 265, 266, 267, 268
Rusk, Gen. T. J., speech at Harrisburg 45; 60, 184, 194, 220
Sabine, meeting of citizens 25
St. Denis 198
St. Paul's College, Anderson, Texas 69
Saltillo, Texas History Materials in 244
San Antonio de Bexar, in Archivo General 199
San Antonio Road, the to Laredo 243
Saucedo 135
Sanchez, Manuel 266
Sandia, Tonkewa chief 32
Sandoval, Col. 256, 259, 264, 270
San Felipe, burning of, 41, 46; meeting of citizens of, 10; in 1823 40
San Saba Expedition, 49, 61; in Archivo General 199
Santa Anna, 2, 3, 6; captured, 45; 46, 53; captors of, 63; 66, 78, 188, 218 249
Santa Anna Volunteer Company at San Felipe 22
Santa Dorothea, removal of mission of to San Antonio 202
Santos, Manuel 137
Sarason, Joseph 82
Sargeant, Jasper A. 82
Savanego, Capt. 256, 259, 270
Saw Mill, first propelled by water 53
Scallorn, J. W. 82
Secrest, Wash. 43
Seguin, Joseph E. 280
Sellers, Robt 82
Sepulveda 135, 136
Seward, Senator 189
Shaifer, Kate B. 65
Sharkey, Chief Justice 189
Shawnees 124, 129
Shea, Capt. 218
Shepherd, B. A. 282
Sherman, Col. 60, 61
Sherman, Sidney 281, 282
Sibley, Dr. 287, 288
Simonds, Dr. Frederick W. 74
Simpson, — 46
Simpson, Wm. 42, 82
Sims, Bartlet 37
Sinks, Mrs. Julia Lee 81, 85
Slavery, recognized by Constitution of Texas 179
Smith, Dr. Ashbel 217, 220
Smith, Ben Fort 216, 220, 255
Smith, Deaf 57
Smith, Gov. Henry 324
Smith, Hezekiah 82
Smith, Justine H. 239
Smith, Mary 216
Smith, W. Roy 238
Smithers, W. 287
Smithwick, Noah 328
Smothers, Wm 31
Snow, — 223
Snyder, Gottlieb 82
South Carolina as a Royal Province 238
Southern History Association, publications of 169
Spenser, — 228
Spier, Geo. W. 82
Spillman, W. J. 177
“Spot Resolutions” 181
Spring, Mrs. John V. 172
Sprow, Jno 142
Stafford, Adam 220
Stearns, F. A. 282
Stephens, Alexander 191, 192
Stevens, James 82
Stevens, James H. 282
Stevens, Thos 39
Stewart, C. B. 251, 252, 254, 255, 257, 258
Stewart, Lyman M. 82
Stockbridge, Misses 215
Stone, Cornelia Branch 87
Stout, Owen N. 37
Studies in American Elementary Law 240
Subarán, Felix 15
Sullivan, Rev 215
Sullivan, D. N. V. 82
Sylvester, captor of Santa Anna 63
Tahuayases 117, 126
Talamantes, Melchor, 202; papers of 202
Tannehill, Jesse 82
Taylor, David 82
Tehuacanies 37, 48, 117, 119, 127, 161
Tenaha, meeting of citizens of 25
Tennyson, — 226
Tenoxtitlán, fort built at 9
Teran, General 151, 152, 153, 156, 327
Texas-Louisiana Boundary, in Archivo General 199
Texas: A Contest of Civilization 77
Texas Navy, Sketch of the 223-234
“Texas,” second locomotive in Texas 282
Theatrical Company, first in Texas 217, 218, 219
Thompson, Alexander 260, 261, 262, 266, 268, 328
Thomson, E. K. 328
Thomson, Wm. D. 328
Thompson, B. J. 136, 137
Thompson, B. P. 142
Thompson, captor of Santa Anna 63
Thompson, Jesse 143
Thompson, Thomas 82
Thompson, William 82
Thorn, Frost 24, 116
Toby &Brother 323
Todd, John G. 282
Tomkins, Gus 220
Tomkins, Steve 220
Tomlinson, John 39
Tonkewas 30, 31, 40
Tong Turqui 101
Torres, Patricio de 39
Townes, John C. 80, 240
Townsend, William S. 82
Trespalacios, José Felix 99, 100, 102, 103, 107
Turner, F. H. 1
Turtle Bayou Resolutions 16, 17
Ugartechea, Domingo de 6, 10
Underwood, Senator 187, 193
Uribe, Dr. Rafael 174
Urwitz, Mrs. Max 167
Valcarcel, Domingo 200
Valdes, José 298
Vann, Andrew M. 159, 160, 162
Varner, Martin 32, 33
Vasquez, Ciriaco 2
Vasquez, General 166
Velasco, fort built at, 9; battle of 326
Vera Cruz, causes of plan of, 1; plan, 2; adoption by Santa Anna, 3; Texans and, 16; reception of at Victoria, 17; at Brazoria, 18; at San Felipe, 21; at Nacogdoches, 23; at Bexar 26
Vermilion, captor of Santa Anna 63
Veytia, manuscripts of 197
Victoria, General 104
Viesca, Governor 172, 244, 250
Villareal, Nabor 102
Vince, Allen 217
Vince, William 217
Voate, Miss 217
Wacoes 34, 37, 48, 117, 119, 126
Wadham, Willard 83
Wofford, Mrs. J. R. 167
Wallk, Antonio 100
Walker, Alfred 223
Walker, John 39
Wall, General 167
Wapler, Mr. 58, 59
Waters, Jonathan 215
Wavell, Arthur 124
Webster, Daniel 178, 182, 191
West, Clabron [Claiborne] 262
West, Mrs. George W. 172
West, R. G. 244
Wharton, Col. Jno. A. 45, 54
Wharton, W. H. 19
Wheat, Mr. 31
White, — 223, 225
Wilbur, — 223
Wilkinson, James 105, 314
Williams, Jno. 61, 152
Williams, Jno. A. 282
Williams, Samuel M. 33
Williamson, R. M. 17, 81
Wilmot Proviso 189
Wilson, Horace E. 172
Wilson, Robert 216, 220
Wilson, William 286, 287, 288, 293, 294
Winkler, E. W. 95, 238, 243
Winthrop, Senator 192
Wistzner, Christian 83
Wood, James B. 265
Woodhull, Mrs. J. T. 172
Woodland, Henry 220
Woods, Montville 83
Woods, Norman 83
Woods, Zadok 83
Wyche, Benj 175
Year Book for Texas 170
Yhari, Alexander 5
Yoakum, Notes on History of Texas of 61, 63
York, John 55, 58
“Yorkino,” a popular party 2
Yturrigaray, Viceroy 202
Zavala, Lorenzo de 173, 260, 266, 268
THE QUARTERLY OF THE TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
VOLUME VII. APRIL, 1904. NUMBER 4.
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE. John H. Reagan. George P. Garrison. Bride Neill Taylor. Z. T. Fulmore. C. W. Raines. EDITOR. George P. Garrison. ASSOCIATE EDITORS. Herbert Eugene Bolton. Eugene C. Barker. AUSTIN, TEXAS: PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ASSOCIATION. Price, FIFTY CENTS per number. [Entered at the Postoffice at Austin, Texas, as second class matter.]CONTENTS.
Journal of the Permanent Council (October 11-27, 1835) Edited by Eugene C. Barker
The First Texas Railroad P. Brisco
Journal of Stephen F. Austin on His First Trip to Texas, 1821.
Concerning Philip Nolan.
Notes and Fragments.
Book Reviews and Notices.
Affairs of the Association.
The Texas State Historical Association.
PRESIDENT.
John H. Reagan.
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
D. F. Houston. F. R. Lubbock.
Julia Lee Sinks. T. S. Miller.
RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN.
George P. Garrison.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND TREASURER.
Eugene C. Barker
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
Ex-President Dudley G. Wooten.
President John H. Reagan.
First Vice-President D. F. Houston.
Second Vice-President Julia Lee Sinks.
Third Vice-President F. R. Lubbock.
Fourth Vice-President T. S. Miller.
Recording Secretary and Librarian George P. Garrison.
State Librarian C. W. Raines.
Fellows Z. T. Fulmore for term ending 1906.
John C. Townes for term ending 1905.
R. L. Batts for term ending 1904.
Members Beauregard Bryan for term ending 1908.
Dora Fowler Arthur for term ending 1907.
Bride Neill Taylor for term ending 1906.
S. P. Brooks for term ending 1905.
W. J. Battle for term ending 1904.
The Association was organized March 2, 1897. There are no qualifications for membership. The annual dues are two dollars. The Quarterly is sent free to all members.
Contributions to the Quarterly and correspondence relative to historical material should be addressed to
GEORGE P. GARRISON, Recording Secretary and Librarian, Austin, Texas. Business communications should be addressed to HERBERT EUGENE BOLTON, Austin, Texas. All other correspondence concerning the Association should be addressed to EUGENE C. BARKER, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer, Austin, Texas
FELLOWS AND LIFE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The constitution of the Association provides that “Members who show, by published work, special aptitude for historical investigation, may become Fellows. Thirteen Fellows shall be elected by the Association when first organized, and the body thus created may thereafter elect additional Fellows on the nomination of the Executive Council. The number of Fellows shall never exceed fifty.”
The present list of Fellows is as follows:
Barker, Mr. Eugene C. Lemmon, Prof. Leonard.
Batts, Prof. R. L. Looscan, Mrs. Adèle B.
Bolton, Dr. Herbert Eugene. Lubbock, Ex-Gov. F. R.
Casis, Miss Lilia M. McCaleb, Dr. W. F.
Cooper, President O. H. Pennybacker, Mrs. Percy V.
Coopwood, Judge Bethel. Raines, Judge C. W.
Cox, Mr. I. J. Reagan, Judge John H.
Estill, Prof. H. L. Shepard, Judge Seth.
Fulmore, Judge Z. T. Sinks, Mrs. Julia Lee.
Gaines, Judge R. R. Smith, Mr. W. Roy.
Garrison, Prof. George P. Townes, Judge John C.
Houston, Prof. D. F. Williams, Judge O. W.
Kenney, Capt. M. M. Wooten, Hon. Dudley G.
Kleberg, Rudolph, Jr.
The constitution provides also that “Such benefactors of the Association as shall pay into its treasury at any one time the sum of fifty dollars, or shall present to the Association an equivalent in books, MSS., or other acceptable matter, shall be classed as Life Members.
The Life Members at present are:
Brackenridge, Hon. Geo. W. R. G. West, Esq.
Mrs. Nellie Stedman Cox.
For Commencement Affairs
You'll need clothes to carry you through the Commencement Exercises, and some of the social affairs about that time, too. Well, here we are prepared for you. No other store will show you such an attractive array for you to choose from. You may want only a Blue or Black Sack or Double Breasted Suit—we have them, and the Full Dress or Tuxedo Togs.
Blue and Black Suits
$12.50, $15.00, $17.50 and up to $35.00
Full Dress and Tuxedo Suits
$25.00, $30.00, $35.00 and $40.00
Vacation Suits
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$7.50 and up to $35.00
The little things to help you in Full Dress and Semi Dress affairs are here, too.
HARRELL &KLEIN,
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No Matter How Large,
No Matter How Small,
The City National Bank
* of Austin, Texas, *
Capital $150,000.00,
Will give your banking business prompt and careful attention.
A. P. WOOLDRIDGE, R. L. BROWN,
President. Vice-President.
JASPER WOOLDRIDGE, Cashier.
H. &T. C. R. R.
The Meteor The Texan
TWO PALATIAL
World's Fair Trains
VIA
The Central-Frisco Way
“THE SCENIC WORLD'S FAIR ROUTE.”
Vestibuled Trains Pullman Drawing Room Sleepers
Oil-Burning Locomotives Cafe Observation Dining Cars
“EVERYTHING FOR COMFORT'S SAKE.”
The Meteor and the Texan run through solid from Houston to St. Louis without change.
For World's Fair information, call on local ticket agents, or address
M. L. ROBBINS, G. P. A. WM. DOHERTY, A. G. P. A.
HOUSTON, TEXAS.
Electric Lights
FRISCO SYSTEM
Electric Fans
To the
WORLD'S FAIR
ST. LOUIS
Via The
FRISCO SYSTEM
Through Chair Cars and Pullman Sleepers
Dining and Observation Cars
Harvey Dining Halls
Choice of Routes
Via
Paris, Sherman or Fort Worth
W. A. TULEY, G. P. A.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
Rock Island System
WORLD'S FAIR RATES
FROM Daily Season Tickets Daily 60-day Tickets Daily 10-day Tickets May 17 and 31 Special Coach Excursions
HOUSTON $37.85 $31.55 $25.65 $16.55
DALLAS 30.65 25.55 21.15 13.40
FORT WORTH 31.05 25.90 21.40 13.60
AMARILLO 36.20 30.15 24.60 15.80
DALHART 37.00 30.80 25.10 16.20
Further Information on Request.
Through sleepers to Chicago daily, via Kansas City.
A circuit tour rate to Colorado this summer, including trip to World's Fair, only slightly higher than usual round trip rates.
Write Us About It.
W. H. FIRTH,
G. P. A., C. R. I. &G. Ry.,
Fort Worth, Texas.
International and Great Northern Railroad
The Shortest and Quickest Line to the Principal Cities of the North and East. Through Pullman and Wide Vestibuled Chair Cars and Coaches Without Change to
St. Louis, Memphis and Kansas City.
8
Daily Trains to North and Sonth Texas
8
Marlin Mineral Wells
The Mecca of the Afflicted are located on the International and Great Northern Railroad. Excursion tickets
To Marlin, Texas, Hot Springs, Ark., and Mexican Cities,
On Sale all the Year 'Round.
For Tickets and Information call at or address City Ticket Office, 522 Congress Ave., corner 6th St. “RED FRONT.”
D. J. PRICE, P. J. LAWLESS,
G. P. &T. A., Palestine, Tex. P. &T. Agt., Austin, Tex.
Via Laredo and the Mexican National R.R.
Because it is the Shortest Route, makes the Quickest Time and passes through the most important cities, Business Men always go to Mexico.
Because it is the Scenic Route and the whole trip is through the Unsurpassed Mountainous Country, Tourists always go to Mexico.
It is in every way the most desirable route between the United States and Mexico for the Business Man or Tourist.
SOME TELLING POINTS:
QUICK TIME. PULLMAN BUFFET SLEEPERS. PASSENGER'S ASSISTANT. SPLENDID EATING HOUSES. FINE ROAD BED.
For full information, rates, illustrated guide book, time tables, maps, etc., address
W. E. Thurber, G. W. A., 230 Quincy Building, CHICAGO.
W. B. Ryan, G. P. A., Paseo de la Reforma, MEXICO CITY.
W. F. Paton, G. E. A., 11 Broadway, NEW YORK CITY
When you have anything to
Remember that the Von Boeckmann-Jones Company are
PRINTERS
And from them you will receive first-class work in
PRINTING
811 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas.
THE QUARTERLY OF THE Texas State Historical Association.
Such back numbers of The Quarterly as remain in stock can be had at fifty cents each, postage prepaid. Complete sets of Volumes I and II can no longer be furnished. Volumes III, IV and V, bound in half morocco, will be sent postpaid for three dollars each.
LEADING ARTICLES IN VOLUME VI.
Louis Juchereau de Saint-Denis and the Reestablishment of the Tejas Missions Robert Carlton Clark
Educational Efforts in San Fernando de Bexar I. J. Cox
The Southwest Boundary of Texas I. J. Cox
Some Materials for Southwestern History in the Archivo General de Mexico Herbert Eugene Bolton
Reminiscences of C. C. Cox, I.....An Account of the Battle of San Jacinto James Washington Winters
The African Slave Trade in Texas Eugene C. Barker
The Tampico Expedition Eugene C. Barker
Tienda de Cuervo's Ynspeccion of Laredo, 1757 Herbert Eugene Bolton
Reminiscences of C. C. Cox, II.....Reminiscences of Early Texans, I J. H. Kuykendall
The Disturbances at Anahuac in 1832 Edna Rowe
The Alamo Monument C. W. Raines
Reminiscences of Early Texans, II J. H. Kuykendall
The Cherokee Indians in Texas Ernest William Winkler
Miles Squier Bennet Adele B. Looscan
Those desiring to order back numbers or to subscribe, and those having copies of the number for January or July, 1898, which they are willing to sell, will please address
THE QUARTERLY, Eugene C. Barker, Business Manager, Austin, Texas.
The University Record
The University Record is a quarterly magazine published by authority of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas, and edited by a committee of the Faculty. It is the only official organ of the institution. Each number will contain.....
A summary of Regent and Faculty legislation; a record of University events; articles of special and general interest written by members of the Faculty, officers, alumni and friends of the institution
Each number of the Record contains about a hundred pages. The subscription price is one dollar a year.
Advertising rates will be made known on application.
Address communications to
G. C. F. BUTTE, Business Mgr.,
Austin, Taxas.
