The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 8, July 1904 - April, 1905 Page: 151
xiii, 358 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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De Witt's Colony.
information how to act this cannon was as I have always been
informed given in perpetuity to this Town for its defense against
the Indians. The dangers which existed at the time we received
this cannon still exist and for the same purposes it is still needed
here-our common enemy is still to be dreaded or prepared against.
How or in what manner such arms are appropriated through-
out the country I am as yet ignorant but am led to believe that
dippositions of this nature should be permanent at least as long
as the procuring cause exists. I must therefore I hope be excused
from delivering up the sd cannon untill I have obtained more
information on the subject matter At least untill I have an op-
portunity of consulting the chief of this department1 on the sub-
ject-as well to act without precipitation-as to perform strictly
and clearly my duty, and I assure you, that if, after a mature
deliberation on the subject, I find it to be my duty & in justice
to your self-I obligate my self to comply with your demands-
and will without delay send the cannon to you.
God & Liberty-
ANDREW PONTON, Alcalde.2
As soon as this reply was received, Ugartechea, on September
27, sent Lieutenant Castafieda to Gonzales at the head of one hun-
dred dragoons and bearing letters from himself and the political
chief. This time the cannon was demanded. Without awaiting
the answer of their own political chief the people were to deliver
it at once.8 Otherwise, Castafieda was to bring the alcalde of
Gonzales to B6jar as prisoner and to punish all who should offer
resistance.4
Before Castafieda reached Gonzales, on the 29th, he sent for-
ward two soldiers with these letters, but within three leagues of the
place he met the messengers returning without having delivered
the letters. They were accompanied by another soldier, Isabel
de la Garsa, who had a somewhat disconcerting story to tell. On
the day before, at four o'clock in the afternoon, ten or twelve
Americans had crossed the river, disarmed Corporal De Le6n and
the soldiers, and taken them and the cart drivers into town as
prisoners. He himself had escaped by hiding when sent by the
Americans for the horses. Nevertheless, Castaieda continued his
journey, and within one-eighth of a league from Gonzales he met
1 That is, the department of the Brazos, created by decree of March 18,
1834.
2 Bexar Archives.
'Angel Navarro to alcalde of Gonzales, September 27, 1835; Ugartechea
to alcalde of Gonzales, September 27, 1835. Bexar Archives.
4 Ugartechea to Castaneda, September 27, 1835. Bexar Archives.151
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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/m1/153/: accessed March 29, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.