Growing Tensions Increased Tensions p 194 198 n

Growing Tensions Increased Tensions p. 194 - 198

n In Austin’s Mission is Stalled April 1833, Stephen F. Austin began his journey to take the resolutions to Mexico City. n When Austin arrived, Santa Anna’s government was not yet organized and no plans had yet been made on dealing with Texas. n In Mexico City, a cholera epidemic had killed thousands of people. n After waiting 3 months in Mexico City, Austin became impatient from his lack of accomplishments. n Austin wrote the authorities in San Antonio and encouraged them to form their own government.

Austin is imprisoned and Released n In November, Santa Anna finally returned to Mexico City and agreed to some of the reforms requested by Austin. n Santa Anna would not grant Texas separate state-hood, but agreed to repeal the law restricting immigration form the U. S. n Santa Anna agreed to improve the court and postal systems. n Austin left for home in December 1833.

Austin is imprisoned and Released n When Austin reached Saltillo in January 1834, he was arrested for the letter he wrote to the authorities of San Antonio. n He was taken to Mexico City and remained in prison for 1 year. n Local officials at various Texas towns began to press for Austin’s freedom. n Austin was released on bail on Christmas 1834, but had to remain in Mexico City. n Austin was given complete freedom in July 1835 and landed in Texas on September 1, 1835 after 2 years and 4 months.

Reforms Begin in Texas n Cholera and malaria spread through Texas and Mexico while killed many people. n 1834 was better in Texas. The reforms promised by Santa Anna had begun. Including: – Recognizing English as an official language for transactions. – Immigration from the U. S. – Improving the court system – Increasing the number of Texas representatives in the state legislature. – Religious tolerance was granted.

Reforms Begin in Texas n During Austin’s imprisonment the Mexican government sent Colonel Juan Almonte on an inspection tour of Texas. n Almonte reported all was quiet in Texas and to continue the reforms.

Trouble Erupts Again n In early 1835 trouble between Texas and Mexico broke out again in Anahauc. n Captain Antonio Tenorio was the commander of the garrison in Anahauc. n Local Anahauc residents, led by Andrew Briscoe, quarreled with Tenorio about custom duties. n They argued these taxes were not charged at other ports and refused to pay them until the law was enforced equally. n Tenorio arrested Briscoe.

Trouble Erupts Again n Briscoe’s arrest caused resentment among the colonists. n A group led by William B. Travis went to Anahauc and forced Tenorio to surrender and leave Texas. n Several towns adopted resolutions assuring the Mexican government of their loyalty. n Local San Felipe leaders wrote a letter of apology to General Marin Perfecto de Cos, commander of the Mexican forces in Coahulia.

General Cos rejects the Apology n General Cos demanded that Texas officials arrest those involved in the disturbances and turned over to the military for trial. n Santa Anna was no longer a Federalist; he had become a Centralist. n Cos also ordered the arrest of a distinguished Mexican politician, Lorenzo de Zavala because he had helped frame the Mexican Constitution of 1824. n Cos announced that he was taking many soldiers to Texas to arrest those he considered disloyal.

Texans Call for a Consultation n Texans were concerned because they were not willing to turn their friends over to the Mexican government. n On August 15, 1835, The town of Columbia issued a call fro a convention to discuss the situation. n This became know as the Consultation and was to meet at Washington-on-the-Brazos on October 15. n One group, the Peace Party, felt the Consultation might cause trouble.

Texans Call for a Consultation n Another group, War Party, favored the Consultation and was led by settlers who had been disappointed when the Mexican government stopped issuing contracts for lands in Texas. n Leaders like William H. Wharton and Willliam B. Travis favored an immediate declaration of independence from Mexico, even if it meant war. n The invitation for the Consultation noted that the delegates should work for a peaceful solution.

Texans Call for a Consultation n Austin gave his approval for the Consultation. n Austin had become convinced that Santa Anna was becoming a dictator, a ruler with absolute power. n Austin believed the time had come to act and urged the colonists to unite.