head-quarters. Soon a thousand men had rallied about him, and a town was built. Lafitte entertained all visitors. in royal style. He was a handsome man, with dignified manners, one well suited to rule. His men had strict orders not to interfere with American ships; Spain being the country against which, according to their commission, they had a lawful right to wage war. Some of the seamen, failing to obey his commands, the Americans compelled them to leave Galveston forever. Lafitte died some years later in Yucatan. It is said that he buried immense treasures on Galveston Island. Many have sought, but no one has found them. Texas Exchanged. In 1819, the United States agreed to give up all claims to Texas, if Spain would make certain concessions concerning Florida, which the United States wished to purchase. Spain complied, and Texas was abandoned by our government; but many Americans denied the right of Congress to sell or exchange any portion of American possessions. Long's Expedition. - Undismayed by the failure of others, in 1819, Dr. James Long led an expedition into Texas, for the purpose of making it an independent republic. It was the same old story of American rashness and Spanish treachery. Dr. Long, having surrendered under certain conditions, was thrown into prison, where he remained some time. At the request of the United States Minister to Spain, he was released. A few days later he was shot by a Mexican soldier. The reason has never been disclosed. ERA II. FILIBUSTERS. (1790-1820.) Closing Remarks.-The careful student will not deem the men, who were prominent during this period, mere adventurers. The Monroe Doctrine teaches that we shall allow no European nation to rule any section of North America. Belief in the wisdom of this doctrine did much toward influencing the leaders of expeditions, to enter Texas. That the Spanish government was tyrannical, and the early Mexican Republic equally so, was known to the world. The knowledge that they were striking for freedom, encouraged the filibusters to believe that their cause would succeed. BLACK BOARD I. CONDITION OF MEXICO....... II. NOLAN'S EXPEDITION. (1797.) ANALYSIS. 1. Revolution. (1809-10.) 3. Second Revolution. 4. Republic Established. (1823.) 1. Louisiana Returned to France. III. SPAIN VERSUS UNITED STATES. 3. United States Claims Texas. ERA III. ERA OF COLONIZATION. (1820-1830.) USTIN'S COLONY.-While the stirring events of the Αν last epoch where happening, rumors of the wonderful soil and climate of Texas spread far and wide. Many a fugitive from the ill-fated expeditions bore the story of his adventures to distant States. It happened that numbers of these adventurers were entertained in Missouri at the hospitable home of Moses Austin, a man of strong character and untiring energy. Being charmed by the description of the Sunny South land, he resolved to visit Texas and secure a tract of land for colonization. He could not have chosen a more favorable time. Mexico had just passed through a revolution, and the most liberal party in the Republic had triumphed; the officers were anxious to do all in their power to induce good settlers to come to Texas. In 1820, Austin arrived in San Antonio, where he laid his petition for a grant of land before Martinez (mar tee'nēth), the governor of the province. Instead of the kindness and encouragement he had hoped to receive, Governor Martinez showed him only contempt and suspicion. His petition was thrown aside, and he was ordered to leave the province at once. A Friend in Need.-With a heavy heart Austin left the Governor's building, not knowing what fate might befall him. Just then he happened to meet on the Plaza Baron Bastrop, an officer of importance, whose friendship Austin had won in New Orleans. To him Austin confided every thing. Bastrop proved himself a true fairy godmother: through his influence the Governor allowed Austin to remain in San Antonio, examined his petition, approved it, and used his influence to secure the signature of General Arredondo. Return.-Not having time to wait for General Arredondo's action, but feeling certain of success, in January, 1821, Austin set out for Missouri. A portion of the country over which he passed was scarcely more than a wilderness. He was robbed and deserted by his fellow-travelers; the weather was cold and food was scarce. It is not to be wondered that, when at last he reached home, it was only to die. A few days before his death he received news that his petition had been granted, and that he was authorized to settle three hundred families in Texas. His dying request was that his son should take up the work and carry out the plans he had so fondly cherished. Stephen F. Austin needed no urging to undertake the task his father had left him.* He was in New Orleans *The "Father of Texas" was born in Virginia, November 3, 1793. He was educated at New London, Conn., and Transylvania University, Ky. In 1818, he was a member of the Missouri Territorial Legislature. In 1819, he moved to when he learned that his father had secured a grant of land. Soon after came news of his father's death and dying request. In Natchitoches (natch itoch'es) he met the Mexican commissioner who had been sent to guide the elder Austin into Texas that he might choose his land. Learning the state of affairs, the commissioner was quite willing to acknowledge. Stephen Austin's claims. Austin selected for his colony the region lying south of the San Antonio road, between the San Jacinto and La vaca rivers. This included some of the most fertile land in the province, and was certainly the best choice he could have made. Inducements Offered Colonists.-Returning to New Orleans, Austin advertised for colonists. To each man over twenty-one he promised, according to the Mexican Colonization Law, six hundred and forty acres of land; if Arkansas, where he held the position of circuit judge. His after life is so closely connected with Texas history that it needs no separate recital. |