F<Weign Colonization of Texas, I820-I835
2II
to the Rio Grande, with the understanding that the rest of the province was to be left to the Fredonians. But it seems that Fields and Hunter apparently failed to consult the war chiefs of the Cherokees, for they refused to cooperate in the scheme. Fortunately for the peaceful settlers, neither Fields nor Hunter was ever able to muster more than thirty warriors. Some of these, disgusted with the insignificant force of drunkards commanded by Edwards, withdrew at the very start of the venture. 59 With or without help from the Indians the rebellion was doomed to failure. In vain Edwards called on "freedmen" to come to the support of the defenders of "liberty" against "oppressors." Austin's counsel prevailed and the colonists gave their undivided support to the legally constituted authorities. "Do not let designing men deceive you as to the part the people of this colony will take," Austin pointed out to one of Edwards' men. "They are unanimous in disapproving all such violent proceedings and they will be faithful to the Government of their adoption . . . I do not wish any person basely to submit to oppression, but it is not submitting to oppression to submit to the laws, more specially when we have voluntarily pledged ourselves to obey those laws by removing to the country." Before leaving San Felipe, Saucedo acceded to Austin's request, and on January 6, 1827, offered a pardon to all who would lay down their arms. The offer was haughtily refused. Mexican officials had no choice but to do their duty. Reinforced by 250 militiamen from Austin's colony, Saucedo and Colonel Ahumada marched from San Felipe on January 22, and arrived in Nacogdoches on February 8 with 150 others who had joined them from the Anglo-American settlements in the Ais Bayou district. But ten days previously, Edwards and his few followers had fled across the Sabine. They had abandoned the town on January 28, leaving almost as suddenly as they had appeared on December 16. The Republic of Fredonia was no more. No tears were shed, nor were there bloody reprisals. The nine prisoners captured by scouting parties were examined and released. Colonel Ahumada wrote General Anastacio Bustamante, his immediate superior, that in spite of the urging of local officials, he had refused to confiscate their property. He did more. He persuaded Saucedo to endorse his recommendation "For an account of the Cherokees in Texas and the terms of the treaty with the Fredonians, see E. W. Winkler, "The Cherokees in Texas," Tiu Quarterly, VII, 95-165. Both Fields and Hunter were killed by the Indians before the short-lived rebellion ended.
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