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Thomson, Alexander, 1785-1863. Letter, 5 Aug. 1832.

Title: Letter, 5 Aug. 1832.

The letter recounts events at Austin's colony which have direct bearing on the brewing struggle for independence of the colony from Mexico. The letter details armed conflict beginning in June 1832 between colonists and Juan Davis Bradburn, born in Virginia, but in service to Mexico, who was made commander of Fort Anahuac. Anahuac was established May 1831 by the Mexican government to collect customs duties and enforce the 6 April 1830 degree forbidding further immigration into Texas by settlers from the United States. Bradburn had arrested a group of colonists, refusing to hand them over to be tried in the civil courts. Colonists attacked the fort, but found it necessary to wait for artillery to be brought in order to take the post. Further hostilites, however, were prevented by the mediation of Colonel José de las Piedra, commanding Mexican troops stationed at Nacogdoches, who ordered Bradburn relieved of command, and the prisoners handed over to the civil courts. The letter details the subsequent show of support by the colonists, led by Stephen Austin, for General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, seen as a champion at that time of the colonists' republican ideals. Also present is a portrait picture labeled Alexander Thomson, a biographical note, and a photocopy of a booklet transcribing the Thomson letter as well as other family letters and documents.

ArchivalResource: 4 items (.2 linear ft.)

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50658318 View