Go to Page | Index | Contents 43     | Biblio. | Page- | Page+

Mexican Threats and Texan Military

regular military establishment went forward slowly. The several companies recruited in Brazoria and Galveston were mustered at Houston in mid-October 1838, before being assigned to duty on the frontier. Western citizens were calling loudly for aid in checking the border warfare, in maintaining peace and security, and in affording protection and encouragement to the Mexican traders, who were exceedingly desirous of continuing a friendly intercourse with the Texans. Every messenger from the west, reported the Telegraph, brings "intelligence of new depredations committed either by lawless bands of our own citizens, or by parties of Mexican marauders."[125] 

For several months after their formation, the mounted companies were stationed near Béxar and Gonzales for the protection of the western counties, but they were withdrawn in May 1839, for a contemplated Indian campaign to the upper Brazos and Trinity; and the company of rangers that remained at Seguin as a part of Captain Mathew Caldwell's command was disbanded on May 15 at the expiration of the term of service for which the men had enlisted.[126] 

A combination arsenal and armory was constructed at Houston under the supervision of Colonel George W. Hockley. By the end of October 1838 it was under the command of Samuel W. Jordan, acting captain of ordnance, and was described as being in excellent shape and possessing eighteen well-trained workmen. Many of the old muskets taken from the Mexicans in the battle of San Jacinto had been completely repaired at a cost of less than three dollars each.[127]  According to the report of the Secretary of War in October 1838, the Republic's military stores consisted of the following items, located at Houston, Galveston, and Post West Bernard:[128] 

Cannon    Howitzers 
   Fit for service11      In good order 2
   Unfit for service14   Mortars1


partments, Submitted to Congress by the President. By order of Congress, p. 13.

125. Telegraph and Texas Register, Oct. 20, 1838.

126. Ibid., May 21, 1839; Report of the Secretary of War to Sam Houston, Department of War, City of Houston, Oct. 31, 1838, in Houston, Documents from the Heads of Departments, p. 13.

127. S. W. Jordan, Acting Captain Ordnance, to G. W. Hockley, Secretary of War, Houston, Oct. 6, 1838, in Houston, Documents from the Heads of Departments, pp. 13-14.

128. Report of the Secretary of War to Sam Houston, Department of War, City of Houston, Oct. 31, 1838, in ibid., p. 13.

Go to Page | Index | Contents 43     | Biblio. | Page- | Page+

AFTER SAN JACINTO: The Texas-Mexican Frontier, 1836-1841
Joseph Milton Nance, 1963