The early history of Galveston, by Dr. J. O. Dyer Page: 28
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28 The Early History of Galveston.
Eagle Grove. They were descendants of Lafitte's men and Indian wives.
After the storm of 1837 those that survived moved to Copano Bay.
* * *
The dueling field in 1836 was the same as in Lafitte's time, the end
of the Point. The Point in Lafitte's time, however, must have extended
much further east. Colonel Hall fought a duel there in 1819 with one
Derieux, a trader and ship-owner. Derieux was seriously wounded. Colonel
Millard had a difficulty with another officer of the Texas army, and they
were said to have fought at the Point. Later Pelican Island became the
dueling field of Galveston.
* * *
Probably the only time in the early history of Galveston when no
treasure seekers burrowed on the island was in 1836. That silver was found
on the beach frequently cannot be wondered at considering the large numter
of vessels wrecked on the island when Spain traded with her rich
colony, Mexico. Early in 1836, when the wreckage piles on the sandhills
were dug out for building material, a quantity of silver plate was found
three or four feet below the surface. Also three gold Spanish doubloons.
* * *
In 1836 those that died were buried in the marsh east of Eighteenth
Street.
* * *
In 1836 some cattle down the island were pastured by one of the Bordens.
* * *
Late in 1836 a ferry was established at San Luis, and there was some
travel along the beach to that point. The Klebergs lived down the island.
* * *
President Burnet, on Sept. 13, 1836, wrote an address to the people of
Texas, which was published in the Telegraph and Texas Register. Having
been severely criticised, he took this method of explaining his actions whilst
President of the Republic. He was accused of neglecting to provide for
the army, whilst some went as far as accusing him of accepting a money
bribe from Santa Anna. A few hot-heads attempted to arrest the Presi(lent,
and to bring charges against him to be heard at a court-martial. The
President in this paper certainly cleared himself of the charges brought
against him. However, it is only in regard to his reference to Galveston
that this document will be called upon for material. The various proclamations
issued at Galveston have already been described. From his address
it may be judged that he considered it his duty to remain at Galveston to
guard the helpless women and children, as well as to establish a place of
refuge for the army where it could make a final stand in case of defeat.
He undoubtedly was kind to the captive Mexican general, and showed considerable
nobility of character in shielding that abject tyrant and coward.
For instance, Burnet wrote that when he arrived at the battlefield he
found the camp had been moved north for sanitary reasons, and that
Santa Anna occupied the only house near the battlefield. Other accounts
had it that Santa Anna insisted on remaining near where the wounded
Sam Houston was camped, first lying under a tree, and subsequently in a
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Dyer, Joseph O. The early history of Galveston, by Dr. J. O. Dyer, book, 1916; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth24651/m1/31/: accessed May 1, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.