The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905 Page: 113
xiii, 358 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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De Witt's Colony. 113
Nevertheless there were still chances for the recurrence of at-
tempts at smuggling on the Lavaca. And out of this and the prox-
imity of the unfriendly Mexicans and Americans to each other
there was still a probability of the continuance of the quarrel.'
These circumstances, therefore, induced the government to cut the
Gordian knot by breaking up the Lavaca settlement.2 Conse-
quently the political chief ordered, August 29, 1827, that within
one month all De Witt's colonists remove to Gonzales.8
This order came at an inopportune time. All their wagons had
gone to B6jar, and, as the road for the greater part of the way had
to be opened, they were not expected back for some time. More-
erally extended and offered them by the Governors of the land of their
choice.
"3rd. Resolved, that we hope the Mexican Nation will draw a just
line of distinction between the honest, industrious and peaceable Amer-
ican emigrants, and those of bad character, whom we consider as refugees,
and fugitives from justice, who have raised the flag of 'Independence' at
Nacogdoches, but with them have spread confusion, robberies, oppression,
and even bloodshed: that we look upon the ring-leaders of that party with
contempt and disgust, and that they are unworthy the character of Amer-
icans.
"4th. Resolved, that we feel every sentiment of gratitude toward our
fellow citizen and brother His Excellency the Political Chief and the offi-
cers and men with him for their indefatigable exertions by forced marches
&c. to allay, suppress, and bring to condign punishment those persons
who may be found guilty of treason against this Government; and to es-
tablish subordination, good order and tranquility.
"6th. Resolved, that the Chairman and Secretary sign the foregoing
resolutions, and transmit the same to Col. Stephen F. Austin and that he
be requested to translate them, and submit them to His Excellency the
Political Chief.
"Done at the Labaca Station in Dewitt's Colony this 27th day of Jan-
uary 1827.
"BYRD LOCKHART,
"Chairman
"JAMES NORTON, Secretary"
'Anastacio Bustamante, general commandant, to political chief, August
18, 1827. Bexar Archives. 'The secret introduction of prohibited goods,
which is being carried on at the Lavaca, and the disturbances of public
tranquillity which are still liable to arise there * * * make it neces-
sary for you to order their [De Witt's colonists'] removal.'
SPowell had returned to Texas (Powell to Austin, October 24, 1827.
Austin Papers, class D, no. 16) bringing with him a second time con-
traband goods (Anastacio Bustamante to political chief, November 28,
1827. Bexar Archives).
8Political chief to De Witt, August 29, 1827. Bexar Archives.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905, periodical, 1905; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101033/m1/115/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.