Frontier Times Magazine

THE RUNAWAY SCRAPE

2017-09-28

Related by H. Greenwood. Written by Mrs. A. D. Gentry, Ft. Stockton, Texas

From Hunter’s Frontier Times, March, 1927

AT THIS TIME, April, 1836, Santa Anna's army was still in pursuit of Houston's army and Houston being fearful of what might befall the families of the settler, had ordered them to cross the Sabine river and get into Louisiana to claim the protection of the U. S. A.

My father, Garrison Greenwood, being in command of the frontier forts which included Fort Houston and Fort Brown, advised the people to make ready to flee. This they proceeded to do with all possible dispatch, taking with them only the things they had in great haste assembled. My father led the retreat and if only a picture could have been made of that array of people fleeing for their lives with their household goods piled on wagons drawn by horses and oxen, many walking and driving their milk cows.

We knew that it meant our salvation to get across the Sabine river as that was considered the deadline, so with all eager to insure their safety they needed no urging to hurry.

Small wonder that we hurried when the Mexican army was pressing us from the rear with fire and sword and the Indians were embodied to the front of us. To make matters worse when we reached the Neches river we found that instead of the quiet little stream it was under ordinary conditions it had now become a wild turbulent torrent spread out over two miles of the bank, owing to recent heavy rains. We had no boat and to cross without one was impossible. Refugees had continued to pour in until there were now more than three-hundred families waiting to find their way across the stream, and the Mexican army in hot pursuit. To our minds this was a far more trying time than when Moses led the children of Israel across the Red Sea for unlike them, we had no inspired leader to call on the Lord to part the waters for us. To add to the distress of the timorous, all manner of alarming reports were coming in concerning the danger of our position. We were undoubtedly in a very hazardous position, with the Mexican army advancing on us from the rear and six-hundred Indians encamped just across the river from us, it was certain death to remain and extremely perilous to cross. We held a council of war and decided to attempt to make a treaty with the Indians. In our party we had a man by the name of Brooks Williams who was on friendly terms with the Indians, having married a Cherokee wife. We felt that his advances lo them would be met in a friendly spirit. He felt no hesitancy in taking the mission upon himself and crossed the river feeling confident that he would succeed, but alas he had no sooner shown himself and made known to them his errand when they fell upon him and butchered and scalped him. Two friendly Indians spies in the camp apprised us afterward of what took place. There was nothing to do but go ahead with our preparations for crossing for it was out of the question to turn back. We figured that with plenty of arms and ammunition, we could at least have a chance with the Indians while it would have been certain suicide to have turned back to meet Santa Anna's army. We now fell to work with vigor and determination, the women taking a hand and assisting all they could with the building of the boats. There was no danger of hunger assailing us as the woods abounded in game and there had been many well-filled smoke houses along our route. We made our plans and preparations to cross the river at a point about seven or eight miles below where the Indians were embodied and went ahead with our boat building as though there was nothing to impede our progress. At last the boats were in readiness and the order was given to send over fifty picked men, tried and true, well armed and pledged to hold their post to the last man if necessary. The work then began of shipping over the women and children. This occupied us until night and we found that it would take at least two days to get all over. The boat could only go from one bank to the other, the rest of the distance having to be waded, the water being in most places two or three feet deep. This was quite an undertaking when you consider the distance was more than two miles. It was a sight long to be remembered by all present. To see fifty or more families wading through the mud and water, the men leading the way with the wagons and the mothers following, leading and directing the children. Often their progress was interspersed with screams as someone fell into holes four or five feet deep. Many lost their shoes, my mother lost hers, but they struggled bravely on in spite of difficulties. All were thoroughly wet from head to feet. and everything in the wagons was wet except those things that were in waterproof trunks. I was one of the first to cross the river and we spent that night around log fires drying out our clothes and keeping out a heavy guard for protection.

Next day the shipping over began with redoubled energy. This did not seem either the time or the place for hesitation on the part of anyone, still there were present a number of ladies who belonged to the luxury-loving class, who demanded an easy time and the best things in life without effort on their part, and who retarded the progress of the crossing materially. They refused to humble themselves and soil their skirts by wading in the filthy mud and water. Their husbands, fathers, and brothers argued with them in vain; they refused to listen to reason. Finally they were informed by those in authority that if they did not get out of the boats they would be forcibly ejected. They then began to strike the water like turtles from a log, every time one stepped in she gave a loud "Whoooo!" With their long fine silk skirts floating out on the muddy water they were indeed a sight. Every little bit one of them would step into a sinkhole and she would bellow like a cow. This was a bitter experience, but it worked like a charm and made most of them fine self-reliant women.

We succeeded in getting all of the families over before another night and left a strong guard on the other side to take care of the stock.

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While crossing another amusing incident happened which I cannot refrain from telling. There was a family among the refugees by the name of Moss. Mr. Moss, being an Invalid, his wife had to act as head of the family, and that role seemed to suit her exceedingly well for she was a woman of a great deal of character and a natural leader. Everyone in camp soon knew Mrs. Moss. Now Mrs. Moss had a favorite dog whose name was Rule. Rule was soon a noted dog in camp and when it came her time to cross she was very much concerned lest she should loose her dog. As she went on board she called "Here Rule, Here Rule," but Rule failed to come and as the boat was about to push off she sprang back to shore and grabbing Rule up in her arms sprang for the boat, which she missed and fell into the water, the dog slipping through her arms as she went down. She made a frantic grab for Rule and succeeded in catching him by the tail to which she clung for dear life. Finally both were rescued and safe in the boat. Mrs. Moss sniffed the water from her nose. wiped her face with her apron and taking a firm hold on the dog's collar, she preceded to plunge him overboard, ducking him again and again, exclaiming as she did so, "I'll larn you, sir, to be afraid of water in time of war."

The following day we crossed our stock, the horses and cattle, all except teams, had to swim the river. We had a small bunch of stock horses that had to be crossed but we could not make them take the water, so I took the leader of the gang and eying a small rope around her neck mounted her bareback and plunged into the river, the current carrying her across. The rest of them followed without any more trouble. The cattle and horses were then forced into the river till it looked like a solid floating mass of live stock. The current floated most of them downstream, landing all the way for two miles. Some of them never landed, some went back but most were gotten safely over. They were scattered all over the river bottom where ever they could find a place to stand with their heads above water. They would stand right there and low to each other, remaining there all day and night, but by noon of the next day most of them had crossed

Gathering up what we could, this army of refugees was ordered to move on. With a strong guard to the front and to the rear and on each side we moved on to the Angelina river. The Indians were watching our every movement, and only awaiting an opportunity to attack us. However, we kept so well guarded that they knew they would have to wade through blood to get to those women and children. Their victory would have been over the bodies of two hundred brave men, and then the women would have fought them as long as there was one left. Many of the women were as proficient with firearms as the men.

Reaching the west bank of the Angelina we encamped for the night. We had just turned our horses loose when our spies came galloping up and reported a heavy body of men advancing from the opposite side of the river. We could not tell whether they were friends or enemies. In fifteen minutes all was ready for battle and a scout of six men was sent to the front to meet them. They soon returned with the joyful intelligence that they were friends. They approached our camp telling us that they were volunteers from Tennessee and Georgia on their way to reinforce Travis and Davy Crockett. They were under command of Capt. Crockett, a nephew of Davy Crockett. News traveled slow at that time and they had not heard of the fall of the Alamo. They went into camp just inside our lines and next morning we were busy making preparations to continue our retreat to the Sabine river and they to proceed on their way.

They were short of teams to carry their baggage wagons and made a demand on us for teams. We could scarcely manage with what we had, a great many being forced to walk. So we told them it was not in our power to assist them.

Right here the courage of the brave Mrs. Moss was put to the test. She had as fine a pair of oxen as I ever saw. They were well matched, large and tractable. She drove them herself and was as fond of them as of her dog Rule. Capt. Crockett and his men fancied them and informed us that if we did not furnish them with teams they would impress the oxen. This of course placed things in a very awkward position. They were friends and had come a long way to help us out in our struggle for liberty. It would have been a great pleasure to have supplied their needs but we did not have any horses that were broke to driving except what we were bound to have to carry the women and children to safety. They were asking the impossible of us, but we well knew the courage and pluck of Mrs. Moss. Naturally we wished to avoid any trouble of any kind with them so we were indeed in a dilemma. Mrs. Moss now advanced and taking hold of one of the oxen with one hand she raised a pistol with the other and said, "I will kill the first man who attempts to take my oxen." One of the men made a step forward, she presented her pistol and said, "If you take another step you die." From her looks she evidently meant what she said. My father being in command now stepped forward and told them to leave her alone, that she was practically a widow. He then turned to Capt. Crockett and said, "'Captain, we are all friends and do not wish any trouble. We are in need of teams ourselves and have all of these women and children to escort to safety. We are under orders from General Houston to do this and you must not interfere with our progress. We would gladly assist you if possible. You can find teams at any ranch on your route. Let us have no difficulty." The captain conceded the point and went on his way.

We too proceeded on our route and when we had passed Nacogdoches we felt that we had run the gauntlet and were out of danger. We then scattered out, every fellow to himself, or in bunches. Some never stopped till they had crossed the Sabine river. We stopped near San Augustine in some small log cabins which had been deserted by the owners who had left in the general stampede. Refugees were scattered all along from there to Nacogdoches. We had been there but a few days when we heard the deafening roar of cannons in San Augustine, a terrific cannonade being kept up for about two hours. It was about six miles distant from us and we were all listening, and trying to figure out what it could mean when we saw some men coming down the read with their teams in full run shouting at the top of their voices, "Hurrah for Texas, Houston has taken Santa Anna and his whole army prisoner!" It seemed too good to be true, and yet it was. This made every man a hero and every woman an angel. People wept for joy and embraced each other. Many prayers of thanksgiving were offered up.

We were now inspired with the hope that we might now return to our homes with a government. of our own which would deal justly with all.

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The Story of Whitfield Chalk - By Houston Wade

2014-09-30

[From J. Marvin Hunter’s Frontier Times Magazine, November, 1940]

The information shown here really belongs at the beginning of this biography, but as is always the case, the printing of the story as already shown brought to light additional information. In order to make our work as complete as possible, and in order to do justice to our readers and our hero, we are of the opinion that it is no more than right for us to show data subsequently located.

All the information shown below comes to us from Mrs. Sarah Minna Chalk Hyman, who has spent much time and effort in tracing the Chalk line back to its very first beginning. She has made a trip to England in quest of authentic records preserved in the archives of London and elsewhere in the English islands. She had thoroughly gone into our own Colonial and Revolutionary records from earliest time of the period of 1776 and before. We will now quote directly from the records of Mrs. Hyman:

From Collinson's History of Somersetshire (England), we find that the Chalk family was in England before the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Chalk most likely is of pure Saxon origin and men of this name may have fought with Harold, the last of the Saxon kings, at the decisive battle of Hastings.

Sir Richard Chalk was one of the Justices of the Common Pleas and later Chief Justice of England during the reign of Richard III. The family became hopelessly impoverished by the heavy fines levied on them for the crime of adhering loyally to King Charles I. Here is the description of the family coat of arms: Out of a Ducal Coronet or a domi-Swan, arising argent, crested guloo. Motto: "Semper Virtute Vigo" (Always live by virtue).

The family of Chalk owned and came from "Chalk Farm," once a suburb, but now in the heart of London, England. William Chalk, the grandfather of Whitfield Chalk, was a sea captain and owned his own vessel. His ship carried cargoes between the home port of London and the West Indies.

After coming to the United States (then an English colony) he took part in the American Revolution. After the war he went to sea again, where his ship and all on board were lost during a storm. This catastrophe occurred just off the coast of North Carolina, in sight of land and his wife and children witnessed the sinking of the boat.

William Chalk, grandfather of Whitfield Chalk, was a private in Captain Tatum's company, Tenth Colonial Regiment. He enlisted December 29, 1776, and served three years. Was promoted to Sergeant in March 1780. From the Department of State, North Carolina, comes this additional record: Member Howell Tatum's Company, First North Carolina Battalion commanded by Colonel Thomas Chalk. This roll is dated September 8, 1778. The war Department, Washington, D.C., shows that William Chalk joined the army December 29, 1776, which verifies the state records.

The maiden name of the wife of Captain William Chalk, the sea captain, was Peggy Askew. She was a direct descendant of the family of Anne Askew, the Martyr, who was burned at the stake during the reign of the muchly married Henry VIII. As usual the first thing to do about this hero is to prove what his name really was. This is the same man that Thomas Jefferson Green lists on page 438, item No. 49, as Winfield Chalk. On page 445 of this book he repeats the error and again spells this name "Winfield," which is pretty close for Colonel Green. This is not all of the Green errors; he states that Mr. Chalk and a man he shows as Caleb St. Clair were the only two to escape from Mier "on the evening of the capitulation." Subsequent findings have shown that this statement of Green's is not correct either, because we have proof positive that Michael Cronican, a hero of San Jacinto, made his escape from Mier at the same time. Worse than that, Green fails to mention Michael Cronican in any way or in any part of his book, and yet he was there and took an active part in the battle of Mier.

The name of Michael Cronican is properly shown on the original muster roll of Captain Charles Keller Reese, and this muster roll adds further this interesting information concerning him: "Killed at the Battle of Mier." For a long time we accepted this statement as true; however, in reading the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Texas Masons, we discovered where he had represented Harmony Lodge No. 6, of Galveston, in the Grand Lodge. As it was impossible for him to have been killed December 25, 1842, and represented Harmony No. 6, A. F. & A. M., February 17, 1846, we decided to go further into this matter. The result of our deduction is that Mr. Cronican, who was a newspaper man and evidently a fast thinker, must have lain down among the dead. smeared a little blood on the side of his head, and played 'possum, which accounts for the entry on the muster roll showing him killed in action. His comrades are bound to have seen him under circumstances that led them to believe him dead. After the prisoners were marched away to be confined, Mr. Cronican was left alone with his dead; then he calmly arose and walked away and made his escape. Americans are noted for quick thinking in emergency cases and this is a beautiful example.

And another thing: Thomas Jefferson Green refers to the man who escaped with Whitfield Chalk as Caleb St. Clair. As a matter of fact, so far as the authentic records go to show, there was no such preson as Caleb St. Clair. This man is listed on the muster roll as William St. Clair and attached to the claim of the Yocum family for the death of little Jesse we find his signature, and it too, shows William St. Clair. Chalk up still another error on Col. Green.

Now we will get back to our hero.It is curious to note that on the original muster roll this name is shown as Charles Chalk. The orderly sergeant, Peter Menard Maxwell, who made out this roll, is bound to have been something of a stranger to Mr. Chalk, or he would not have made such a glaring mistake.

For the benefit of our readers, we will say that we were fortunate in locating a living son of Whitfield Chalk. He is Captain Martin P. Chalk of McAllen, Texas. From this source much of the information below is derived. We mention this to show that our statements are authentic. Captain M. B. Chalk followed the footsteps of his illustrious father and served for a time as a Texas Ranger, 1884-1891.

Whitfield Chalk, the subject of this sketch, was the oldest son of William W. and Mary W. Chalk. His parents had sailed from England shortly after their marriage. They landed in America in January 1811, and settled in the State of North Carolina, where their first son was born April 4, 1811, about two weeks after reaching the old North State.

Information concerning our hero is necessarily fragmentary and obtained from many sources. About the life of our hero during his boyhood days we know little; however, we gleaned one interesting item, which we reproduce below just as it appears in print:

"When Whitfield Chalk had reached the age of twelve years, the family moved to Tennessee, (1823). The death of his father a few years afterwards caused young Chalk to turn his eyes also towards the West....

"On his trip down the Mississippi on one of the old steamboats, Mr. Chalk had a rather unusual experience. Crew and passengers were attacked by the cholera and all of them, with the exception of Chalk and the captain of the old craft died."

(Source: Frontier Times, V. 1, No.2, p. 23).

From the above account the fact is evident that Mr. Chalk left for Texas alone and although he had at least four brothers, none of them seems to have been with him on his first trip to the Republic of Texas.

The names of these four brothers were John Wesley, named for the famous divine; William Roscoe, named after his father; Ira Ellis and Josiah Chalk. All four of these brothers were ordained Methodist ministers and it was John Wesley Chalk who had the distinction of having preached the first Methodist sermon in Fort Worth. It is a fact that all four of these brothers came to Texas, but when and how is not known to the writer.

The date of the arrival in Texas of Whitfield Chalk is a much disputed point, and we have had at least three different dates offered to us as correct; however, we find that in 1873 our hero made application to join the Texas Veteran's Association, and this application made out by Mr. Chalk himself reads as follows:

"Chalk, Whitfield—Second Class, age 63, nativity, North Carolina; emigrated in 1839; served in the campaign of 1812; Mier prisoner, residence Lampasas County."

We are accepting this statement made by our hero himself as correct. This shows that he was twenty-eight years of age when he came to Texas. Had he arrived as early as 1833 as some claim, he is bound to have shown up in some of the stirring events of the days of 1836. There is no record of any service rendered by him in the San Jacinto campaign.

To the best of our knowledge Whitfield Chalk settled first in Milam County, or at least in that huge piece of land that was then known as the Milam Land District. Twenty-four additional counties have since been carved out of the land district.

He was living there when he joined the army the second time, and in proof of this statement we submit the follownig affidavit:

Republic of Texas,

Know all men by these presents that Whitfield Chalk was duly enrolled in my company of Mounted Riflemen on the 17th day of October 1842, and fought bravely in the battle of Mier on the 25th and 26th of December, A. D., 1842, and after the battle made his escape and is hereby honorably discharged from the service of Texas. Given under my hand this 16th day of September, 1884.

J. G. Pierson

Capt. Mounted Riflemen.

We have no evidence that would lead us to believe that Mr, Chalk participated in the Vasquez Raid; however, we have his own statement that he took part in the Woll Invasion. This being true he is bound to have made a flying trip to San Antonio the previous September and on the advice of Edward Burleson returned home to equip himself properly, and report to headquarters later for participation in the Somervell "Wild Goose Chase" which was the prelude of the Mier Expedition.

We ran across an interesting description of the personal appearance of our hero, as a friend of his saw him just about this time. Here is what he looked like:

"Whitfield Chalk was a tall, dark haired and grey eyed man, with a fighting jaw on him; he was six feet tall, well proportioned and of deliberate speech and movements, showing determination and resistance in every act—the very type of a brave determined man and clearly portraying he would do what he did do."

(Source—Newspaper clipping December 1911, by John Dowell, Houston. In collection of Dr. Alex Dienst of Temple.)

As we have already seen, Whitfield Chalk joined Captain J. G. W. Pierson's company of mounted riflemen on October 17, 1842. This body of men later became Company "D" of the Mier Expedition. It was composed of twenty-seven men in all. J. G. W. Pierson was the Captain: Whitfield Chalk was Lieutenant, and Peter Menard Maxwell was Orderly Sergeant and made out the roll. Three of these men were left on the Texas side of the Rio Grande as part of the camp guard detail. Little Jesse Yocum was killed before the fight started, so that left only twenty-three men who participated in the fight.

Captain Pierson and his men left for the front on horseback. This we know because he called them mounted riflemen, and from the further fact that the survivors made claim for horses and equipment lost. The claim of Mr. Chalk reads as follows:

Late Republic to Whitfield Chalk, Dr. To services of the Mier Expedition

(Engaged in the fight and made his escape after the surrender)

in service about three months at $22.50….$67.33

Horse and equipment lost…………….…....$65.00

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…………………………………….………….$132.33

(Source: Public Debt Papers, State Library, Austin).

We will not repeat the story of the Somervell Expedition or the battle of Mier. To do so would consume too much space and is not necessary to this account. We refer our readers to the book by Thomas Jefferson Green for a detailed account of what happened. Sufficient it is to say that the companies of Captain James Keller Reese and Captain J. G. W. Pierson were a part of the left wing of the Texas forces that captured the town of Mier and that they saw plenty of action and acquitted themselves nobly. Our interest now is in the escape of our hero, and here is shown another example of quick thinking on the part of this American soldier.

There are many versions of the escape of Whitfield Chalk and William St. Clair from the Mexicans after the surrender at Mier; however, these stories are all similar and differ only in detail. We will reproduce here only one of these accounts; the one that seems to us to be the most reasonable and interesting and of the most historic value. For the benefit of our readers, we will explain that after the Texians had been tricked into surrendering and parting with their arms, they were confined in low, dobie houses, and in transferring our men from one of these huts to another for convenience and safety, our two heroes decided that they did not relish being prisoners in Mexico and proposed to do something about it.

From here on we will let others better qualified tell the story of the escape: "The night of the capture of the Texians was stormy, and an impenetrable darkness prevailed. Though the prisoners of war had no inkling then of what their fate was to be, Whitfield Chalk and one other member of the expedition thought it well to attempt escape. On their way to some huts that were to shelter and guard them for the night, Chalk and his companion quietly slipped out of line and concealed themselves under some sheaves of corn stacked against the wall of a small building.

"Had it been daylight the men would have been found by the Mexicans without much trouble, as their feet protruded from under the stalks. It is also possible the Mexican soldiery concluded that the missing prisoners could not escape anyway, and that for this reason they did not make close search as they would have done otherwise. At any rate Chalk and his companion succeeded in reaching the open country beyond the camp of the Mexicans.

"All night long they pushed through the dense chaparral. Though both were nearly exhausted, there was nothing to do but put as much distance between themselves and the Mexicans as possible. It had been the dry season of the year. The ground showed many a wide, gaping crack. Into one of them now and then would stumble the weary feet of the fugitives. Before long both of them had lost their shoes. Distance, they knew, was the only thing that would save them, and seconds, therefore, were precious. Moreover, the shoes worn by them were too large and heavy, and since safety lay in flight and sore feet could be healed, they decided to do without them. Later they regretted having left their shoes behind, but it was then too late to get them back. Finally they reached the camp of the Texian forces and rejoined them."

(Source:—Frontier Times, V. 1, No. 2,p. 23. Nov. 1923.)

This ends the quotation that we think was dictated by Whitfield Chalk himself. And now we are most fortunate in having a most celebrated man take up the story exactly where our hero leaves it. This man was no other than George Bernhard Erath,—the man for whom Erath County is named. How strange it is that Thomas Jefferson Green could have had a man so prominent as Mr. Erath in his command and not know it. It is a fact that in the entire book written by Green he never once mentions George B. Erath, and yet it is Mr. Erath who left us the only account of the events that transpired on the Texas side of the Rio Grande while the battle of Mier was in progress. Now we will let Mr. Erath take up the story where Mr. Chalk leaves off. We will only add that Lieutenant Chalk was slightly wounded in the arm during the fight:

"At nine the men became anxious to go on. I went back to hunt Pierce, knowing that the men would not go without me. I had not gone over 300 yards before I heard talking in the brush on my left. I turned thither and found about a dozen of the men we had left in camp the night before, and with them two of my mess-mates escaped out of Mier, (Whitfield) Chalk and (William) St. Clair. We all returned to my party of men, and delayed for Chalk and St. Clair to eat something; they had been long without food

"St. Clair was one of those who wanted to fight his way out (of Mier), and he determined to escape somehow. He induced Chalk to hide with him behind a bunch of cane stacked in a corner of a room where they with others were confined. After nightfall they slipped out of town. In jumping a wall St. Clair sprained his ankle and was badly lamed. He had already lost one boot; it had been pulled off by a Mexican as he got over a fence going into Mier. They finally reached our camp on the river at daylight. The men took a boat over to them, and then all the men in camp, except (George W.) Bonnell and Hicks left, each with two horses."....

"After we reached and crossed the Nueces we separated into small parties, the better to find game, which was scarce except for wild horses. Chalk, St. Clair and a young man named (Thomas) Oldham remained with me, and we four were the first to arrive at the San Antonio River, at Goliad, then unoccupied. The diver was swimming. We saw six men over on the other side who had just crossed on a raft of logs and door drifted down from houses above."

"We all reached Lockhart's house the next afternoon, obtaining supplies of eatables, crossed the Guadalupe River the next day in a canoe, swimming our horses, and separated. Chalk, Tom Oldham and I crossed the Colorado at LaGrange, bringing to that place the first news of the defeat, and reached home on the 19th of January, 1848." (Source: Vol. 27, S. W. Historical Quarterly.)

Now that we see that our hero is well out of the scrape he was in and safely back home from his great adventure of the Mier Expedition, we will try to follow the thread of his life as far as we are able and the records will permit.

Home to him is still evidently the huge Milam county, and for about a year there is little or no record of his actions. It may be that it was at this time that he served his enlistment with the Texas Rangers, under Captain Sul Ross. We know that he did serve in at least one campaign, but we have never been able to establish the dates.

Sam Houston had many faults; he also had some virtues. One of these outstanding virtues was his custom of rewarding his old comrades and deserving friends with positions, commissions, jobs and places of trust in his government. It has often been said that he retained enough of his Indian influence never to forget a friend or forgive an enemy. He most certainly was a true friend to many and a first-class hater of those who opposed him.

Whitfield Chalk being now a veteran, an efficient officer and a person of trust, President Sam Houston selected him as a fit object on which to bestow an army commission. This document still exists and hangs in a frame in all of its glory, in the home of his son, Captain Martin B. Chalk, who kindly supplied us with a copy of it which we will now show:

"IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. To all who shall see these presents.

GREETING:—Know ye. That I, Sam Houston, President thereof, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and ability of Whitfield Chalk, do hereby commission him a Major of the Second Regiment of the First Brigade of the Militia of the Republic of Texas, in conformity with an act of Congress, Approved 24th January 1839.

"He is, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duties of Major by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And I do strictly charge and require all under his command to be obedient to his orders as such.

Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of the Republic at Washington-on-the-Brazos this fiffh day of August in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four and in the Ninth year of the Independence of the Republic of Texas. By the President, SAM HOUSTON, C. W. Hill, Secretary of War and Marines."

We see that his commission, shown above, is dated only a little over a month before the remnant of his comrades of the Mier Expedition were finally released from prison in Mexico.

Sam Houston laid himself open to much criticism on account of the indifference with which he viewed the fate of the Texas prisoners. This attitude earned him the violent hatred of many of the Mier Prisoners, but some were still loyal to him.

So far as we have been able to ascertain, Whitfield Chalk was one of these, and held his commission in the army as a Major from 1844 to about 1847; rendering excellent service and earning for himself the respect and admiration of the people of Milam County.

It must have been sometime while he was a dashing Major of the Mounted Militia of the Texas army that romance crept into his life, for we find that on August 9, 1847, at a small settlement at the old Double File Crossing of the San Gabriel River, about four miles east of the present village of Georgetown, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Mary Fleming and it was on this spot that the couple set up housekeeping.

Some historians have set up the claim that Major Chalk was married twice. Here and now let us correct this error. He was married only once and remained a true and faithful husband and father all the days of his life, and it was only death that separated him from his beloved Mary, the mother of his nine children. We give reason for his resignation was that he was to be the first sheriff of the newly-created Williamson County. This county was carved out of the Milam Land District in March 1848, but it was not until the following August that it was properly organized. We see from this that he was made sheriff just about the time he was made a bridegroom. We do not know for a fact how long Major Chalk served high sheriff of Williamson County; however, it could hardly have been more than one term.

The next authentic trace we have of our hero is extracted from the records of the First United States Census taken in Texas. These reports read as follows and are for Bell county:

"Chalk, Whitfield—occupation, millwright, age 39, born in North Carolina, wife Mary M., born in Georgia, children, William T., age one year, John W. age five months; both born in Texas."

From the above item it is seen that the Chalk family have moved to the newly created Bell County, but still in the old Milam Land District. Bell County was created in January 1850, but was not organized until August, 1850. From this census report we also learn that Major Chalk's wife was born in Georgia and that her middle initial was M., and that he now really has a family, for two children have arrived to bless his married life.

Now we will have to turn to the information shown in the new "History of Bell County," written by the distinguished George W. Tyler in order to locate the place of residence and business of the subject of this sketch. This history has the following to say concerning him:"

The first mill (in Bell County) was probably that of Ira Chalk and Whitfield Chalk, begun on the Salado in 1849 and later known as the Ferguson Mill."

The above item discloses that Major Chalk and his younger brother Ira Ellis Chalk, have erected a sawmill on Salado Creek, near the little city of Salado, now a ghost town of Texas. It also shows that one of his brothers has followed him to Texas. A second brother, William Roscoe Chalk, lived for several years at Belton, in Bell County. The Chalk mill was later equipped to grind grain as well as saw lumber and was operated by waterpower. It was acquired by the father of Governor James E. Ferguson and later was known as the Ferguson Mill.

This brings us to the year 1857. Texas is now no longer a Republic, she has been the brightest star in the constellation of the glorious Union for about ten years. At the time Texas was annexed, she still laid claim to a strip of ground running north almost to the magnetic pole and west to include everything but the Pacific Ocean. Uncle Sam, to quiet those claims and to set up a boundary line, paid us a cool ten million dollars. This money the new State of Texas used largely to pay for the long overdue claim of the old veterans who had fought in the wars of the Republic and helped gain our independence.

The Mier prisoners were allotted an average of $605.00 as part compensation for the hell they had gone through between December 25, 1842, and September 16, 1844. From a look at the records it would seem that just about every old soldier still alive made a grand rush on this Court of Claims to file his papers.

We have already seen where Major Whitfield Chalk had asked for and received $132.33 for three months' service as a soldier and the loss of his horse and equipment. Now he comes forward and on December 28, 1857, files claim for $472.50 more, being the balance due of the allotted $605.00. This claim was paid. Major Chalk was still living in Bell County when this claim was paid.

By the year 1870 the State of Texas had passed a law granting a pension to the surviving veterans of the Texas Revolution. This law included an act for the relief of the Mier prisoners. Our hero, Major Chalk, decided to seek the benefit of this law and on December 13, 1870, filed his application for a pension with Hon. A. Bledsoe, State Comptroller. He was living at Brenham, Washington County, at this time.

It was here that Major Chalk ran into an unexpected snag. His application for a pension was promptly turned down for the technical reason that he was not a Mier prisoner and had never been confined in Perote Castle. That he had made his escape and for that reason did not come within the meaning of the law for the relief of the Mier prisoners.

It was here that his old Bell County friend, George W. Tyler, came to his rescue, and by a special act of the Legislature secured a pension for our hero. We take pleasure in quoting their names in the order in which they were born: William T.; John Wesley; Henry A., died at the age of 23 and is buried at Brenham; James M.; Mattie E.; Katie N.; Jeff D.; Jack, died at the age of two and is buried at Brenham; and Martin B. Chalk.

It is not clear whether Major Chalk resigned from the army before or after his wedding day; however, the below exactly what Senator Tyler has to say on the subject:

"Whitfield Chalk was a well known citizen of Bell County, whom I know personally. He escaped from the Mexicans after the surrender of Mier; returned to Texas, and was not confined in Perote. This fact technically excluded him from the benefit of the pension act, and while I was in the State Senate, I obtained his pension for him by an amendment to the general appropriation bill. (See General Laws, 21st Legislature, p. 77.)"

(Source: Extract from letter written by George W. Tyler of Belton, Texas).

By 1873 Major Chalk had removed his family to Lampasas County. This we know because his application for membership in the Texas Veterans Association is dated from that point. There is little more for us to tell about Whitfield Chalk and his family. He lived the remainder of his life at or near the town of Kempner, Lampasas County, and it was there he died on May 18, 1902. His beloved wife, Mary, survived him only a very short time. When she lost her mate, all incentive to live left her, and she passed to her just reward in January 1903. They are both buried in the cemetery at Kempner and the grave of Major Chalk was marked; however, the stone may have disappeared.

To set at rest the question of his wife, let us explain here that it was Ira Ellis Chalk who married the second time. The first wife of Ira E. Chalk was Miss Phoebe Fleming, a sister to the wife of Whitfield Chalk. Ira Chalk and his wife lived for a time with the family of our hero. He had three children by his first wife. Both families removed to Kempner and it was there that Ira Chalk married the second time. He had six children by his second wife.

In conclusion let us repeat that it is not well to examine too closely into the private lives of our celebrated men if an attitude of hero worship is to be preserved. Our tribute to this hero is that all evidence goes to show that he was a man far above the average in every respect. He was honest, brave and true. He was loved and respected by his nearest neighbors, a man anyone could be proud to call friend.

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Interesting Life Story of An Early Texan

2014-07-22

Written By Mrs. Mary E. Lesesne, Hennessy, Texas

[From J. Marvin Hunter's Frontier Times Magazine, December, 1923]

Colonel John Durst was born in Missouri February 4, 1797. He was raised in Texas by Mr. Samuel Davenport, who, taking young Durst with him, abandoned the country about 1814 on account of the war between Spain and Mexico.

He married Miss Harriet M. Jamison, a native of Harper's Ferry, Va., whose father, Col. Jamison, had been appointed Indian agent for the United States and in that capacity was then living in Louisiana. The marriage took place in Natchitoches February 21, 1821.

In 1827 Colonel Durst and his wife moved to Nacogdoches, Texas, and bought the old stone house which the missionaries had built in 1778. This house was their home while they resided in Nacogdoches and was fort as well as home. Col. Durst kept well in view the protection of his family.

Engaging in merchandising he soon found a large and lucrative business on his hands. The Mexican government had stationed Col. Piedras at Nacogdoches with a considerable force to keep the Americans in check. The citizens were forbearing and trying all the while to gain their liberty. At length the order came that all arms should be surrendered. At this the long-forbearing residents flew to arms, assembled at Nacogdoches, attacked Piedras in his fortified camp, routed him and pursued and captured his entire force. At the commencement of the attack Colonel Durst was second in command, but before any fighting was done he was made commander and conducted the brave onslaught and pursuit.

In a short time he was chosen delegate to represent the eastern district of Texas in the congress sitting at Monclova. While there, he was one day informed by a friend that the government had secretly declared war against Texas. Milam and Bowie refused to believe the report and, selecting a trusty peon, Colonel Durst determined to come alone, bring the information to General Rusk, and thus save his country from the overwhelming hordes that would pour unlooked for into her territory.

Nine hundred and sixty miles was accomplished by this intrepid pioneer in twelve and a half days on the same horse. The danger of the journey through the arid plains of the enemy 's country can well be imagined. Verily, Paul Revere and Caeser Rodney were not the only historic riders who rode for "liberty or death."

Col. Durst moved to Angelina county and commenced farming on the river of that name. Scarcely had he completed building when all the families had to abandon the country and flee from the Santa Anna invasion and from Indian treachery. With wise foresight Colonel Durst had the walls of his home filled with shelled corn and when the families returned to their homes he gladly divided this store of food with them. While his family was away he with some picked men did picket duty for that part of the country.

From 1836 to 1839 was the crucial time for the young republic. Treacherous foes were on her border and in the midst of her people, instigating the savages to midnight attacks and bribing them to ally themselves with the Mexicans for the extermination of the white settlers. Flores and Canales were busy plotting, planning and scheming for this deadly work. The eagle eye of Colonel Durst took in the situation. He rightly read that the calm was the presage of the storm. He fortified his dwelling making ample room for others. Besides the blockhouse fortification he built a large cellar underneath his dwelling, which was used as a dining room, but was to be a place of refuge for the women and children in case of attack.

Assured of the safety of his family he was then with his company of minute men off and away at the least sign of threatened warfare. Often his life was in great danger from the foes around, and on several occasions he was kept from death by the fidelity of Mexicans whom he had formerly employed. One prominent characteristic of Col Durst's was the power he wielded over the men under him. Whether as soldiers following him into battle, or as servants doing his bidding, they were ready to lay down their lives for him.

Every now and then such fearful deeds as the Baden massacre, and Ft. Parker tragedy, would almost curdle the blood of these early settlers, and at last the minute men reported to Gen. Rusk that large forces of Mexicans and Indians were assembled near the Angelina river. The Durst home now was converted into a place of refuge, and the families of the settlers invited to come there for protection. The enclosures were soon filled and many camped on the outside where they could quickly run in in case of an attack.

Colonel Durst, leaving enough men to guard the families in these fortifications, was soon with General Rusk, pursuing the enemy at the head of his company and when the fight came off had a horse shot under him.

Col . Durst employed John H. Reagan to teach in his family for four years. Judge Reagan said "At the home of Col. Durst I was a hard student, as well as teacher. From his fine library I read many books. At this hearthstone I listened to their conversations on the science of government. My mind was directed in that channel and my going into the home of Colonel John Durst was my first stepping stone to public life."

In 1844 the Durst family, with a large stock of cattle, many servants and retainers, moved to Robertson colony. That colony was soon divided and Col. Durst named the eastern part Leon, from the prairie on which he had settled, and which had long borne that name. He owned large quantities of land in various portions of the state, the deeds to many of which are in possession of Hon. Bruno Durst, and are written in Spanish.

Colonel Durst died in Galveston while attending supreme court in February, 1851. His sons at that time were quite young and much of his landed estate was lost for the want of timely attention.

From the old Spanish Bible, a sacred relic now in the family, the following record is translated into English:

Eliza Almira Durst was born in Natchitoches, La., in 1823. Louis Orlando Durst was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, September 1, 1827. April 7, 1830. Bruno Durst, October 11, 1832. December 28, 1834. March 20, 1837. Harriet Matilda Durst, July 29, 1839. John Sterling Durst, October 20, 1841. Horatio Durst, March 16, 1844. Clara Elizabeth Durst, September 6, 1846. Eugenia Marcelino Durst, 1849.

Out of these eleven children the two Alexander Horatio Durst, Benigna Durst, Angelina Durst, Eugenia Marcelino daughters, Benigna and Harriet, lived and married in Leon county. Benigna married General T. W. Blake and died leaving two children, J. W. Blake and Mattie Blake. Harriet married Dr. Sim Hopkins, and died, leaving three children. Two of these, Louis Hopkins of Oak Cliff, and Arch Hopkins of Jewett, are still living.

Louis Durst, the oldest son, married Miss Davenport, and soon afterward was killed. He left one son, John Durst, of Tyler, Texas. Bruno Durst married Miss Lusk of Leon county. He represented his district in the State legislature. John S. Durst married Miss Kittrell of Madison county. He is now a minister in the Church of Christ. and a resident of Junction City. Horatio Durst has been married four times. His present wife was Miss Wynne of Calvert. He resides near Leon at the old Durst homestead. Mrs. Durst died in 1885, aged 78 years.

John S. Durst

In writing this sketch I have borne in mind the words of the battle-scarred Cromwell to his portrait artist, "Paint me as I am." In gathering up the incidents and drawing out the leading characteristics of Colonel Durst I have looked for the scars. I have tried to picture him as he was.

Refusing all offers for public life he preferred the quiet citizen's walk, but when duty called he was "foremost in the fray," defending his country and his home.

"They builded better than they knew." Today our Lone Star blazes with a magnitude and a brilliancy peculiarly her own. All honor to the men who wrested her from vandal hands.

(Editor's Note: The above was published in the Houston Post 24 years ago. There are now only two of Mr. Durst's children living, Horatio Durst, aged 80, and John S. Durst, aged 82. The memory of our brave pioneers should not fade away. Col. Durst's name should be kept green with the laurel wreath of honor, and the know ledge of indomitable courage and endurance of the heroes of the stormy revolutionary days should imbue coming generations with the patriotic fire that stirred the breasts of their illustrious forefathers.)

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REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO - SAMUEL HOUSTON, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

2014-04-21

by SAMUEL HOUSTON, Commander-in-Chief

[From Hunter's Frontier Times Magazine, April, 1945]

The Battle of San Jacinto was fought and woii April 21, 1836, just 109 years ago. Many reports have been published of that noted battle, said to be one of the greatest battles ever fought in any land. As the anniversary of it approaches we deem it appropriate to give General Sam Houston's official report of that conflict, which won Texas' independence:

Head Quarters of the Army,

San Jacinto, April 25, 1836.

To His Excellency D. G. Burnet, President of the Republic of Texas.

Sir—I regret extremely that my situation since the battle of the 21st, has been such as to prevent my rendering you my, official report of the same previous to this time.

I have the honor to inform you that on the evening of the 18th inst., after a forced march of 55 miles, which was effected in two and a half days, the army arrived opposite Harrisburgh; that evening a courier of the enemy was taken, from which I learned that Gen. Santa Anna, with one division of his troops, had marched in the direction of Lynch's ferry on the San Jacinto, burning Harrisburgh as he passed down. The army was ordered to be in readiness to march early the next morning. The main body effected a crossing over Buffalo Bayou, below Harrisburgh, on the morning of the 19th, having left the baggage, the sick, and a sufficient camp guard in the rear. We continued the march throughout the night, and without refreshment. At daylight we resumed the line of march, and in a short distance our scouts encountered those of the enemy, and we received information that Gen. Santa Anna was at New Washington, and would that day take up the line of march for Anahuac, crossing at Lynch's. The Texan army halted within half a mile of the ferry, in some timber, and were engaged in slaughtering beeves, when the army of Santa Anna was seen approaching in battle array, having been encamped at Clopper's Point, 8 miles below. Disposition was immediately made of our forces, and preparation for his reception. He took a position, with his infantry and artillery in the centre, occupying an island of timber, his cavalry covering the left flank. The artillery then opened on our encampment, consisting of one double fortified medium brass 12-pounder.

The infantry, in columns, advanced with the design of attacking our lines, but were repulsed by a discharge of grape and canister from our artillery, consisting of two six-pounders. The enemy had occupied a piece of timber within rifle shot of the left wing of our army, from which an occasional interchange of small arms took place between the troops, until the enemy withdrew to a position on the bank of the San Jacinto, about three quarters of a mile from our encampment, and commenced a fortification. A short time before sunset, our mounted men, about 85 in number, under the special command of Col. Sherman, marched out for the purpose of reconnoitering the enemy. Whilst advancing, they received a volley from the left of the enemy's infantry, and after a sharp rencontre with their cavalry, in which ours acted well, and performed some feats of daring chivalry, they retired in good order, having had two men severely wounded, and several horses killed. In the mean time the infantry, under command of Lieut. Col. Millard, and Col. Bush's regiment, with the artillery, had marched out for the purpose of covering the retreat, if necessary. All those fell back in good order to our encampment about sunset, and remained without any ostensible action until the 21st at half-past 3 o'clock, taking the first refreshment which they had enjoyed for two days. The enemy, in the meantime, extended the right flank of their infantry so as to occupy the extreme point of a skirt of timber on the bank of the San Jacinto, and screened their left by a fortification about five feet high, constructed of packs and baggage, leaving an opening in the centre of the breastwork, in which their artillery was placed—the cavalry upon the left wing.

About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 21st, the enemy were reinforced by 500 choice troops, under the command of Gen. Cos, increasing their effective force to upwards of 1500 men, while our aggregate force for the field numbered 783. At half past 3 o'clock in the morning, I ordered the officers of the Texan army to parade their respective commands, having in the mean time ordered the bridges on the only road communicating with the Brazos, distant 8 miles from our encampment, to be destroyed, thus cutting off all possibility of escape . Our troops paraded with alacrity and spirit, and were anxious for the contest. Their conscious disparity in numbers only seemed to increase their enthusiasm and confidence, and heightened their anxiety for the contest. Our situation afforded me the opportunity of making the arrangements preparatory to the attack, without exposing our designs to the enemy. The 1st regiment, commanded by Col. Burleson, was assigned to the centre; the 2nd regiment, under the command of Col. Sherman, formed the left wing of the army; the artillery, under the special command of Col. G. W . Herkley, Inspector General, was placed on the right of the 1st regiment; and four companies of infantry, under the command of Lieut. Col. Millard, sustained the artillery upon the right. Our cavalry, 61 in number, commanded by Col. Mirabeau B. Lamar, (whose gallant and daring conduct on the previous day, had attracted the admiration of his comrades, and called him to that station,) placed on our extreme right, completed our line. Our cavalry was the main army continued until twilight. A guard was then left in charge first despatched to the front of the enemy's left, for the purpose of attracting their notice, whilst an extensive island of timber afforded us an opportunity of concentrating our forces, and deploying from that point, agreeably to the previous designs of the troops. Every evolution was performed with alacrity, the whole advancing rapidly in line, and through an open prairie, without any protection whatever for our men. The artillery advanced and took station within 200 yards of the enemy's breastwork, and commenced an effective fire with grape and canister.

Col. Sherman, with his regiment, having commenced the action upon our left wing, the whole line, at the centre and on the right, advancing in double quick time, rung the war cry "Remember the Alamo," received the enemy's fire, and advanced within point-blank shot before a piece was discharged from our lines. Our line advanced without a halt, until they were in possession of the woodland and the enemy's breastwork. The right wing of Burleson's, and the left of Millard's, taking possession of the breastwork; and our artillery having gallantly charged up within 70 yards of the enemy's cannon, when it was taken by our troops. The conflict lasted about 18 minutes from the time of the close of the action until we were in possession of the enemy's encampment, taking one piece of cannon, (loaded,) four stands of colors, all their camp equipage, stores and baggage. Our cavalry had charged and routed that of the enemy on the right, and given pursuit to the fugitives, which did not cease until they arrived at the bridge which I mentioned before. Capt. Karnes, always foremost in danger, commanded the pursuers. The conflict in the breastwork lasted but a few moments; many of the troops encountered hand to hand, and not having the advantage of bayonets on our side, our riflemen used their pieces as war clubs, breaking many of them off at the breech. The rout commenced at half past 4, and the pursuit by the the main army continued until twilight. A guard was then left in charge of the enemy's encampment, and our army returned with their killed and wounded. In the battle our loss was 2 killed and 23 wounded, six of whom mortally. The enemy's loss was 630 killed, among whom was 1 general officer, 4 colonels, 2 lieut. colonels, 7 captains, 12 lieutenants; wounded 280, of which were 3 colonels, 3 lieut. colonels, 2 second lieut. colonels, 7 captains, 1 cadet. Prisoners 730—President Santa Anna, Gen. Cos. 4 colonels, aides to Gen. Santa Anna, 6 lieut. colonels, the private secretary of Gen Santa Anna, and the colonel of the Guerrero Battalion, are included in the number. Gen. Santa Anna was not taken until the 22d, and Gen. Cos on yesterday, very few having escaped. About 600 muskets, 300 sabres, and 200 pistols have been collected since the action; several hundred mules and horses were taken, and near twelve thousand dollars in specie. For several days previous to the action, our troops were engaged in forced marches, exposed to excessive rains, and the additional inconvenience of extremely bad roads, ill supplied with rations and clothing; yet, amid every difficulty, they bore up with cheerfulness and fortitude, and performed their marches with speed and alacrity--there was no murmuring.

Previous to and during the action, my Staff evinced every disposition to be useful, and were actively engaged in their duties. In the conflict, I am assured that they demeaned themselves in such manner as proved them worthy members of the army of San Jacinto. Col. T. J. Rusk, Secretary of War, was on the field; for weeks his services had been highly beneficial to the army; in battle he was on the left wing, where Col. Sherman's command first encountered and drove the enemy; he bore himself gallantly, and continued his efforts and activity, remaining with the pursuers until resistance ceased.

For the Commanding General to attempt discrimination as to the conduct of those who commanded in the action, or those who were commanded, would be impossible; our success in the action is conclusive proof of their daring intrepidity and courage . Every officer and man proved himself worthy of the cause in which he battled, while the triumph received a lustre, from the humanity which characterised their conduct after victory, and richly entitles them to the admiration and gratitude of their General. Nor should we withhold the tribute of our grateful thanks from that Being who rules the destinies of nations, and has, in the time of greatest need, enabled us to arrest a powerful invader whilst devastating our country.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration,

Your obedient servant,

SAMUEL HOUSTON,

Commander-in-Chief.

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Washington-on-the-Brazos in Texas History

2014-03-01

From J. Marvin Hunter's Frontier Times Magazine, March, 1940

Washington-on-the-Brazos in Texas History
By Webb L. Moore, San Marcos, Texas

Washington, Texas, known in history as Washington-on-the-Brazos, is located in Washington county, Texas, and, as its name indicates, is on the Brazos river, near the confluence of that stream and the Navasota river. It is on the highway which connects the two little cities of Navasota and Brenham, and is six miles from the former and twenty miles from, the latter. Today Washington has a population of about one hundred people. As one drives along the two or three quiet streets, it is difficult to imagine that, in surroundings so peaceful, only a little more than a century ago, were enacted scenes that have influenced profoundly, not only the course of
Texas history, but that of the United States and Mexico as well. It is the purpose of this story to set forth in part, at least, the ways in which Washington has contributed so very largely to Texas history.

In 1819 Captain Randall Jones, with twenty one men, sent by General James Long, United, States Army, came to the confluence of the Brazos and Navasota rivers. Here, on the high bluff opposite the junction of the two streams, Captain Jones set his men to building a port, a fort, and boats, which, according to his orders, were to be used in exploring the regions along the course of the Brazos. This work was soon interrupted, however, when a force of Mexicans appeared, on October 15, of the same year, and scattered the small American company and destroyed their buildings.

Two years later Andrew Robinson with his brother in law, John W. Hall,settled near the site of Captain Jones Fort. He built a ferry across the river which served the community until 1880. The following year, 1822, John B. Coles and Amos Gates with his brothers, William and Charles, located about five miles down the river. The next year Samuel Gates joined his sons. About this time the Kuykendall brothers, Abner, Joseph, and Robert, also moved into the community. In 1824 Andrew Robinson received from Stephen Austin and Baron de Bastrop a conveyance to one half league of land including the ferry. In the same year Robinson deeded 640 acres of this land to John Hall and wife. John Hall, who was ambitious to found a city, soon took steps to survey and plat a townsite on a portion of the land he had so recently received from his wife's father. This work was completed some months later, and the new town was named Washington by a doctor Asa Hoxie, in memory of his home town, Washington, Wilkes county, Georgia. Washington took on active growth at once, and soon became the distributing center for the adjacent territory. There was one principal street, Main, on which stood, in 1836, the town's three principal dry goods stores, two saloons, and the Independence Hall. The town boasted two hotels, one operated by H. R. Cartwell and the other owned by Esquire Roberts. In 1836 Washington had a population of about 250.

In 1888 Texas leaders became convinced that the revolution in Mexico, led by General Santa Anna, would destroy the federal constitution of 1824 and establish a centralized form of government. The question of whether Texas should agree to this change became as a matter of supreme interest. Stephen F. Austin, in a speech delivered in Brazoria, declared that the question could be decided by the people of Texas. He recommended the immediate calling of a general consultation of the the people composed of delegates chosen for that purpose. The consultation met November 3rd, declared for the constitution of 1824, and set up a provisional government with Henry Smith as governor. The organization of a regular army was ordered and Sam Houston was chosen commander in chief. General Houston at once established his headquarters at Washington, and the town for the first time became a place of public interest. From here, on December 12th, General Houston issued a ringing call for volunteers to uphold the new state government and protect the rights of Texas against Santa Anna, who was then threatening to invade Texas. Volunteers began to arrive, including two companies from Alabama under Colonel Wyatt, and Washington became a place of considerable military activity. Meanwhile the sentiment in favor of a declaration of absolute independence from Mexico had grown apace among the people. The early days of 1836 found many people, including Austin, Anson Jones, and Houston, with the conviction that their political connection with Mexico could no longer be maintained in justice to themselves. Steps to call a convention were taken. The convention met March 1, 1836, at Washington, On the following day this convention adopted a draft of the declaration of independence which was to make Texas a free and independent nation. The convention also elected General Houston commander in chief of the army to be organized under the new Republic, drew up a constitution, and provided for a provisional government which was to govern Texas until an election could be held. David G. Burnet, colonial empresario, was named provisional president, and Washington became the first capital of the new Republic. But this new government was to remain at Washington only nineteen days. Santa Anna captured San Antonio March 6th, and then moved eastward. The government fled before the invader to Harrisburg, and then to Galveston. During the next few years, immediately following the victory at San Jacinto, the Republic of Texas had no permanent seat of government. Finally, in 1839, Austin was selected as the permanent capital and the government remained there for the next three years. Then, in February, 1842, during the second administration of Houston, the government was in flight again. Texas was being invaded by General Woll of Mexico. The President, seeking greater protection for his government, moved, with his cabinet, to the town of Houston. Congress met here during the summer of that year, but following its adjournment, President Houston located the government again at Washington. From this time until the close of the active life of the Republic, in 1845, Washington remained the seat of government.

Here took place many events of importance. Immediately upon reaching Washington the President dispatched an army, commanded by General Somervell, to the Rio Grande. This expedition resulted in the unfortunate Mier disaster. It was from here, in 1843, that the Snively expedition was sent north of the Red River to intercept and capture a Mexican trading caravan scheduled to pass along the Santa Fe trail. From here Houston and his Secretary of State, Anson Jones, negotiated with the United States looking toward the annexation of Texas to that country. Here in 1843 was held a great Indian council in which the government made treaties with the Caddo, the Waco, the Delaware, and other Indian tribes. Here, April 6th, of the same year, Houston received J. W. Robinson, through whom General Santa Anna made a move for peace with Texas on a basis of her remaining a part of the Republic of Mexico. Then it was from here, the next year, that the Regulator-Moderator War in East Texas was put down with a firm hand. Here, on December 9th, 1844, Anson Jones delivered his inaugural address, the last to be delivered by a president of the Republic of Texas. Then here, some months later, President Jones gave audience to the English and French ministers and carried on negotiations seeking to get Mexico to recognize the independence of Texas. Here the President welcomed the messenger bearing the official announcement that the Congress of the United States had passed a resolution providing for the annexation of Texas. Here, June 16th, 1845, the last Congress of the Republic of Texas met to pass upon the annexation proposal of the United States, and from here President Jones issued the proclamation calling for the convening of a convention of the people of Texas at Austin, July 4th, 1845, to express finally their will concerning annexation. Washington has also contributed largely to the leadership of Texas. The town was represented in the Independence Convention by Jesse Grimes, James G. Swisher, G. W. Barnett, and Benjamin B. Goodrich, the latter being a member of the committee to distribute copies of the Declaration among the colonists. Two of her sons, Zack and Whitefield Brooks, fought with Colonel Fannin at Goliad. Major B. M. Hatfield, "Camelback" Smith, and others of her sitizens valiantly supported General Houston at San Jacinto. In the first Congress of the Republic, meeting in Columbia, October 3, 1836, Washington was represented in the Senate by Jesse Grimes, and in the House by William W. Hill and W. W. Gant. Another of her citizen's, Captain W. P. Rutledge, in 1842, led from Washington a company for the purpose of intercepting General Woll. and turning him back into Mexico. In the convention to consider annexation A. S. Lipscomb, J. Hemphill, and V. R. Iron represented the town of Washington. Of the first Legislature of the State of Texas, meeting February 16, 1846, Jesse Grimes, senator from Washington, was chosen President pro tem. John Hemphill was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Abner S. Lipscomb as Associate Justice. Space will not permit me to dwell upon Josiah J. Crosby, scholar from South Carolina; Judge John Lockhart, th a jurist from Alabama; Richard Fox Brenham, the surgeon and soldier; Dr. John W. Lockhart, the physician and author, and countless others who, as citizens at one time or another of Washington, have left their mark upon the affairs of Texas stamped.

The citizens of Washington early became interested in education. In 1837 a school was organized and taught by Mrs. John Hall, the wife of the first Chief Justice of the Republic. Her work was continued by Judge W. F. Ewing as professor of the school. In 1838 Washington College was chartered and established. This institution, operating for some years, blazed the way for higher education in Texas. The coming of Reverend Z.. N. Morrell to Washington, in 1837, resulted in the organization of what was probably the first missionary Baptist church in Texas. In 1839 was established here, by Rev. A. Buffington, the "Tarantula, " which is said to be the second newspaper published in Texas.

Washington county was organized December 14, 1837, and Washington became the first county seat. It so remained until 1841, when Brenham became the seat of county government. In 1842 the first steamboat to visit the town on the waters of the Brazos, anchored at the foot of Main Street. This boat was the Mustang. Others soon followed and Washington, in the 1850 's, became a thriving trade and distributing center for all Central Texas, with a population of some 1500 or more. The selection of Austin, in 1845, as the permanent seat of our State government, and the failure of Washington to get the location of the Houston and Texas Central Railway within her limits proved a heavy blow to the town. Her decline was immediate an dshe soon ceased to be of either political or commercial importance. Nevertheless, because of her generous contribution of earlier years to the advancement of this fair State, Texans generally desire to keep her memory fresh in their minds. On July 4, 1899, the school children of Washington county erected a monument on the site where the Declaration of Independence was drawn up. During the administration of James E. Ferguson, as Governor of Texas, a large tract of land lying along the south bank of the Brazos river, and including the site of old Independence Hall, was purchased and designated Washington Park. In 1930 Governor Dan Moody and the Forty-first Legislature began the erection of a beautiful auditorium in the park. This building was completed two year slater by Governor Ross Sterling. The old capitol building has been restored, an Independence memorial celebration is held annually on March 2nd, in Washington Park, and Washington-on-the-Brazos lives again in the hearts and minds of Texans.