Texas Fight for Independence Documented in 1836 Volume of the Niles Weekly Register

"[Texas Independence] Niles’ Weekly Register, Containing Political, Historical, Geographical, Scientifical, Statistical, Economical and Biographical ... from March, 1836, to September, 1836...",

This is a nearly complete volume of the Niles’ Weekly Register covering the period from March to September 1836. It contains 25 of 26 issues (missing the August 20th issue) with detailed first-hand accounts of the fight for Texas independence including on page 99 four major pieces regarding Texas independence: an early account of Davy Crockett's speech at a dinner on his way to the Alamo relating that he told the people of Tennessee that if they didn’t reelect him " 'they might all go to h---, and I would go to Texas. I was beaten, and here I am.’ The roar of applause was like a thunder-burst;" a letter from Martin Parmer from the Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos dated March 6, 1836 (the day the Alamo fell) saying that the constitution will soon be ready and that: “Travis’ last express states San Antonio was strongly besieged; it is much feared that Travis and company are all massacred…;” an early printing of Sam Houston's March 5 "Army Orders" calling for reinforcements: “INDEPENDENCE IS DECLARED – It must be maintained. Immediate action, with valor alone, can achieve the great work;” and, most significantly, the full text of the Texas Declaration of Independence (concluded on the next page).

While the content of the April 9 issue is compelling, the dramatic events leading to Texas’ independence are documented throughout the volume including:

March 5, 1836. Notice that “a force of 2,500 Mexicans was advancing upon Texas...” (page 3)

March 19, 1836. Notice that “the people of Texas are divided” and that Gen. Houston and Col. Bowie were displaced from their commands in the army. (pages 33, 35-36)

March 26, 1836. Santa Anna and his army march upon Texas; “Santa Anna has sworn to take Texas or lose Mexico;” volunteers returning from Texas because of lack of food. (pages 51-53)

April 2, 1836. San Antonio is besieged; initial attack on the Alamo repulsed. (pages 85-87)

April 9, 1836. Includes the Texas “Declaration of Independence.” (pages 98-100)

April 16, 1836. The fall of the Alamo and massacre of Texian troops. (pages 121-123)

April 23, 1836. Fort Goliad blown up, Col. Fanning joins Gen. Houston. (pages 129-130)

April 30, 1836. Detailed reports of fierce fighting. (pages 149-150)

May 7, 1836. Editor (Niles) pessimistic about Texas’ prospects for independence; Santa Anna’s proclamation to his army. (pages 161-163)

May 14, 1836. Texas boundary issues. (pages 185-187)

May 21, 1836. Victory of Houston’s army. (page 206)

May 28, 1836. Details of the Battle of San Jacinto. (pages 220-221)

June 4, 1836. Santa Anna captured; Houston declares victory. (page 240)

June 11, 1836. Gen. Houston in bad health; Santa Anna under strong guard. (pages 249, 258)

June 25, 1836. Rumor denied that Gen. Houston would be relieved of command of the army; official account of Texian victory. (pages 282, 293-294)

July 2, 1836. Recognition by U.S. sought; “Santa Ana’s Vindication.” (pages 297, 310-311)

July 9, 1836. U.S. Congress deliberates recognition of Texas. (pages 315-316)

July 16, 1836. Agreement between Republic of Texas and Santa Anna. (pages 329, 335-337)

July 23, 1836. Texas celebration in NYC; report that another Mexican army on the march to Texas. (pages 345, 350-351)

July 30, 1836. Mexican troops massing; attempt to shoot Santa Ana; Lamar address to Army of Texas on the “second grand contest…with the Mexican forces.” (pages 361, 364-366)

August 6, 1836. Mexican army diminishing by desertion; Gen. Rusk asks for volunteers. (pages 383-386)

August 13, 1836. Mexico holding off next campaign until fall; Indian disturbances in Texas. (pages 393, 402)

August 20, 1836. Gen. Filasola accepts Santa Ana’s agreement to cease fighting. (pages 413-414)

August 27, 1836. Port of Matamoras blockade not efficient with Mexican and American vessels permitted to pass; story of Col. Crockett selling his watch to raise funds. (pages 430, 432)

Hardbound in modern red cloth.

References:

Condition: B+

Text is mostly clean and bright with occasional foxing, save for the title page and index which are moderately toned and stained. Modern binding is pristine.