|
to other officers who might serve under his command.[10] Neill was to establish a rendezvous point for the Texan volunteers. Andrew Neill,[11] who came to Texas in 1836 as captain of a company of volunteers under General Felix Huston, was deeply interested in the Federalist cause. His resignation from the Texas military service had been accepted on August 21, 1838,[12] and he felt free to plan military operations with Anaya. He represented the Anglo-Americans in dealing with Anaya, and signed with the latter the agreement under which the "Texan volunteers" were to participate in the Federal service. Neill had been for some time in touch with some of the Federalists and, in May 1839, had been informed that Reuben Ross and Thomas J. Golightly were in Houston, "both well and doing nothing," and that Samuel G. Powell, "an old citizen" who "has been through a great deal of Mexico," and Al[l]en Johnston, both "good fellows and No. 1 in any case of immergency," were being given letters of introduction to him.[13] With no expectation of direct help from the Texas government, Anaya determined to go on to the United States to seek aid for his cause, but his departure for New Orleans was delayed at Houston by illness.[14] By November 27 his health was reported to be improving, la Republica Mexicana y en Gefe del ejército federal, Houston, 28 de Sept. 1839, in Domestic Correspondence (Texas), 1836-1846, ms. 10. Juan Pablo de Anaya, General en Gefe de Ejército federal á Sr. Don Andrew Neill, Comand[an]te de los voluntario auxiliares de Texas, Houston, Sept. 28 de 1839, in ibid., ms. 11. Andrew Neill was born at Lough Fergus Farm, County of Ayr [or Ayrshire] in southwest Scotland. In his youth he immigrated to western Virginia, where he studied law. In 1836 he was living in Mississippi and serving as a probate judge when he volunteered for service in the Texas revolution. He was one of the founders of Seguin, Texas, in 1838. Handbook of Texas, II, 268. 12. George W. Hockley to Capt. A. Neill, Department of War, Aug. 21, 1838, in Army Papers (Texas), ms. 13. Major James Izod to A[ndrew] Neill [at San Antonio], Houston, May 28, 1839, in Domestic Correspondence (Texas), 1836-1846, ms. Thomas J. Golightly was a candidate from Harris County of the House of Representatives, Third Congress, in September 1838. Out of seven candidates in the race, he tied for sixth place, polling only 12 out of 717 votes cast. Telegraph and Texas Register (Houston), Sept. 8, 1838. 14. Telegraph and Texas Register, Jan. 1, 1840; Sam G. Powell to Andrew Neill, San Antonio, [dated:] Houston, Nov. 27, 1839, in Domestic Correspondence (Texas), 1836-1846, ms. Powell wrote: "You would be surprised to hear how many persons have died here." |