The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 5, July 1901 - April, 1902 Page: 19

Capt. Joseph Daniels. 19
CAPT. JOSEPH DANIELS.
ADELE B. LOOSCAN,
HISTORIAN, DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
The following is a brief sketch of the life of one whose best
years were spent at the capitals of Texas, and whose distinguished
service as a military man was equaled by his efficiency in the civil
service of the Republic of Texas.
Joseph Daniels was born in Boston, Massachusetts, July 26th,
1809. He went to New Orleans, Louisiana. in 1830, and there
raised the first military company made up wholly of Americans
ever organized in the city. It was called the Louisiana Greys, and
he was its first lieutenant, a man named Brush being captain.
When, after the battle of San Jacinto, General Sam Houston,
wounded, went to New Orleans, Lieutenant Daniels was detailed
to go with his company to meet the general, and escort him to the
city. This was the first meeting of the two men, whose acquaint-
ance cemented into the warm friendship which lasted with their
lives. The admiration which young Daniels felt for General Hous-
ton induced him to follow him to Texas, which he did in 1837,
settling first at Houston, then the capital of the Republic.
On the 9th of November, 1838, he was appointed captain of the
Milam Guards. His commission was signed by Sam Houston,
President, and Geo. W. Hockley, Secretary of War. He remained
for two years in Houston, and then, becoming attached to the ser-
vice of the government of the Republic (holding various positions
-chief clerk of the General Land Office under Col. Thos. Winm.
Ward at one time, and at another acting postmaster general),
he removed his residence with the seats of government to Austin,
to Washington-on-the-Brazos, and thence to Austin again.
While in the latter city he became captain of the Travis Guards,
and was also appointed aid-de-camp to the executive with the rank
of colonel of cavalry, his commission being signed by Sam Hous-
ton, President, and Wmn. C. Hamilton, Acting Secretary of War,
December 5th, 1844.
In June, 1846, Captain Daniels was appointed assistant quarter-