The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 12, July 1908 - April, 1909 Page: 269
332 p. : ill. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
The Navy of the Repub ic of Texas.
of war Terrible at the northeast pass of the Mississippi, and in-
formed that vessel that she was on her way to Matamoras to assist
the Invincible in the blockade; when she arrived, however, the
latter had left for New York. With the Invincible and the Brutus
in New York, and the Liberty detained in New Orleans, Texas
now found herself in momentary expectation of an invasion with
only the Independence and four small privateers available for the
defense of her coast.1
Toward the end of the year Commodore Hawkins again sailed
for New Orleans to refit; and in January, 1837, he died of small-
pox at Madam Hale's residence on Canal Street.2 While he was
only thirty-six years old at the time, he had had a varied experience,
and had made a favorable impression upon every one with whom
he came into contact. When a mere youth he entered the United
States navy as a midshipman and was soon promoted to a lieu-
tenancy; but, being of a restless disposition, on the outbreak of
the Mexican Revolution he resigned his commission and entered
the Mexican service with Commodore Porter with the rank of
post-captain. Off Cuba he did excellent service and became a
terror to the Spanish shipping. He resigned his position at the
end of the revolution and in 1834 was a popular captain on the
Chattahoochee River. In the fall of 1835 he joined Mexia's ill-fated
expedition as aide-de-camp and after its failure came to Texas.
He presented himself to Governor Smith, and received from him
the following letter :4
Executive Department of Texas.
To Stephen F. Austin, B. T Archer and Wm H Wharton, Esqrs--
Agents of the People of Texas to the United States of America.
Gentlemen
This will probably be handed you by ,Majr Charles E.
Hawkins, a gentleman whose experience and ability in naval
affairs would render his services acceptable in any govt-and more
particularly in ours, which is just emerging from chaos. The
zeal and patriotism with which Majr Hawkins has espoused our
cause entitles him to the highest commendation. He has identified
'House Journal, 1st Tex. Cong., 1st Sess., 97.
'Tennison's Journal, folio 314.
'Telegraph and Texas Register, September 8, 1838; Yoakum, II, 39.
'Smith to Archer, Wharton, and Austin, December 20, 1835, in Austin
Papers.269
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association, Volume 12, July 1908 - April, 1909, periodical, 1909; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101048/m1/307/: accessed May 4, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.