Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 28, Ed. 1, Tuesday, September 6, 1836 Page: 2 of 4
This newspaper is part of the collection entitled: Telegraph and Texas Register and was provided to The Portal to Texas History by the The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.
- Highlighting
- Highlighting On/Off
- Color:
- Adjust Image
- Rotate Left
- Rotate Right
- Brightness, Contrast, etc. (Experimental)
- Cropping Tool
- Download Sizes
- Preview all sizes/dimensions or...
- Download Thumbnail
- Download Small
- Download Medium
- Download Large
- High Resolution Files
- IIIF Image JSON
- IIIF Image URL
- Accessibility
- View Extracted Text
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
t vto3$
a
TELEGRAPH.
COLUMBIA, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6,
The following is the result of the Election held yesterday, so far as
been able to learn :
President.
Columbia. Brazoria.
03 8-1
44 22
15 3G
Vice President.
140 134
Senate.
106 15
13 108
House or Representatives.
GG 23
61 23
52 2
42 78
ir 3
8 108
we have
Samuel Houston,
Stephen F. Austin,
Henry Smith,
M. B. Lamar,
Waller C. While,
Wm. H. Wharton,
Wm. II. Jack,
M. C. Patton,
William H. Pattori,
B. T. Archer,
J. JE. Phelps,
J. A. Wharton,
Orozimbo. Total.
55 232
1 67
00 51
45 339
37 158
1G 137
9 98
00 85
48 102
15 135
21 35
8 121
Our subscribers would oblige us, and they would do themselves a
"service, by stating how they wish their papers to be sent, or if kept in
the office until called for, and in cases of removal, or new residence,
or where to be transmitted. We beg leave also to male c known to them
how thankful we shall be if they will conform to our request, that they
pay their subscriptions in advance.
Subscribers living at Bell's Landing or its vicinity, will receive their papers
at W.C. White's Store, by Mr. Underwood.
LAND SALES.
500 acres on the West bank of the Bernard for $1500 cash, including im-
provements, estimated at 500, and which consist of three houcs, about 10
acres under fence, and about 2 acres more cleared-
1000 acres on the East side of tho Brazos for 2 per acre cash, no improvements.
August 30th, Erastus alias Deaf Smith, arrived this day from the Arm',
having been 8 days on the road. The veteran reports that our army intended
moving to the Garzilas Creek, (15 miles this side of the Guadalupe) on account
of the superior advantage of water and situation.
Some of the members of the Army on leaving, arc eager to dispose of their
claims to pay and to lands, at prices which are a very inadequate compensa-
tion for the services they have rendered, and the hardships and dangers they
have undergone. We are sorry to fee it, although willing to attribute it to ur-
gent necessity ; but we would advise them to hold on as long as possible ; for
in the end they will all, no doubt, receive their just dues, when they will be ex
empt from the bitter reflection of having made such great sacrifices. These
transactions tend also to depress public credit, and consequently affect our re-
sources, which ought not to be the case with regard to Texas. There can be
no reason for considering us in a like predicament to the United States at the
time that country was struggling to be free, and was organizing a government.
Her credit was then at a lower ebb than ours, and it is to this day a matter of
regret, that when the claims contracted during the Revolution were at last liqui-
dated and settled, very few of the original parties were benefited : in our
opinion the demands on the Government of Texas will be soon satisfied ; it will
therefore be more to the interests of the holders not to bring them into the
market at so much below par.
Our present condition and future prospects are, comparatively and pro-
portionably more auspicious than those of the Parent Country-at thtrcpoch-nre-
have mentioned. Our army has not suffered so many privations, our public
means have not been so cramped, nor is confidence in us so much lessened :
our Treasury Orders sell at better rates than the Paper Currency called Conti-
nental Money ; some have brought half their nominal value ; others, and very
few, have been disposed of at less ; and our lands, as will be seen from the
sales published, are augmenting rapidly in value and increasing in demand.
And although we labor under great and apparently to some, insuperable
difficulties and disadvantages in systematizing and establishing an efficient gov-
ernment, yet our Eastern neighbors had also their troubles in that respect.
That Government has likewise felt the effects of tumultuous movements ; was ex-
posed to vicissitudes and at times threatened with even a dissolution. The good
sense and perseverance of that people have finally brought them through pros-
perously and gloriously. Let us do the like and a like result will be the issue.
But, if we turn our eyes Westward to view and contemplate the condition
of 'Mexico, what afield for observation and reflection presents itself ! Nothing
to imitate, whilst the dark spots in its system arc innumerable ; and we may
venture to sajvthnt under the existing race, they are indelible. AVith a popu-
lation estimate(T at 8 millions, her financial affairs are so badly arranged ; the
word economy is so often to be seen in their speeches and so seldom in their ac-
tions, that Texas, sparsely and thinly populated, can, notwithstanding, raise
an army to cross the " Rio Grande," sooner than the Mexicans could embody
one, sufficiently strong and prepared, to resist it. It may be objected that this
promptitude on the part of the Texians is not owing to better economy, to a
greater unity of action in the authorities, or to more abundant pecuniary re-
sources. We hope that in granting these premises, we shall not be accused of
over-docility ; much less so, when we intend therefrom to draw inferences
favorable to Texas. As to economy, a short time only has elapsed since we
acquired through the means of our Public Agents the management of funds ; so
that sufficient opportunity has not 3-et been given for testing us in that respect :
and owing to our connection with Mexico and subsequent events, it has been
impossible to give due consistency to our Government: as regards resources,
true it is, that ours arc not of a cash description, but they exceed immensely
those of Mexico in the enthusiasm and patriotism of our citizens and friends.
If that nation had possessed those two qualities, she would, "with all her
faults," have subdued Texas.
We have looked over some Mexican papers, which come up to the 2d July
and from tbem wp coljpnt amplo oviilpnrp tn support our arguments, in the offi-
cial Reports of their Commanders and'Commissariat Department.
The Communications of Generals Filisola, Urrea, Andrade, the Commis-
sary General and an "Editorial" in the " Cosmopolita" manifest, beyond a
doubt, that the Mexican troops arc in want of money, clothing, provisions and
munitions of war, that the Tr-easury is destitute of funds, the nation without
credit abroad or at home; and without those moral or civil elements upon
which a People's welfare is founded.
The inexhaustible wealth of Mexico in gold and silver mines, has not been
able to preserve that Government from the necessity of coining copper to re-
place the absence of those precious metals ; and they have done so to such an
amount as to bring it to a discount of from 15 to 18 per cent ! The cost of a
kintal (100 lbs.) of copper to the Government and coinage, is estimated at $2G,
but is issued to the public at $200 ; leaving to the former the enormous and
scandalous profit of $174; whilst the receiver loses from 15 to 1G per cent, when
he exchanges it for silver ! Contrary to every principle of polity and equity,
that Executive Uius makes a heartless traffic of the People's necessities. In the
United States of America, the dollar is worth 100 cents ; in Mexico 32, under
the name of " quartielas." In the first mentioned country, copper is not a
legal tender ; in the latter, it is so, in the proportion of 25 per cent. These arc
not the only evils experienced by the Mexican population, they are exposed to
become and are actually the prey of a multitude of false coiners. It would be
preferable to adopt a circulating medium like the cowrie shells.of Africa ; or to
render general the use made in some parts of Mexico, of handfulls of beans,
cocoa, nuts or salt, as a means of exchange.
Happy Texas, in being separated by a sterile portion of thy territory far
from the influence of such examples, and in being within reach on the other
side, of practical lessons of economy and wisdom !
It is astonishing that the Government at Mexico keep their senses closed to
the beneficial effects of an influx of foreigners ; and that their violent preju-
dices should continue to class as " Eslrangeros" and ' Rcventucro," (which
with them are terms of opprobrium,) the industrious, enterpming and moral
German, American, Englishman, Frenchman, &c.
From the contents of the Reports mentioned, distress and misery reign
among the Mexican soldiery, and wc might from thence form the conclusion
that they will not be soon employed against us. The writers, however, of those
reports, seem to be anxious to pay us another visit ; which makca it necessary
to be ready to receive them.
It is consoling to observe that in the City of Mexico there is at least one
Periodical, "El Cosmopolita," which upholds amidst persecution, the cause of
liberty. The Federalist, or Liberal .Party, are making fresh efforts to regain
their former authority, and it is to be hoped that they will succeed ; provided.
they make abetter use of power than before, and show liberality in their acts as
they do in their ideas. No attempt should be made to revive, or re-establish
laws, prohibiting foreigners from selling by retail, and they should be permitted
to acquire landed property, toleration in religion should be granted; the terms
"heregc" (heretic) and "Judios" (Jews) so contemptuously and indiscrimi-
nately applied by the Mexicans to those who speak native English, should be no
longer used in that sense : foreigners should have justice meted out to them in
the same quantum as the Mexicans, &c. &c.
The condition of Mexico as respects her police, which it appears affords
no protection to lives and property, reminds us of the times of feudal oppres-
sion, when the strong plundered the weak, or of the stories of Italian
banditti, who were wont to keep districts in awe. The Mexican robbers,
however, are of a different description to the above cited, as they have
neither Barons nor Chieftains to command them on their feats of cruelty
and rapine, inasmuch as they consist of the dregs and refuse of Society ; and
3 ct the Government docs not pos-jcss sufficient energy to put them down !
The Mexican newspapers acquaint us that in the Department of Guana
juato, the Estate ("Hacienda") of Puruagua was attacked by a numerous band
of robbers, who were defcateil by the inhabitants of a neighboring town, with the
loss of 5 killed, and several wounded and 19 prisoners.
In that Republic the stages arc frequently stopped and plundered, and an
advertiscmentinforms us that the " Line" from Mexico to Vera Cruz is protected
by an escort of 50 cavalry ! The marauding Indians of this country, notwith-
standing they claim a separate politial existence, arc better kept in check than
the highway robbers of Mexico by that Executive.
The Editors of the Government Gazette of Mexico, calls the Treaties made
by Santa Anna with our President and Cabinet, " Disgraceful Treaties ;" and
they go on as follows : " We approve of the Supreme Government's determina-
tion to bring General Filisola to trial, and we will at another time discuss the
merits of those mill-and-soil treaties, whose approval (by Filisola) has brought
shame upon the Mexican nation. The latter ought not to rest a single moment
until she efface the foul stain of cowardice, with which the world will cover her
if she do not recover with her arms every foot of lost territory. It is not the
character of one or two Generals that we have to vindicate ; but the whole
Mexican nation, and every one of us arc interested in the affair. Let it not be
said that the cowardly Mexicans conquered at Harrisburg were panic-struck
and stopped not till they reached Matamoros, and that to cover their infamy
they sheltered themselves under the revolutionary movements of the interior,
whilst the rebels' standard and the United States' waved over the Forts of Texas ;
and that Mexico was not only conquered by the arms of New Orleans adventu-
rers, but that she became also the sport of tlicir intriguing meetings and the
mockery of their Machiavclean politicians."
This article is of itself a comment.
Revolutionary battles. Wc believe the following to be
a complete list of the principal battles fought during the war
of the revolution, with the exception of a few in the southern
States.
Battle of Concord, April 19, 1775
of Bunker nill, June 15, 1775
" of Old Hampton, Va., where we took five decked
vessels, some time in Nov.. 1775
Battle of Great Bridge7, near Norfolk, Va.
Dec. 18, 1775
Battle of Long Island, Aug. 27, 1776
of Fort Washington, Nov. 17, 1776
of Fort Lee. Nov. 19, 1776
of White Plains, Nov. 30, ' 1776
" of Trenton, when 1000 Hessians were captured
Dec. 26, t 1776
Battle of Princeton, Jan. 2, 1777
" of Bennington, Aug 16, 1777
" of Brandy wine, Sept. 11, 1777
" of Germantown, Oct. 4, 1777
Burgoyne's army taken near Saratoga, Oct 17, - 1777
Battle of the Red Banks, Oct. 22, 1777
" of Monmouth, June 28, 1778
" of Stoney Point, July 16, 1779
of Camden, Aug. 19, 1780
" of Cowpens, Jan. 17, 1781
" of Guilford, N. C, March 15, 1781
Massacre at Groton, Cl., Sept., 6, 1781
Battle of Eutaw Springs, Sept. 9, 1781
" of King's Mountain, Oct 17, 1781
Cornwallis and his army taken Oct. 19. 1781
La. Adv.
'The foregoing list has suggested to us the plan of drawing up a
summary of the most remarkable military events of Texas, during her
struggle for independence since the year 1827. The results produced
by the Revolution of '76 will show, wc conceive, some analogy, when
compared with those of Texas in '36. As the example set by that
country has contributed much towards raising the spirit of Liberty and
the adoption of free institutions among the nations of the American
Continent and in Mexico ; so may the political regeneration of this
Republic be the means of effecting a most essential vicissitude in the
condition of the former empire of Montezuma. It is morally certain
that the Anglo-American principles and polity will in the course of time
extend across the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, carrying along with
them all the consequent improvements and changes, from the visinertid
to a restless desire of aggrandizement and amelioration of circum-
stances. Summary of the most remarkable military events of Texas, during
her struggle for independence since the year 1827.
In Nacogdoches 1827, the premature attempt was made by Colonel
Edwards and a few followers, to convert Texas into an independent na
tion under the name of Frcdonia Republic, which, not receiving the
support of the citizens in general, was soon put down by the United
Mexican and Tcxian authorities.
In Nacogdoches, 2d August, 1627. Baltic of that name between
the Mexican Gol. Don Jfi dc las Piedras, in which the latter was defeat-
ed. Object, the removal of the military, by whom the inhabitants con
sidered themselves aggrieved. Number of the Mexicans 375, of the
Texians 250.
In June 26th, 1832, the Fort of Velasco, commanded by Colonel
Don Domingo Ugartcchca was taken by the Texians under John
Austin : number of the Mexican garrison 173 ; of the besiegers 132.
In June 1835 the Mexican garrison of Anahuac, under Captain
Tenoria, with 30 men, surrendered to the Texians under Col. Travis.
October 1st, 1835. Rout at Gonzales of a detachment of cavalry
from the Mexican jr arrison at Bexar.
0 Oct. nth, 1835. Surprise and capture of Goliad by Captain
Collinsworth with 50 men ; the Mexican garrison under Lieutenant
Colonel Sandoval.
Oct. 28, 1835. Battle of Conception, near Bexar, in which the
Mexicans 450 strong were defeated with considerable loss by Colonels
Bowie and Fannin with 92 men.
Nov. 3d. Capture of Lepantitlan on the river Nueces, by Adju-
tant Westovcr.
Nov. 8th, 1835. The Grass Fight, near Bexar, where the. Mexi-
cans were compelled to retire under cover of the artillery of the town :
Mexicans numbered from 300 to 400, the Texians about 200.
December 9th, 1835. Termination of the first camnaini. bv the1
assault of San Antonio dc Bexar, when 1300 Mexicans surrendered to
the Texians ; two days previous Colonel Ugarsechea had introduced
into the Fort (Alamo) GOO men as reinforcements to General Cos, com-
mander of the Mexican forces.
SECO:SD CAOTAIGX.
January, 183G. Expedition against Matamoros, which proved a
total failure on the part of the Texians in the capture and destruction of
the small parties engaged in it, commanded by Johnson, Grant, &c.
February 21, 1836. The town of Bexar taken by the Mexicans
when the Texian garrison retired info the " Alamo." -
March Gib, 1S3G. Assault and storming of the Alamo by Santa
Anna and a numerous army of Mexicans ; when the garrison of that
fort was put to the sword.
March 9th, 183G. First fight of the "Mision del Refugio," be-
tween Capt. King and 20 men, and superior numbers of the enemy,
when the former gained the advantage.
March, 10th 1836. Retreat of General Samuel Houston from
Gonzales at the time of the burning of that town.
March 10th, 1836. Second fight of the "Mision del Refugio,"
when Col. Ward attacked and drove back a large force of Mexicans.-
March 11th, (af night) 1836. Retreat of Col. Ward and his de-
tachment from the Refugio, being surrounded by an overwhelming force
of the enemy ; his (24lh) final surrender and (28th) massacre with
Col. Fannin and his division.
March 19th, 1836. Defeat of Colonel Fannin by the Mexicans
under General Urrea, their surrender on terms of capitulation, which
were perfidiously violated, and Fannin and 415 men were all massacred
excepting 19 who on .that occasion made thejr escape.
March 27, 1836. Retreat of General Samuel Houston from the
river Colorado.
March 31st, 1836. The town of San Felipe de Austin burned by
the Texians.
April 16th, 1836. Harrisburg burned; New Washington on the
20th, by the Mexicans.
April 21, 1836. The decisive battle of San Jacinto, when the
division of the Mexican army commanded by Santa Anna, in person,
was completely discomfited and himself made prisoner, notwithstanding,
General Cos had brought to his aid the night previous a reinforcement
of 500 men. General Samuel Houston commanded the Texians.
April 24, 183G. Retreat of all the Mexican forces beyomFtrnr-
frontier of Texas.
The victory of San Jacinto concludes the 2d campaign of Texas,
and from thence a new epoch in her historv may be dated. After that
event the turmoil and ravages of war were succeeded by a disposition to
establish a government and by the return of the families to their homes.
The names of Aaron Burr and Hayden Edwards jr., deserve a
place in the history of our country, because they were the original,
though unsuccessful projectors of Texian Independence.
The capture of Cornwallis and his Army in the United States put
the seal to the political emancipation of the Republic : and from that of
Santa Anna and the Mexicans, we confidently expect the like result.
For the want of communications by maii, we meet with consider-
able embarrassment in distributing our paper, and our subscribers who
are not aware of that circumstance, and do not make sufficient allow-
ance for the uncertainty of casual conveyances, will naturally throw
upon us that blame which wc are anxious to avoid. We are as much
interested in the safe arrival of our papers as they can be, and it is
really mortifying to us, when we learn that packets of them, intended
for Brazoria and Velasco, found or lost their way to the Colorado ; whilst
another was seen in Mississippi, which had been directed to " Old
Kentuck." Notwithstanding that newspapers are the great circulating
medium of intelligence in the literary world, yet their type of the com-
mercial is truer in its course. Science, which derives alike commer-
cial advantage from free and ready commmunication, would be much
benefitted if newspapers could be as safely forwarded as Bank Notes
and Bills of Exchange. Publishers would not, in that case, have so fre-
quently to listen to the complaint of, "I don't receive my paper ;" or,
to the unwelcome insinuation or objection of, " my files arc not com-
plete," when payment is requested.
Trait OF Superstition On llic 21st June all The Most Excellent .Ayunta-
micnto of the City of Mexico issued an edict for bringing in customary proces-
sion into that capital the image of " Our Lady of theltcmedies," ("Itemedios")
because rain was wanting and sickness prevalent.
Of course the Directors of the Puppet Show will introduce it just at a time-
when clouds portend a shower ! Wc may expect a host of saints with the next
invading army, but they will be a cheering sight to our boys, although the for
mer will certainly stand their ground longer than flesh and blood mil.
We have received for insertion the resolutions adopted at a meet-
ing held in " camp," expressive of the high sense entertained by the
company of Captain Van Norman of his devoted care and protection of
their interests and of his efficacy and bravciy in the raising and con
ducting of that volunteer corps. The article is at present inadmissible
Knowing captain V. personally, wc believe him a staunch defender
of the rights of man, at home or abroad.
Wc learn that an officer lately arrived at Velasco, bearing des
patches from General Gaines ; the object of which Ave presume, is the
fulfilment of his duty mentioned in his letter of the 8th April, written to
the Secretary of War in which he says, ' I shall, in the course of a few
da-s, address to each one of the commanders of the armies of Texasj a
note, calling their attention to their duties, and apprizing them of the
course I shall pursue towards them, in obedience to the orders of the
President of the United .States, should they approach our boundary, or
sudor the Indians near them to commence hostilities." Another object
we understand of this messeneer is to reclaim some deserters.
A
K
P
, r
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
G.& T.H. Borden. Telegraph and Texas Register (Columbia, Tex.), Vol. 1, No. 28, Ed. 1, Tuesday, September 6, 1836, newspaper, September 6, 1836; Columbia, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth47884/m1/2/?q=%22%22~1: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.