The Republic of Texas Part 1

Launching the New Republic Elections scheduled for September 5, 1836— President: Sam Houston Vice President: Mirabeau Lamar Secretary of Treasury: Henry Smith Secretary of State: Stephen F. Austin A Congress was established (30 House Members/14 Senate) The Constitution of 1836 was overwhelmingly approved. The Resolution to seek annexation to the United States also approved.

Official Flag December 10, 1836—Texas Congress adopts the first official flag of Texas that would fly until the Lone Star Flag was adopted on January 25, 1839

Houston’s First Term October 22, 1836—Sam Houston is sworn is as the first popularly appointed President of Texas. Vision for Texas: The need for peace with the Native Americans Vigilance against further attacks from Mexico Hope of seeing Texas annexed to the U.S.

“The Father of Texas is no more” Stephen F. Austin was appointed Secretary of State, but unfortunately, he would only serve a couple of months in office. Died on December 27, 1836 of pneumonia. Houston “officially” declared Austin as the “Father of Texas” at SFA’s funeral.

The Court System The Judicial system was established during Houston’s first term: Congress created a Supreme Court, 4 District courts, and 23 County and Justice courts The Supreme Court consisted of one Chief Justice and 4 Associate Justices James Collinsworth is the first Chief Justice

Texas Boundaries Houston also oversaw the establishment of boundaries for the new Republic The Rio Grande would provide for Texas’ Southern and Western boundary The remaining Texas boarders were adopted from the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819, as agreed upon at that time between the United States and Spain

A New Capital Burnet’s site of Velasco as the capital proved too small John and Augustus Allen convinced Congress to choose their new settlement, Houston, as the capital. They were granted a 3 year contract to provide the necessary building, Houston grew from 12 settlers to 1,500 in only 4 months

Foreign Recognition Foreign recognition was crucial: It would validate Texas Independence It would gain foreign support of Texas’ claims against Mexico instead of being viewed as a rebellious state It would enable the Texas government to borrow money and establish trade agreements Texas hoped U.S. recognition would lead to annexation by the U.S.

U.S. Recognition of Texas The U.S. was hesitant to recognize Texas: Worried it would anger Mexico Northern U.S. politicians were against slavery and were worried that Texas support of slavery would undermine their positions U.S. President Andrew Jackson sent Henry Morfit to Texas to determine its worthiness.

U.S. Recognition of Texas Morfit’s report was negative: Texas’ population was too small. Texas was too deep in debt. Texas was too weak to defend itself. Andrew Jackson sends information to Congress for a decision on whether or not to recognize Texas.

U.S. Recognition of Texas Sam Houston sends William Wharton to the U.S. to help convince them of recognition: Wharton discovers annexation was out of the question, but strongly canvasses for recognition When U.S. Representatives in Mexico report the Mexican Government is in a state of chaos…the U.S. finally decides it is safe to recognize Texas as a Republic 1837 – The U.S. officially recognizes Texas by sending Alcee Louis La Branche as its Minister. In response, Texas sends Memucan Hunt as Texas’ 1st Minister to the United States.

European Recognition of Texas 1837—With U.S. recognition gained, Texas sends James Pinckney Henderson to various European countries for recognition of Texas’ Independence. September 1839—France becomes the first European nation to recognize Texas. Later, Belgium, Great Britain, and the Netherlands recognize Texas.