THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE W. SMYTH
1
Jasper Texas
Sept 18th. 1857
My Dear Sir
In compliance with your request I proceed to give you a few
facts & incidents relative to my humble history, though it will
be confined to facts
merely, for I cannot pretend to enter upon
an autobiography.
I was born in the State of North Carolina on the 16th of May
1803. My recollection, however, of the old "North State" is very
imperfect, as my father emigrated to the State of Tennessee
when I was but three years old. [Still, I have an indistinct
recollection of some childish incidents in that State, and some
that happened on the road as we journied to Tennessee.]
2
Here, I can not do justice to my own feelings without saying
something relative to those kind and indulgent parents by whose
care I was brought up; for though blessed with few of the ad-
vantages of education or fortune they were honest and industri-
ous in an exemplary degree and meritorious in all their domestic
relations. My father was by trade a millwright and was of Ger-
man descent, his father having been born in Germany. My
Mother was of Scotch-Irish origin. My father resided in Ten-
nessee -until about the year 1817, when he emigrated to Alabama,
where lie remained until his death, which happened only a few
months since.
About the year 1815 I was put in a retail dry goods store in
Fayetteville, Tennessee, with Robert Dickson, an Irishman, a
man of strict business habits, where I remained about three years.
In the year 1818 I left the store and joined my father's family
in Alabama, In 1820 or 21, I spent about four months at school
in Maury County, Tennessee; Again, in 1824 I spent about eight
months at school in the same County, with William Williford as
teacher, a man celebrated in his day as a mathematician; And
certainly, the best practical one I ever knew. Most of this time
was devoted to mathematical studies, though a part also to Eng-
lish Grammer and Geography. With Mr. Williford I acquired
the rudiments of some of the elementary branches of mathematics,
which afterwards I improved considerably by the fire side at
home.
In 1829, greatly in oposition to the wishes of my parents, I
determined to try my fortunes in Texas, and on the 20th of
January 1830, like Columbus, I set out on my voyage into the
unknown ocean of adventure On the 11th of
February 1830, I crossed the Sabine river, and on the 14th ar-
rived in the town of Nacogdoches.
There was a great deal then, about the old town of Nacog-
doches to excite the wonder of one so inexperienced -- The three
hundred Mexican troops who then occupied this post under
Piedras, with their peculiar uniform and still more peculiar per-
sonal appearance ---- Their masses which they celebrated in the
streets on Sundays -- Their fandangoes
in which the Priest
and all participated, so contrary to all my pre-conceived notions
of propriety -- Above all, the great number of indians of al-
most all tribes, who then frequented this town for the purpose
of trading --- All were strange indeed to one who had so
little experience in such matters.
There were but few American families, in fact, few except
Mexican families, then in Nacogdoches. Most of these are no
more! but a few still survive.
Juan Antonio Padillo, Commissioner General of the State of
Coahuila and Texas, accompanied by Genl. T J Chambers, had
arrived but a short time previous, and to them all eyes seemed
to be turned immediately I crossed the Sabine, as it seemed to
offer an opportunity to the people of procuring titles for their
lands, which was a subject of absorbing interest to them.
It was not my object when I arrived in Nacogdoches to remain
there at all. My destination was Austin's Colony on the Brasos,
but my horse had been lame for some time, and the long unset-
tled road between Nacogdoches and San Felipe was discouraging
for one so unaccustomed to such things to travel alone. I there-
fore, at the solicitation of some of the citizens, agreed to remain
a short time and teach their children. After remaining about a
month, I received from the Commissioners through Genl Cham-
bers, an appointment as surveyor for what was then called "Bevil's
settlement.
3 About the 1st of April I arrived at the house of John Bevil
Esqr where Jasper now stands, and commenced my operation of
surveying immediately, his survey having been the first. I was
charmed with the appearance of the country about Jasper. The
rich foliage of the Magnolia the dense cane-brakes, then,
almost impervious the perennial streams of water, together
with the report of Judge Bevil concerning the healthiness of the
country captivated me, and made me believe that Bevil's
Settlement was as near an earthly paradise as could be found.
try during the summer, and until about the 1st of November.
Prospects of business having been entirely cut off for the present
in Texas, I determined to seek employment as a Surveyor in
Louisiana, but just as I was ready to take my departure, F W
Johnson, Capt Lindsey and Mr Stout came through the neigh-
borhood in pursuit of one Prior, a fugitive from San Felipe
[where he had murdered a man.] With Mr Johnson I had
formed a previous acquaintance in Nacogdoches where he was in
the capacity of a surveyor under Padillo when I arrived in
Texas. He advised me to go to Austin's Colony according to
my first intention, and had the kindness to give me letters of
introduction to two of his friends --- R M Williamson Esqr., a
gentleman too well known in Texas, and one whose name is too
intimately associated with her history, to require a word from
me; and Walter C White, a merchant in San Felipe.
But, in my desire to abreviate, I am passing on too rapidly.
After remaining a short time with Esqr Bevil, I spent the bal-
ance of the season in the family of Joseph Grigsby, my future
father-in-law. Here also I first became acquainted with her, who,
for more than twenty three years has been my faithful companion,
and has shared with me all the good and evil incident to our com-
mon destiny. Nor can I leave Bevil's settlement without giving
you some agreeable reminiscences of those early pioneers. I con-
tinued to survey at intervals while I remained in the settlement,
and though the obligations created were moral rather than legal,
I very rarely found any difficulty in making settlements with
them. There was but little law in the country, and but little
use for it. The many acts of disinterested kindness and hospi-
tality received at their hands have made impressions on my mem-
ory which will only cease with life itself.
As I had made up my mind to go to Louisiana, I would not
change my course, but determined to take a tour by the way [of]
Opelousas, and if I did not succeed to my satifaction, continue
round by the coast route to Austin's Colony. The latter deter-
mination I carried into effect, and arrived at San Felipe near the
first of December 1830 --. I can not give dates precisely, as I
write from memory.
suit of Prior. This circumstance was fortunate for me, as I had
the benefit of their company to San Felipe and then, as Johnson
was an old settler, he introduced me to every body about that
ancient metropolis of Austin's colony.
When I arrived in San Felipe, R M Williamson, as the agent
of Benj R Milam, was preparing an expedition to explore Milam's
colony on the Upper Colorado. I joined this expedition, and in
a few days after my arrival at the Capitol of Austin's colony was
on my way to the land of Buffaloes and Comanches. We left San
Felipe in company with Col Tolbert Chambers, Maj Ben Tennell,
Mr Brown; and a Mexican by the name of Jesus pronounced
ha-sus, whose principal business it was to take care of the pack
mule.
We ascended the Colorado, crossing it at the ford on the old
La Bahia road where La Grange now stands, then uninhabited,
but on our return some two months afterwards, Col Moore was
turning over the previously unbroken sod of the prarie. From
thence we ascended the river on the west side to the San Antonio
road, where we recrossed at the ford on that road. Here Col
Austin had located the town of Bastrop, and it had been partially
surveyed a short time previously by Mr T Brown, our travelling
companion. It was then tenanted by two families and a bachalor
establishment, all living in camps.
From Bastrop we ascended the river again on the West side
---- for at this point commenced Milam's colony until
we enjoyed a full view of the blue hills that overlook the present
capitol of our State. We re-crossed the river a few miles below
and descended it on the east side to Bastrop. There was but
one family there, on the Colorado above Bastrop, Willbarger's.
Webber's fort, as it was called, was a Block house in Webber's
prairie; we passed this house, but it was at that time unoccupied.
Arived at Bastrop, we struck our camp for the night about
half a mile below the town, intending the next morning to take
up our line of travel for San Antonio. Our horses wore hoppled
out, our supper was cooked and eaten, and all seemed well.
Shortly after we retired to rest on our blankets, our horses be-
came restive, and from their repeated neighing it was evident
they were scattered; still, no one seemed to suspect any mischief.
In a short time all became quiet and we slept until morning.
Early in the morning we commenced the search for our horses.
We dispersed in various directions. I took my course over the
Post-Oak hills to the east of the Town. After travelling some-
time I struck a fresh trail of horses evidently ours. I pur-
sued it alone for some distance and fell in company with our
Mexican Jesus, and we pursued the trail togather. Near the
little creek which runs just above Bastrop, the eagle eye of the
Mexican descried a hawks tail, such as indians use for ornament
which, he picked up, and turning short on the trail exclaimed
with an oath [for they always learn to swear, if they learn
any english] Indians. It was now evident that our horses
were stolen by the indians, and that, strided by these red gentle-
men, they were far hence on their way to parts unknown.
All minds were now directed to fitting out an expedition in
pursuit of the indians, and all hands were busy in preparing for
it. Horses were out of the question, the indians, had left the
settlers in the same situation with ourselves, having stolen their
horses as well as ours. One pony belonging to Mr Tannehill
alone remained, him we borrowed to pack our blankets, etc., and
on the second day after our misfortune we started in pursuit on
foot.
4
Our little company at the commencement consisted of eleven
persons, viz Col. Talbert Chambers; Ben Tennell; Reuben
Hornsby; Sam Brown; Folstan, a sailor; Guinn a native of Ire-
land; Jesus a Mexican; Walter Dutey, Laurance and myself.
Two of our number turned back after several day's unsuccessful
pursuit, viz Duty and Laurence; the other nine of us continued
in pursuit for twenty days, when every one becoming thouroughly
satisfied of the futility of our chase; we, by common consent de-
termined to retrace our steps, and were ten days on the march
before we again reached Bastrop.
My limits will not permit me to give you any of the details
of this trip, which would require a volume rather than a letter;
Suffice it to say, the course of the indians was in a North-West-
ern direction, crossing and ascending the various streams com-
posing Little River. The point where we stoped and from which
we retraced our steps as I have been since informed by Mr
Hornsby, was the head of the Leon.
Most of our company remained at Bastrop. Maj Tennell and
myself after resting two or three days under the hospitable roof
of Mr Russan returned to San Felipe, Mr Russan having kindly
furnished us horses for that purpose.
At San Felipe we learned that Don J. Francisco Medero as a
Commissioner to issue land titles, accompanied by J M J Carva-
jal, had passed through that place on their way to Attascosito,
now Liberty. After remaining a few days in the vicinity of San
Felipe, for the purpose of making some necessary arrangements,
I left for Attascosito, for the purpose of engaging in business as
a surveyor. But here I found nothing doing. An altercation
had sprung up between Medero and Bradburn, the military com-
mandant at Anahuac, which ended in the former being marched
off to Anahuac as a prisoner by the latter. He did not, however,
remain long in custody, but under the order of Genl Teran was
set at liberty, and permitted to proceed with the discharge of his
duties as Commissioner. At the same time I commenced opera-
tions under his authority as surveyor. But this was only a
respite, for in a short time Medero was recalled by the Governor
of the State, and all business in that line was again suspended.
I accompanied the Commissioner and Carvajal as far as San
Felipe; I then returned to Liberty, (for Atascosito had now been
organized into the municipality of Liberty), [and the town site
designated, and I was engaged in surveying the lots in that town,
when the order to suspend reached Medero).] and after visiting
San Felipe and Nacogdoches on business I again visited Bevil's
Settlement and remained there during the balance of the year
1831.
Early in the year 1832 I went to Fort Teran, situated on the
Neches in what is now Tyler county. Here Col Peter Ellis Bean
was stationed with a few Mexican soldiers. I remained a few
weeks under the hospitable roof of the Col. and was invited to
Nacogdoches to do some surveying. Here I remained until prob-
ably, about the last of May or first of June, when I again visited
Bevils Settlement which was now endeared to me as an early
home. While in the Settlement on this occasion, an express
arrived calling for volunteers to go against the little Mexican
garrison of Anahuac. What the object was no one could tell.
All we could learn was, that most of the persons assembled near
that place were from Austin's Colony. My own impression was
that the people of Austin's colony had declared in favor of Santa
Anna, for news had reached Nacogdoches before I left that place
of the pronuncimiento
of Santa Anna in favor of the restoration
of the Government to the principles of the Federal Constitution
of Mexico, of 1824. [But to understand this, it would be neces-
sary to go into the history [of] Mexico, which my limits will not
permit me to do.]
However, a small company of us determined to go down, and
see what was on hand, and join them. Consequently a company
of eight persons; I believe, a few on horse but most of us on foot,
set out for the scene of action. This company consisted of Joseph
Grigsby, Duke Glenn,. James Chesshur, Henry Stagner, John M
Taylor, John Doolin, Victor Laramie and myself. I think this
is the entire list. [I can not recollect any others.]
Here again my limits will not permit me to go into details.
But a treaty was concluded between the belligerants by which the
object of the expedition was accomplished. Our company re-
turned whence we came, and after a few days rest, I returned to
Nacogdoches. All things seemed now to be quiet, but it was
only a momentary calm. The torch of revolution was ignited,
and nothing could satisfy the people until every Mexican soldier
was driven from the settlements occupied by Americans.
In looking over some old papers I find a copy of a letter writ-
ten [from Nacogdoches] to a friend in Alabama relative to this
part of our history. The copy is without date but was written
immediately after the events had transpired which it describes.
It contains some details of facts of which I have no recollection
now! All I know is, that, the portions which did not fall under
my own observation, were regarded as authentic at the time they
were written. I will quote a portion of this letter, as it may not
be without interest.
After a considerable interval in which the affairs of the coun-
try have worn rather a confused aspect, I seize the present inter-
val of tranquility to give you a short history of the principal
events which have occurred since my last. I am apprised that
it has been rumored in the U. S. that Texas is in an open re-
bellion against the Mexican government. This representation
permit me in the outset to contradict --, on the contrary every
resolution which has been formed has been replete with respect
for the constitution & constitutional laws of the country -- But
the repeated violations of that guarantee of our rights and priv-
ileges in the arrest by the military of commissioners sent by the
State government for the purpose of putting Citizens in posses-
sion of there lands to which by the colonization laws they were
entitled the interferance of the Military in the election of
civil magestrates in direct contravention of the constitution & the
overruling them by military force when elected -- The arrest
and detention of citizens & the refusing to give them up to the
civil Authority The conferring upon an Individual (viz
gen Teran) an authority over Texas above the constitution &
laws ----- And the evident tendencys of the government towards
centralism & military despotism -- But above all the duplicity
and dissimulation under which the present administration has
endeavored to conceal the real motives of its conduct by preserv-
ing the forms of the constitution while they annihilated its
spirit; are the principal causes which have induced the people
to take into their own hands the redress of their own grievances.
And they have accordingly declared in every part of Texas (San
Antonio perhaps alone excepted) for the plan of Gen Santa Anna,
who is obstensibly at least, the friend and supporter of the Fed-
eral republican system, &
State rights on constitutional principles.
The Tyranny of Col Bradburn, Commander of the Post of Gal-
veston, (Anhuac), in the illegal confinement of several respect-
able citizens, aroused some of the most influential men of Aus-
tins colony, who, to the number of about 50, proceeded to Anhuac,
where they arrived about the first of June -- A deputation waited
on Col Bradburn, but the Col denied all knowledge of the con-
stitution & laws, and in fine of every thing except the sword &
bayonet ---, they therefore determined to use those arguments
in which alone he confided They accordingly marched down
uppon him, and had already taken possession of the greater part
of the town, when he came to terms; And a treaty was made and
ratified, in which Col Bradburn engaged to restore & respect the
civil authority -- &
that the Prisoners illegally detained should
be delivered to the civil magistrate, but asked 48 hours to make
out charges against them which time, however, he spent in mak-
ing preparations for defence, and at the end of the 48 hours our
party were informed that the treaty was at an end, and were
ordered to leave the place instantly. The forces of the Ameri-
cans were so much weakned by the citizens of the vicinity hav-
ing gone to their homes, that they were compelled to draw off
without having effected the object of their enterprise -- They
accordingly withdrew a few miles to Turtle Byou where on the
13th June they drew up spirited resolutions in favor of the plan
of Santa Anna --, Appointed a day of general rendezvous, and
dispached messengers to different parts of the country for re-
enforcements.
I hapned to be about 70 miles below this when a copy of their
resolutions arrived -- the notice was too short for a general cir-
culation but such of us as hapned to be present to the number of
eight, determined to go, and by making forced marches arrived
at the spot on the day appointed -- In the mean time Col Piedras
of Nacogdoches apprised of the hostile movements at Anahuac,
marched with about 200 men to the relief of Bradburn -- He
proceeded until he came within about 25 miles of our camp where
he halted and commenced negotiations, which terminated in a
treaty by which the civil authority was restored, the prisoners
illegally detained were given up to the Alcalde of the Jurisdic-
tion &
Col Bradburn arrested. After the ratification of the
treaty and the release of our Friends we dispersed the num-
ber of Americans drawn together on this ocasion was about 300
On the 2nd or 3rd of July the same day on which the treaty
was ratified between Piedras & the Americans before Anhuac,
an important action took place at Port Velasco at the mouth of
the Brassos. Capt John Austin who had been dispached to
Brasoria for cannon & munitions of war for the reduction [of]
Anahuac, thought it more convenient to convey his cannon etc.
by water than by land -- Col. Ugartechea who commanded
at Velasco refused to let him pass, and a battle was the conse-
quence in which the Americans lost 7 killed & 15 wounded, 2 of
the wounded having since died, & the Mexicans lost 19 killed &
42 wounded
When this battle is considered in relation to the number en-
gaged only, it seems, scarcely worth recording in history, there
having been only 112 Americans & 105 Mexicans But when
we reflect that more than half the Mexicans were killed or
wounded, it must be acknowledged they made a brave defence ---
When it is considered on the other hand that a collection of in-
experienced men without concert or dissipline, attacked and ac-
tually succeeded in capturing an equal number of troops -- well
dissiplined, well supplyed with the means of defense --- and
protected by a fortification impregnable ---- It will deserve to
be handed down to posterity as one of the most extraordinary
feats of personal valor recorded in history
Immediately after our dispersion from before Anhuac I re-
turned to Nacogdoches ----. Every thing appeared tranquil for
a few days, but from small beginnings the fire was again kindled;
the civil authority roused by the recollection of former injuries
rather than any present grievances, called on the millitia of their
own Jurisdiction and invited the cooperation of neighboring dis-
tricts to put down the military force of Nacogdoches, or at least,
to coerce a declaration in favour of Santa Anna Col Piedras
refused, made preparations for a vigorous defence invited
the neighboring Indians to his standard and it is said actually
succeeded in engaging one of the Cherokee Chiefs to join his
standard with 4 or 5 hundred men.
The Citizens of Nacogdoches allarmed as well by the hostile
movements of the Indians as intimmidated by the Menaces of
Col. Piedras, who threatned to distroy the town & its inhabitants
with fire & sword, determined on Soliciting the Assistance of
Austins Colony I was requested to convey the intelligence
to the colonists & did so -- I found the people of the Colony
moved by the impulse of a single feeling that of protecting
their State rights & constitutional privileges, & planting the ban-
ner of Santa Anna by force of arms in every place where it was
not done voluntarily . Immediately after having fulfilled the
object of my mission I returned to Nacogdoches where I found
Santa Anna's Flag floating from the Cupola of the church and
Col. Piedras a Prisoner.
The Indians who seemed to be the Pivot on which the whole
transaction turned did not join Piedras according to their en-
gagements, which made the Santa Anna forces nearly equal to
those of Piedras, the former having about 320 & the latter about
370 men -- An attack was accordingly made about 12 o clock
on the 2nd August which lasted till night -- The Americans &
Creoles firing their rifles from houses & fences and the troops of
the Government discharging their muskets from the windows of
their houses and Port holes of their barracks ----. During the
night Piedras, concealed by the smoke which had setled over the
town, silently withdrew with all his forces and took up his line
of march towards San Antonio. A few resolute men to the num-
ber of 19 determined to dispute the passage of the Angelina -- a
small river about 20 miles from Nacogdoches -- Having gained
their van For this purpose they awaited silently the approach
of the enemy-- Gave them two discharges from their rifles
killed [ ]
5 men and retreated without the loss of a man
This so discouraged the ministerial troops that the principle offi-
cers (with the exception of Piedras,) convened drew up a
declaration in favour of Santa Anna Invited their Col. to
join them and if he refused to do so resolved to deliver
him up a prisoner of war to the Santa Anna party which
latter was accordingly done -- Of our party 3 were killed &
about ten wounded —Of the Ministerial troops [ ] It de-
serves to be remembered that on this occasion there was the most
hearty union and cooperation between the native Mexican citi-
zens and the Americans.
Another circumstance which gave a peculiar impetus to affairs
in this quarter was the arrival off the mouth of the Brassos of
Col. J. A. Mexia (an officer of Santa Anna) with 400 men & five
vessels of war he came under the pretext of suppressing re-
bellion in Texas, but with the real intention of promoting the
cause of Santa Anna
P. S.
Since the above was written, the declaration of the whole State
was reed. In this place, this event hapned at the Seat of Gov-
ernment about the same time of the declaration by the Ayunti-
miento of Nacogdoches The Government troops immedi-
ately evacuated every part of Texas Marched to the Interior
under the flag of Santa Anna -- and were at the retaking of San
Louis Potosi These are some of the facts what will be
the final Catastrophe God knows.
"Tomorrow may bring us a halter."
I continued the business of surveying in various parts of the
country east of Austin's Colony until the first of April 1834,
when I was married to Miss Frances M Grigsby, my present
wife; and thus was consummated an engagement of long standing.
In the summer of 1834 George Anto Nixon, as commissioner
for the Colonies of Zavala, Veleign [Vehlein] and Burnett; ac-
companied by Messrs A. Hotchkiss and Arthur Henrie, came on
to San Augustine. I was again appointed Surveyor, and com-
menced operations under the authority of Nixon.
I continued in this business until the spring of 1835, when
being detained at home by one of those domestic incidents inter-
esting to all husbands, but particularly so to young ones, I re-
ceived a letter from the Hon C S Taylor Esqr informing me that
the Political Chief of Nacogdoches had received a commission
for me, as land Commissioner, to issue land titles. This was
wholy unexpected . Nothing could have taken me more by
surprise. I had never solicited it or thought of it.
So soon as I was relieved from care at home, I repaired to
Nacogdoches and commenced the arduous and difficult duties de-
volved on me as Commissioner. In reviewing the events of that
period I am brought to the reflection, that, though with my
present experience I could doubtless perform the duties of that
office better than I did; Yet, totally inexperienced as I then was,
I question if I could improve it if I had the same work to do
again
I continued in the discharge of the duties of that office until
the 19th of December 1835, when the office was closed by Dr S
H Everett, one of the Commissioners appointed by the Consulta-
tion for that purpose. By a resolution of the Provisional Gov-
ernment of the 8th of Dec 1835, it is provided, "that a majority
of the said commissioners shall have full power to act" etc. (p.
76), but I obeyed the notice from a single member of the Com-
mission instead of a majority, as required by law, [and closed
the books never to reopen them in that capacity.]
I returned to this settlement with Dr Everett. In a few days
I went again to Nacogdoches from whence so soon as I could
procure a proper vehickle, I again returned to the Settlement
bringing all my official papers with me.
In the mean time, [on the 20th of January,] an election had
taken place for delegates to a general Convention, for the pur-
pose of declaring our independence, forming a Constitution etc.
And I, in my absence, was elected a member of that Convention.
[I have some papers of that date, which might throw light on
the transactions of this period, but already, I have far tran-
scended my limits.] We met in Washington (on the Brazos) on
the 1st of March 1836 and I bore an humble part in forming the
"Constitution of the Republic."
-- After the adjournment of the Convention on
the 17th of March, I returned to my family in this Settlement.
In December 1836 I settled where I now reside, and com-
menced opening a little farm, and making other improvements
necessary to the comfort of a family. In 1839 I was appointed
by President Lamar as surveyor on the part of Texas to run and
mark the boundary line between the United States and Texas.
In the spring of 1840 I was appointed Commissioner on the part
of Texas for running the same line. In June 1841 that work
was completed, and I returned to my family in July of that
year. In December of the same year I repaired to Austin and
settled up my accounts of disbursements on the boundary line,
with the accounting, officers of the Government. From that time
until 1844 my time was devoted to my domestic affairs; in that
year I was elected a member of the Old Congress from this
County, and served the session of 1844, 45, and the special ses-
sion in June 1845.
In the year 1845 I was elected a member of the Convention
from this County, which formed our State Constitution, and as-
sisted in forming that instrument. In 1848 I was elected Com-
missioner of the General Land office by the Legislature, and again
in August 1849 by the people. In 1852 I was nominated as a
democratic elector for President & Vice-President and cast one
of the electoral votes of this State for President Pierce. In
1853 I was nominated by the democratic convention at Tyler for
Representative to Congress from this Congressional District, and
served out the 33rd Congress in that capacity. From that time
to the present I have been at home.
Thus, my dear Sir, I have given you a sketch of my history.
I have endeavored to avoid details, and yet, I have sometimes
run into them in matters, probably, of least interest to others. I
have been reluctant to engage in this business, because, we are
apt by so doing to draw upon ourselves malicious remarks, which
are never agreeable;
6 Nevertheless, I could not refuse to com-
ply with your request.
Your friend
Geo W Smyth
Hon Z Wm Eddy
[I can not so much as claim the merit in this hasty sketch,
that Pope was willing to ascribe Addison in the Dunciad.
FOOTNOTES:
a part, were recently presented, through the efforts of J. Evetts Haley,
to the University of Texas Library by Smyth's grandchildren, Emily Smyth
Cheesman and Sarah Smyth Walden, of Beaumont, Texas, and J. Blewett
Smyth, of San Antonio. The collection of 2,344 documents numbers 4,466
pages of manuscript material. The papers touch practically all subjects
of political or personal interest to the Texas pioneer or prospective im-
migrant.
A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and of the Consti-
tution of the Republic, Smyth, for more than thirty years, was an active
participant in shaping political life in Texas. He served as surveyor,
Land Commissioner, Congressman in the Republic of Texas, and, _ later,
the United States. His opposition to secession brought a cessation of
public service, but in 1866 he was called upon as a member of the Con-
stitutional Convention in spite of his previous attitude, and it was while
serving in this capacity that he met his death on February 21. Many
of the eighty-one plats of land in the collection are the first that were
made for the purpose of giving title; a study of the 203 drafts of letters
which he kept for his files shows that this land interest predominated in
his early years, but was overshadowed by more spectacular questions as
he became more deeply involved in the political life of his state and
nation.
D. S. Kaufman, Thomas F. McKinney, John Durst, S. H. Everett,
George Antonio Nixon, John H. Reagan, Thomas J. Rusk, Adolphus
Sterne, and Frost Thorne were among his correspondents. Many letters
of a more personal and intimate nature are equally valuable to the so-
ciologist and historian. One group of seven was unopened. All bore
dates in April, 1836, and had been given to Smyth to deliver when he
reached the Revolutionary Army. By the time he reached his destination
the Battle of San Jacinto had been fought, and the army was largely
dispersed. The letters were never delivered and remained unopened for
almost a century.
This gift of Smyth's descendants is indeed significant. Its acquisition
by the Library takes rank with that of the Ashbel Smith, Henry Smith
and Maverick Family papers, and it will serve as a valuable supplement
to these and other collections in the Archives.
of these early settlers of Nacogdoches in my welfare--being an entire
stranger,--particularly the Hon Thos F McKinney, who was then a
citizen of that place.
possibly accompany us, he therefore, very reluctantly remained behind.
Nacogdoches, was in consequence of the unsatisfactory reports on that sub-
ject. [I find it elsewhere stated in an old memorandum "The loss of
our party was three killed and about ten wounded, one of the killed was
the Constitutional Alcalde, a native Mexican. Of the ministerial troops,
thirty-three have been found dead."]
others.
How to cite:
George W. Smyth, Winnie Allen, "Autobiography of George W. Smyth", Volume 36, Number 3, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v036/n3/contrib_DIVL3575.html
[Accessed Thu Dec 4 12:19:16 CST 2008]
