The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume II

PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR 395 vention with plenary powers- This Convention, in Washington March 1st. 1836 and declared their independence on the 2 march- (Andrew Robinson settled near Washington 22 Deer. 1821)

Coss Canipaign.

In October Coss landed at Copano, marched up to Goliad, left a small force there and proceeded with his main arm to St Antonio- An attempt was made to intercept him & cut him off before he could reach the Alamo ; but a sufficient force could not be raised in time to do it- Coss was captured Deer- On the 2nd March, the Convention appointed Genl. Houston Com- mander in Chief- he had received the appointment by the Con- sultation; & was rcnued or confirmed by the Convention. The Constitution was adopted on the eving of the 16 March- they adjourned in great haste on the 17 expecting the Enemy to be upon them every hour- That night they appointed the officers of the Govt. Adenterim. They also passed a, Ressolution authorizing 'the Seery. to sign the names of the members of the convention, to the Constitution- [Endorsed] Notes respecting the Consultation, Coss and the Convention- irom Judge Grimes Montgomery

From Judge Grimes

Whilst the convention was in session at Washington, its busi- ness was subject to constant interruptions from alarms about the approach of the enemy. On the 16th March, intelligence (but false) was received, that Guiano, who wa-s supposed to be on his way to Nacogd·or,hes, above Tenoxticlan was marching down upon ·washing- ton; and would be very soon in the town. This threw the mem- bers of the convention into great consternation. They knew not what to do. Captain Teel had but just passed thro' the city on his way to Gonzalez with a compa,ny of Regulars, who however had no arms. It was known that there were some muskets and amunition at San philippe. John Alcorn and Simon Miller volunteered their services to bear an order to Teel to repair forthwith to San phillippe, arm his men and return to ·washington. The only authority in the country then was the convention. The President of the body gra,nted the necessary order; and the two gentlemen above named, proceeded on after Teel. They had gone but a few miles, bfore they returned in full speed: under whip & spur & all-breathless, with the alarming tiding that Gouiana was upon the city- The convention was in ses- sion then late at night; and being seized with dreadful apprehen- sion~ immediately adopted the Constitution, then lying on the Table, and passing a Resolution authorizing the Secretary to sign the names of the members of that body to the Instrument, adjourned in great

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