The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 62, July 1958 - April, 1959 Page: 215
617 p. : ill., maps, ports. ; 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 Texas Road to Secession and War
to keep a record of Texas' military organizations. Order Number
1 from the Adjutant General's Office in Austin, on May 1, 1861,
stated that each company was to have one captain, one first lieu-
tenant, two second lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals,
and not less than sixty-four nor more than one hundred privates.
Each man was to supply his own arms and clothing. The com-
pany elected its officers.
One Sunday in May a company of booted and spurred Texas
Rangers from San Augustine marched into the Methodist Church
in Austin and sat down. One of the rangers laid aside his arms
and preached the sermon; then they all marched out and pro-
ceeded on their way toward San Antonio. The speaker had been
a minister as a civilian.7
On Wednesday, June 5, a meeting of Austin citizens was held
in the capitol to discuss providing equipment and clothing for
volunteer companies raised in Austin. Many women attended the
meeting. On June 6 the Ladies' Needle Battalion, comprised
of about one hundred Austin women, was organized to make
uniforms for the volunteers.
The Gazette advertised Gilham's manual, The School of the
Soldier, published by Richardson and Company of Galveston,
available to all volunteers at fifty cents a copy. The manual con-
tained sixty-four pages of military information.
Thursday, June 13 , was a silent and solemn day in Austin.
President Jefferson Davis had proclaimed a National Day of
prayer and fasting. Businesses were closed and church services
were held, and the Gazette noted that the day was observed in
a proper manner in the capital city.
In late June the people of Austin received news that the first
soldiers from Texas had arrived in Virginia on June o10. They
were with the 6th Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers. President
Davis had not yet called for Texans to serve other than within
the state.88
On June 14 the Austin City Light Artillery Company was or-
ganized with Captain H. Willke elected commanding officer.
By June 22 the company had three officers, five sergeants, four
sTlbid.
88Ibid., June 22, 1861, p. 2.215
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 Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 62, July 1958 - April, 1959, periodical, 1959; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101173/m1/258/: accessed March 28, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.