A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination Page: 67 of 412
View a full description of this book.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
1821.1
ERA OF FILIBUSTERS.
53
joined the expedition. The patriots, as they fondly called
themselves, sailed to Point Bolivar; here Trespalacios
and his men left the rest of the party, and sailed down
the coast to land in Mexico, where they hoped to raise
more troops. Long, leaving his family at the little fort,
advanced to Goliad and captured the town. Of what
follows there are many conflicting reports; we know
positively only that three days after the taking of Goliad,
Long was attacked by a large body of Royalists, and that
after a stubborn fight he surrendered.* After months
of delay Long was permitted to go to the City of Mexico,
where Iturbide had just come into power, and where the
cause of liberty seemed to triumph over all difficulties.
Trespalacios was also in the Mexican capital and was
made governor of Texas. Long was treated as an hon-
ored guest. One day when calling on the Minister of
Chili as he entered the palace he was shot and killed by
a Mexican soldier; the mystery of his assassination has
never been explained. t
* Some authorities claim that after Long and his men had made a most heroic
resistance, the enemy sent in a flag of truce, saying: "We have just discovered
that you too are patriots; let us then be friends." "But why are you fighting
under the royal banners?" demanded Long. "That is only a device to save us
from any of the King's troops who may be near," they answered. The Ameri-
cans, accepting the story, surrendered only to find themselves entrapped.
t Some of Long's friends believed that Trespalacios, jealous of Long's popu-
larity, hired the soldier to murder him. Several historians discredit this story,
and say that Long, on one occasion, demanded entrance into the barracks; the.
guard refused to admit him; Long struck the sentinel, who at once shot him.
Mrs. Long spent many weary months waiting her husband's return; for days
she, her children, and a negro servant-girl were alone at Point Bolivar. After
Dr. Long's murder she went to Natchez, but returned to Texas where she lived
honored and revered to the extreme age of 80 years. She took a prominent part in
welcoming the volunteers who came to aid Texas in her struggle for independence.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This book 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 Book.
Pennybacker, Anna J. Hardwicke. A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination, book, 1895; Palestine, Tex.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth2388/m1/67/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.