The Republic of Texas Part 3

Houston’s 2nd Term September 6, 1841—Sam Houston is elected President of the Republic again Edward Burleson is elected Vice President Houston’s primary goal is to balance the budget so spending does not exceed revenues Other goals: making peace with the Native Americans, pursuing annexation by the United States

Conflicts with Mexico March 1842—Mexico is upset with Lamar’s intrusions into Mexico and orders General Rafael Vasquez to invade Texas with 700 troops and capture San Antonio This invasion caused a panic, and Houston declared a public emergency and the removal of the government’s archives moved to Houston from Austin in case the capital came under attack Austinites blockade the Hall of Records where the archives are held, firing upon the Texas Rangers that were there to move the records. Residents were suspicious that Houston was really just trying to move the capital back to Houston Vasquez withdrew from San Antonio, so the records stay and Austin remains the capital---Called the Archives War

Mier Expedition Texans are angry with Mexican forces north of the Rio Grande and demand Houston take action. In November 1842, Houston sends General Alexander Somervell and over 700 volunteers to the region but doesn’t find any sign of the Mexican army In December 1842, they turn towards home, but 300 soldiers refuse to turn back. Commanded by Colonel William S. Fisher, they cross the Rio Grande and attack the Mexican town of Mier Mexican reinforcements capture the Texans and begin marching them to Mexico City

Mier Expedition 176 Texans are held prisoner in Mexico City. As a punishment, Santa Anna orders every 10th man to be shot The prisoners are ordered to draw “beans from a small earthen mug” Drawing a black bean means death Drawing a white bean means imprisonment Remaining Texans finally released in September 1844

Tentative Peace with Mexico Spring 1845—Great Britain and France, interested in keeping Texas independent to slow the U.S.’s westward expansion, convince Mexican leaders to recognize Texas’ Independence if the Republic would agree not to be annexed by any nation Texas’ response was that remaining a republic or being annexed to the U.S. would be decided by the people of Texas However, Great Britain and France are able to temporarily halt hostilities between Mexico and Texas

Peace with the Native American Indians Houston, hoping for peace with the Indians, establishes frontier trading posts August 1842—Caddo sign a peace treaty with Texas and agree to assist in gaining treaties with other tribes March 1843—9 Indian tribes meet at Tehuacana Creek for peace negotiations (Comanche refuse to attend). Peace treaties are signed in September 1843 ending fighting October 1844—Houston and Chief Buffalo Hump of the Tehuacana Comanche meet at Tehuacana Creek and sign the Treaty of Tehuacana Creek, returning peace to the Texas Frontier for now

Texas Election of 1844 Candidates Anson Jones Edward Burleson

Texas Election of 1844 Anson Jones is supported by Houston Edward Burleson is the current Vice President and receives support from Lamar Most Texans associated Texas’ problems to Lamar and elected Jones as the President Vice President: Kenneth Anderson Jones would continue Houston’s policies and try to limit spending and maintain peace with the Indians

Texas Debates Annexation The most serious issues facing Anson during his administration was the question of annexation by the U.S. and recognition by Mexico. Few Texans are willing to negotiate with Mexico due to trust issues Annexation was still desired by most Texans, but U.S. was slow to offer

Texans Debate Annexation Independence? Chance to build empire Lamar and his supporters would be pleased Recognition by Mexico European support and recognition Annexation? Chance to get rid of debt Improved economy Most Texans would be pleased, including Sam Houston Support of the U.S. military against American Indians and Mexico

Texas Debates Annexation Anson Jones presents to Congress the offer of annexation and Mexico’s Recognition Few Texans are interested in negotiating with Mexico for recognition and debate annexation. July 4, 1845—Convention of 1845—Delegates meet and quickly approve a resolution to accept annexation. Anson Jones is the last president of the Republic