The early history of Galveston, by Dr. J. O. Dyer Page: 6
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6 The Early History of Galveston.
1817, to Manuel Herrera, the other to Collector Beverly Clew at New Orleans,
July 28, both denouncing Lafitte. '
Perry and Aury likewise quarrelled. Perry, it seemed, refused to obey
Aury's orders, keeping up a separate establishment during the winter of
f816 to 1817. Colonel Hall, who was with Perry, said that Aury invited
Perry to a conference, seized him and placed him in irons. Mina was in
New Orleans, purchasing the Cleopatra and Neptune, and when he returned
in March, he compelled Aury to liberate Perry. The ill feeling engendered
then caused the split-up later which caused the death of Mina and Perry;
for had this strong expedition remained united it might have proven more
successful. Jose Manuel Herrera, who raised the first flag on Galveston
Island, lived for many years and became prominent in Mexico.
The men of Perry visited the east end of Galveston which they called
Punta Culebra. One of Perry's men who was bathing in a lagoon on the
island was maimed by an alligator.
The following were officers of Aury's government: Colonel Young, commander
of the guard; Colonel Myers commanded the artillery; Count de
Reuth, the cavalry; Major Larda, the infantry; Morin, of New Orleans,
Secretary of State. Little is known of these men who formed the first
constituted government on Galveston Island. Aury's history has been mentioned;
Perry and Mina perished. Rousselin went over to Lafitte. Colonel
Young later escaped from Mexico. Major Warren D. C. Hall lived in Galveston
until he died in 1871. J. Davis Bradburn, an officer with Mina, became
the Alcalde of Anahuac, who caused trouble in 1835. Sam Bangs, the
printer of the camp, printed the first newspaper in Galveston. Of the vessels
of Mina's command little likewise remains to be told. The Cleopatra
was commanded by Captain Hoover. The Neptune by Captain Wisset.
The Neptune later became one of Lafitte's vessels, probably captured as a
prize, and was used as a supply boat by Lafitte's colony.
-Several of the survivors of Aury's, Mina's and Perry's commands joined
Lafitte. One by the name of Black became officer in command of the
Pride, the last vessel commanded by Lafitte. Another of the same name
joined Long's force. Morin, who was Secretary of State for Aury, was a
bankrupted merchant of New Orleans. He later went to Havana with Aury.
A complete record of Lafitte's camp on Galveston Island would make this
history larger than intended. The author will, therefore, ask you to accept
a short resume, referring you for the minute details (as complete as
they can be delineated at this late day), to his history and life of Lafitte
in Louisiana and Texas.
Lafitte probably landed between the 5th and 12th day of May, 1817, with
five vessels. In July, when Aury returned, Lafitte had a full camp of
nearly one thousand men. Lafitte was not a pirate, but a privateer, authorized
by three governments to seize enemies or their ships. All of these
governments were at war with Spain. Lafitte was friendly with England
until that country attacked the United States, when he showed himself a
true patriot, helping the country of his adoption, although that country
had despoiled him of all his wealth. Lafitte not only fought at the battle
of New Orleans, but would not allow any of his crews to rob American vessels.
Lafitte never was on board a single vessel that made captures, except
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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/m1/9/?rotate=90: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.