Chapter 10 Section 2 Tensions Grow

Conflicts at Anahuac Mexican government stationed hundreds of troops in Texas to enforce the Law of April 6, 1830 Conflict between the civilians and military arose

Colonel Juan Davis Bradburn commanded the troops stationed at the fort Francisco Madero was approving land titles for settlers February 1831- Bradburn arrests Madero claiming his actions were illegal Juan Davis Bradburn

This angered the citizens of Liberty, a near by town Bradburn disbands the town government and uses the slaves for projects without paying for their labor

Tensions Continue to Increase November 1831- George Fisher was a customs official. He was a U.S. settler who became a Mexican citizen. He demanded the ships pay their customs duties at Anahuac. This meant some had to go over land to get the paper work.

Stephen F. Austin responded to the complaints by writing to Bradburn. He stated the rules were “utterly impractical and their execution is impossible.”

When several ship captains refused to follow the rules, Fisher sent soldiers after them. A soldier was wounded and an all out battle was avoided because Austin wrote the Mexican officials.

Fisher resigned soon after the event. Spring of 1832- Bradburn arrests several citizens including William B. Travis and Patrick Jack. He held them for military trial. This enraged Texas settlers. William B. Travis

The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Patrick Jack’s brother, William, began to rally people. They demanded the prisoners’ release. John Austin, a settler in Brazoria, organized a force of 150 people. They marched to the fort of Anahuac.

I said I would release the prisoners, but I lied!!! Gunfire between Texas and Mexico was exchanged Bradburn agreed to release the prisoners if the Texans would release the soldiers they captured and leave Bradburn did not keep his promise I said I would release the prisoners, but I lied!!!

After the conflict many soldiers went to Turtle Bayou where they drew up resolutions They declared the events at Anahuac were not a rebellion against Mexico, they were just defending their rights and the Constitution of 1824. They expressed support for Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who was trying to overthrow the current president, Anastacio Bustamante. Anastasio Bustamante

The Turtle Bayou Resolutions

Bustamante had taken complete control of the government, violating the Constitution of 1824. Santa Anna had much support in Mexico, including leaders such as Colonel Jose Antonio Mexia who came to Brazoria with an army and was given a copy of the Turtle Bayou Resolutions.

The Battle of Velasco Not long after those events, a Mexican force led by Colonel Jose de las Piedras arrived from Nacogdoches. He blamed Bradburn for the conflict with the U.S. settlers He released the prisoners and recommended removing Bradburn from his post. This avoided a serious battle at Anahuac

The Battle of Velasco Not knowing the conflict at Anahuac was over, John Austin’s group loaded the cannon on a ship at Brazoria. Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea refused to let the rebels pass June 26, 1832- fighting breaks out

The Battle of Velasco Mexican soldiers ran out of ammunition and were forced to surrender. The colonists won the Battle of Velasco on June 29.

Anastasio Bustamente (l) and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna (r) Resistance to Mexican authority grew everyday. Many Mexican troops left the region. They went to take sides in Mexico in the war between Santa Anna and the Federalists vs. Bustamante and the Centralists. Anastasio Bustamente (l) and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna (r)

Texans anxiously awaited the news from Mexico City. They hoped Santa Anna would win and restore the Constitution of 1824.