Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 29, Ed. 1, Saturday, August 5, 1837 Page: 2 of 4
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H
FOURTH OF JULY AT TEXANA.
The citizens of Texana and officers of the army convened in Tex-
ana, at the house of major M'Nutt, on the 30th of June. Col. H. R.
Wigginton presided, and captain J. M. N.Hall acted, as secretary. It
was unanimously resolved to celebrate the coming anniversary of Am-
erican independence in a becoming and appropriate manner; Maj. J.
W. Tinsley,Capts. Haigler, Scheirett-and Hall were appointed a com-
mittee of arrangement for the occasion.- - . i
The committee reported that they had made the necessary arrange-
ments, and recommended Dr. B. T. Morgan as president, Dr. F. F.
Welja as vice president, Lieut. T. Stone Virtch as orator of the day, and
the Hon. Mr. White as marsball; who were appointed.
" The day was ushered in by the discharge of 13 rounds of artillery.
At 2 o'clock.the procession was formed, and marched to the spot where
the oration was to be delivered. After the declarationof independence
had been read by Dr. B. T. Morgan, the orator arose, and in eloquent
terms portrayed the rise and progress of the revolutionary war, and
closed with a splendid eulogy on the departed sages who pledged "their
lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor" in defence of that sacred
instrument; at the conclusion of which the procession was again formed,
and moved to the house of Maj. M'Nutt, where a splendid dinner was in
waiting for them. After partaking sumptuously of the contents of the
table, the cloth wa3 removed, and the following toasts were drank.
REGULAR TOASTS.
, 1, The day we celebrate. Though in a foreign land, we still de-
light to commemorate the important events which transpired July 4. '76.
I1 gun. Hail Columbia.
" 2 The republic of Texas Rapidly emerging from the thraldom of
uncivilized oppression and priesthood; may she speedily attain tnat
stand among the nations of the world to which she seems destined by
the divine creator. 2 guns, 3 cheers.
3. The venerable president of the republic of Texas May his lat-
ter days be prosperous and happy, as his former have been perilous and
difficult. 1 gun. Hail to the chief.
4. The heroes of San. Jacinto Their unrivalled bravery in the
field, and their magnanimity towards their enemies when conquered,
justly -entitle them to the admiration of the world. 2 guns, 5 cheers.
Come to the bower.
5. 1 he single star May it become the centre of a republican
constellation, and a beacon light to the sons of liberty. 1 gun, 3
cheers. Star spangled banner.
6. Thetree of liberty Itsroots deep set in the soil of Texas, may
its branches arrest the clouds of despotism, and boldly stand firm in the
support of independence. 1 gun, 3 cheers.
' 7. The soil of Texas While it affords the most healthful suste
nances the tree of liberty, it imparts nothing but poison to the Upas of
despotism. 1 gun.
8. Travis, Bowie and Crockett With their companions in arms,
who so nobly sacrificed their lives on the Avails of the Alamo, in defence
of liberty: their uncompromising bravery on that occasion justly entitles
them to the honorable appellation of the Spartan band of Texas. 1 gun.
Drank standing.
9. Furnished by a lady. The volunteers of the Texas army
May they be generously rewarded for their sufferings, rnd become or-
naments to the soil they are so nobly defending. 2 guns, 5 cheers.
Yankee Doodle.
10. The commander-in-chief of the Texian army, Gen. A. Sidney
Johnson, The soldier and gentleman; his appearrance amongst us in
our future movements will be hailed as hc happy epoch of our suc-
cess. 2 guns, 6 cheers. Hail to the chief.
11. The representatives ojthepeople when in congress assembled
May they in future legislate for the people, the whole people, and no-
teing but the people.
,12. The fair friends of Texas in the United States Virtue, intelli-
gence 'and jpatridtism.prompted them to aid us in the hour of need; hea-
ven will be,'theii;reward.
" ' 13. TJiefair Hekven's last and choicest gift to man :
"The world a desert was
Till woman' smiled."
We regret that want of room prevents us from publishing the re-
mainder of the proceedings of this interesting meeting.
Stage Line. We are much gratified in being able to state that it
is in contemplation to run a line of stages from this town to the Sabine
river. In every point of view, it is a consummation devoutly to be wish-
ed. At present the chain of communication by steamboats and stages
from Maine to this place, is unbroken. For many weeks past, a great
many persons have arrived here from New Orleans and Natchez, on
their way to Texas, and they have either been compelled to bring their
horseB with them from those places, or trust to providence for the fur-
ther means of advancing on their journey. To obtain any thing like a
decent conveyance from here to the Sabine, is almost out of the question.
When we consider the important commercial relations existing between
this town and eastern Texas, the great emigration continually pouring
into that country which will for a long time to come continue to increase,
the" further important fact that two considerable military posts are on
the xoad between these points, it is to be wondered that this line has not
been established before. It is we believe but 60 miles to the Sabine,
from here, and it would require no great investment of capital to put two
coaches on this road, to run two or three times a week. All Eastern
Texas would be interested in this matter, as its entire population is from
this country, the postage that would accrue to the government would be
quite enough to justify the department in paying to the contractors a
sum sufficient to cover the expenses of keeping up the line, doubtless
ina short time, the line would be continued to Houston; then, persons
who desired to go to that beautiful country could have the means of doing
so,'without being put .to the shifts and expences to which many have
been here subjected within the last few months, We have heard that a
gentleman some weeks ago had gone up the Ohio river to procure the
stages, and we trust before long, to see this line in successful operation.
Natchitoches Herald.
Affecting Incident. A young man in France had the capricious
fancy to determine on the destruction of his dog by drowning, on account
?sPme ight fault. By the assistance of a boat,- he threw him into the
middle of the Seine, and prevented him from regaining the side. While
thus cruelly occupied he lost his equilebrium, fell into the river, and
would have assuredly perished, but for the assistance of the faithful dog
which he had attempted to drown. The dog seized him by the collar,
and sustained him above the water until assistance was rendered him
iroin me snore.
RETURN OF THE VOLUNTEERS.
A part ot the men who left here about a month since, for the purpose
of affording protec ion to the frontier against the Indians, have returned,
and the others will bo here ,n a day or two. They went from here to
Houston, from Aence to the Camanche crossing of the Trinity, and prq-
ceded to the head of the Navasoto, and the Old Towacanee Village, which
they found deserted; they ascertained that three companies of Indians,
consisting of about one hundred and fifty each, had come down some
time previous, to our frontier; one company down the Navasoto, one
down the Brazos, and the other down the Trinity. It has eviden'lv been
these .parties that :hav0,ommittcd the lecent depredations; thev'report
that the main bodyiOthe Indians are above the Cross Timbers Too
much praise cannot be awarded to these men, for the timely aid' which
they have thus voluntartfy.endorcd to our frontier; they had a fatigueing
tnp, and encountered much, hardship and difficulty, from the extreme
heat, and great want of 'water. Colonel Douglass, the commandant of
the expedition, arriyd-iuUowR.last evening; captains Starr and Smith
are expected in lo-dayjjgr to-morrow. Texas Chronicle. '
.
cy to do so as soon as we can properly fit up an expedition of this sort;
and as soon as we take the bold and laudable stand, that Mexico shall
acknowledge our Independence, or that she shall pay the forfeit of her
ignorant stubbornness, we shall neither be wanting" in money nor
men to carry the war vigorously beond the Rio Grande. Next week
we shall give our views on this subject more fully. lb.
TELEGRAPH
EDITED BY FRANCIS MOORE, Jun.
HOUSTON, SATURDAY, AUGUST 5. 1837.
Candidates for representative to congress.
Harrisburg. Maj. Wm. Lawrence, T. J. Gazley, Maj. Benjamin
F. Smith, Lieut. William E. Millen. M. J. Falvel. Gonzales. J.
D. Clements. Andrew Ponton. Austin. Thomas Barnett. Mata
gorda. Thos. J. Hardiman.
All letters directed to Texas from the United States should be post
paid, and directed to the care of J. Brent Clark, New Orleans.
Erata. In a former number we stated that the western boundary
of Brazoria county was Caney creek: this is a-mistake, the western boun-
dary of Brazoria county is Cedar Lake.
The honorable William S. Fisher, having long complained of ill
health has resigned the appointment of Secretary of War.
The Steamboat Leonidas arrived at the landing in this city on
Tuesday last. The Branch T. Archer arrived yesterday. Both of
these Steamboats are intended to ply regularly between this place and
Galveston. An excellent opportunity therefore will be offered to our
citizens to make frequent excursions to the sea coast.
Flour is"selling at thirty dollars a barrel in this city!
YJ-" look forward with much anxiety to the last Monday in August.
We sincerely trust the county meetings will be well attended and that the
candidate selected for each county will be deserving the unanimous
vote of his constituents. .
We had entertained fears that the ink or paper of the Texas Chron-
icle had failed, as no copies of this paper came to hand for several weeks;
we were however agreeably surprised on the arrival of the last Na-
cogdoches mail, to receive two copies. They arc of a very ancient
date, and have been ensconced probably for the last month in some post
master's cupboard. The worthy individual who has detained them will
oblige us, by forwarding the remaining copies "if his family has done
reading them."
rASION OF MEXICO.
We have long: sbigeieen perfectly satisfied that our only chance for
peace with Mexwo, wfol'carry the war into her own territory-w- are
iiow' more strong1yiptsua3ed of this fact than ever. It is our best'poli-
General Houston speaks in glowing terms of the general appear-
ances of prosperity, which every where met his view, on his recent tour
to the east. The citizens of San Augustine welcomed him in true Amer-
ican style: salutes were fired, a sumptuous dinner given, and the festiv-
ities of the day closed with a ball, ornamented by the elite of this
beautiful and flourishing city.
We are informed that another dishonorable affair has taken place
at Velasco; one of the parties was killed, the other is imprisoned.
The celebrated admiral Van Tromp when challenged to fight a du-
el, placed himself bestride a barrel of gunpowder and bid his antagonist
do tne same; he then offered him a lighted match and bid him give fire,
as he was the challenger: the "equal chance" thus offered was rather
too terrible to suit the opposite party and a compromise was readily ef-
fected. We think some of our officers can improve upon this method by
straddling a whiskey barrel and giving fire : the bnlligerent parties could
undoubtedly gain as much credit by showing their bravery in inflamed
whiskey, as they could while inflamed with whiskey show it by other means.
Neither instance could equal in moral sublimity the conduct of Mutius
Scaevola while burning his right hand before Porsenna. This truly
brave man contented himself with displaying his heroism in conquering
enemies not comrades grog-shops however were not in vogue in his
day.
We learn from the Nachitoches Herald, that the United States gov
ernment has been prompt in despatching agents, to investigate the con
duct of the Caddoes and other frontier tribes, relative to the late depreda
tions committed m Texas. Dr. Sullivan and lieutenant Eaton who were
engaged in this business, have recently returned to Fort Jessup and re-
ported to the commandant of that post. The result of their investiga
tion has not been published; we fear their report will prove unsatisfacto-
ry, as these gentlemen limited their reseaches to the vicinity of Bowles
encampment and made no enquiries at the seat of government, the infor-
mation therefore obtained by them must be of a very partial character.
Carpenters in Texas are receiving $10 per diem, and the supply
is not equal to the demand. Natchez Free Trader.
The above is a mistake; carpenters in Texas receive only four or
five dollars a day, and many much less, the furloughed soldiers resum-
ing their tools of trade, have fully supplied the demand for mechan-
ics. The farmers in Texas however are receiving ten dollars a day,
and many of them more than twice this amount; farming is the profita-
ble business of this country.
A correspondent of the Commercial Herald states that general A.
S. Johnson, after leaving the army last, spring "held a secret conference
with the cabinet during two or three days, the result of which has not
transpired; but we learn that he insists upon resigning, unless the gov-
ernment gives him orders to march to Matamoros." We assure this cor-
respondent that if he forwards to New Orleans evory rumour which he
finds afloat in this country, he will collect upon his hands many mis-
statements which may severely tax his industry to correct. Gen.
A. S. Johnson held no secret conference of the kind he mentions, nor
was he so foolish as to propose a rash and precipitate move upon Mata-
moros, at a season when our soldiers must have suffered "the torments
of the damned," in crossing the broad and parched prairies lying near
the Rio Grande. Even general Felix Huston who has ever been fore
most, in urging offensive measures, made no such proposition; the troops
at that period were wholly unprepared for the expedition : their clothes
were poor, their shoes were worn out, their provisions were exhausted,
and indeed they were wanting in every thing, but that noble courage
which has ever distinguished them. Under these circumstances, no ra-
tional man could advise "offensive operations." General Houston there-
fore preferred allowing a portion of them a furlough during the summer
months, rather than detain them inactivetin,camp. Most of the soldiers
thus furloughed still remain in the country, and are engaged in useful
occupations. They all hold themselves in. readiness to rally again to
the Texian standard, at the call of their commander.
We tender our warmest thanks to Mr. Hitchcock for his kindness
in furnishing us with the results of his observations upon the different
channels at the east entrance of Galveston Bay. We select from his
communication the- following extract, which will undoubtedly be quite
interesting to navigators, and we shall be happy if it aids in stimulating-
thetpilofs of other ports of Texas to furnish us with similar information-
respecting the harbours, immediately connected with their charge.
"At low tidejhereare but thirteen feet on the bar of the southeast
channel at spring tides; and but nine and a half, at low water. The
bar is hard sand, and full of knolls; andthe passage on it of that depth
not over two hundred yards wide; the water deepens very suddenly from
the bar, there being four fathoms water, at the distance of a hundred
yards from it; in leaving the bar, coming in, the water deepens gradual-
ly. This is a tolerable beating channel. On the bar of the southwest
or land channel, there is the same depth as on the southlst bar the
water shoals very gradually from five fathoms to the bar. The bottom
is sand, but not so hard as the southeast bar; in fact it is the best of the
two, and I have formed the opinion from mature observation, that the
southeast bar is filling up, while this, (t. e. S. W.) is deepening. This is
also a good beating channel. There is a passage in on the shoal be-
tween the two channels of 8i feet, at high tide. There are 7i feet in
the Bolivar channel, but it ought not to be attempted but in fine weather,
and a light draught.
There is not much regularity in the tides; they being governed by
thewind. f "
The perpendicular rise of spring tides is 3i feet. Common tides
25 feet. Respectfully Yours.
L. M. HITCHCOCK. Jr., Branch Pilot.
GEOGRAPHY OF TEXAS.
COLORADO COUNTY.
Boundaries. The counties adjacent are, at the north Mina, at the
east Austin, at the south Matagorda, at the west Jackson and Victoria.
The following are its boundaries as defined by a conventional or-
dinance. "Beginning at the crossing of the lower line of the Municipality of "
Austin, on the main Bernard; thence westerly on the line of Austin to
the line ofDeWitt's colony; thence northerly on the line of said colony
to Buckner's creek; thence down said creek to the LaBahia road; thence
easterly along said road to the middle ground between Mill creek and
Cummins creek; thence on said middle ground to the main fork of the
San Bernard creek; thence down the said creek to the place of begin-
ning." Surface. This- county is level at the south and gently undulating
at the north: a broad open prairie extends from the fringing woods
of the Colorado to the Jiottoms of the San Sernard, and a similar prai- -rie
extends from the Colorado westerly to the woody fringe- of Ihe
Navidad. These prairies like most of the low country of Texas are in-
tersected by deep ravines worn by small streams through the deep bed
of redish loam which extends many miles on each side of the Colorador
Towards the San Bernard these ravines ar rather shallow owing to the-
quantity of sand intermixed with the loam.
Soil and Productions. The soil is generally fertile; near the
Colorado and Navidad it is excellent: consisting' of a rich, black mould
resting upon a redish loam. These are frequently intermixed in plough-
ing, giving to the newly ploughed fields a chocolate color. The soil
on the Bernard being sandy, is not so productive as that near the Colo-
rado; it however yields good crops of corny potatoes and cotton-
Streams. The Colorado is the only large river; it is a rapid stream
of clear wholesome water, about two hundred and fifty yards wide and .
ten or fifteen feet deep, flowing over a pebbly bed. Its banks are seldom
overflowed; they rise generally fifteen or twenty feet above its surface, .
are quite steep, and appear to have been formed like the banks of the
Nile, from the sediment deposited by the waters of numerous inunda-
tions. The San Bernard, Cummins creek, Navidad, Buckner's creek
and Caney are small streams of pure wholesome water.
Population. Along the Colorado, Cummins' creek. Navidad and''?
Caney are some fine settlements, the remainder of the county is nearly
vacant.
Columbus, the county seat is pleasantly situated on the west bank
of the Colorado, upon a high bluff forming part of a beautiful prairie sur-
rounded by dense forests of live oak Cottonwood, &c. It is yet quite a.
small village containing only about twenty houses.
Minerals. The bed of the Colorado is paved with a large variety
of silicious minerals, among which are found. Agate, Chalcedony and a
few singular petrifactions.
Curiosities. Numerous imperfect skeletons of an enormous size
have been found imbedded in the banks of the Colorado, supjposed to be
bones of the Mammoth.
Extract of a letter from Galveston Island.
Duties on imposts and tonage are now beginning, to be collected
which will doubtless be the means of raising the public credit of Texas,,
and will shew to the creditors of our government that their claims 'will-
be satisfied. ' ' '
The office of the custom house for "this district is at Galveston Isl-
and, where a public store house will shortly be put up as'well as ome
large ware houses, by individuals who intend" dofug business at that'port.
When these houses are completed many facilities to the Merchant at.
this place and the upper country willbe afforded. Vessels drawing more-,
water than is on Red Fish bar, will discharge their cargo at Galveston,,
as freight and passage will be no higher fro mtWf than W,m "Red "Fish.
bar, the time will soon arrive whenthe business between this place and.
uaivesum wm ue carnea on Dy means ot steam boats (now prepar-
ing for the purposed to great advantage "hnth tn rih'ionc ar,A moroVmntn
Increase of business will cause a great reduction in the price of freight
i"""5 u.nu i mi uu iubs iu uit? j.iroprieiorSv
The collector for this district will establish a public store-at, this,
place, till suitable houses are provided at Galveston, which nature has
uiaimju uui as mvoraDie, lor tne most extensive shipping business,. a
well as a place of health and pleasure.
The town will soon be laid off into Into nnrf vvpml hnilriincrK will
soon be erected, among which one fora hotel, much needed there.
The direct, short and safe Steamboat communication between Gal-
veston and New Orleans will add much tp the advantages of the place
from which, small steamboats can with safety and great profit carry on
uauo iu iub xtozos, .Bernard and to tins place.
Mr. Editor. I learn that it is generally understood in the upper
part of the county, (Austin,) tharl am a candidate for representative to
the next congress. To Drevent anv misaDDrehension imon thn Ruhioct
I beg that you will permit me through the medium of your paper, tostate
uiai, aunougn l am not unmindful of the honor my friends are disposed
to confer upon me, I am not and willnot be a candidate for the next con-
gress, j -
ROBERT EDEN HANDY.
Richmond, July 22nd, 1837.
OrMajor Benjamin Fort Smith is respectfully requested to be
a candidate for Mavor nf thp. Cltv of Houston, at thm Ono;,.o. oir,
and will be supported bv MANY VOTERS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,' )
Houston, August 4th, 1837.)
Collectors of customs and owners of vessels generally, areTequcs-
ted to attend to the Ordinnnne whirh fWInroo Thof nllvoccoic VoT-t-
kind and description whnfsnnvftr. nntlfir fwontv-nm. fnns WtKan invJ.
ga?n?-' Vying m the waters of Texas (excepting public ferryboats
and skiffs for private use) shall be provided with a license to be issued
j j ; "' auu renewed yearly. And an vessels oi every Kind
and description whavever, of, and above twentv-one tons burthen, shalL
be provided with a Register to be issued by the respective Collector.'?
A. ISltiixttAfll,,.
Actmgjsecr'y. of the treasury.
i Si
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Cruger & Moore. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston, Tex.), Vol. 2, No. 29, Ed. 1, Saturday, August 5, 1837, newspaper, August 5, 1837; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth47942/m1/2/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History.