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The Development of Friction, 1820-1835
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"not want to unite with the north." It was to the best interests of Mexico, he continued, to settle Texas as rapidly as possible with men of character and means, regardless of their place of origin, and to or- ganize it as a state.~ Significant declarations this early! They indicate to what depth the confidence of the most loyal Anglo-American in Texas had been shaken and express the growing desire of many for independent statehood from Coahuila that was to result in the call of the conventions of 1832 and 1833. By 1832 immigration had been closed. DeWitt's contract had ex- pired. Only one contract of Austin remained in operation, and this was to terminate in 1834. Such were the conditions in Texas as a result of Article XI. The persistent requests for its annulment at last bore fruit. In De- cember, 1833, Congress repealed Article XI, effective within six months. Then the Legislature of Coahuila and Texas at once renewed and ex- tended colonization contracts in 1834, and the immigrants once more poured into Texas. The colonists, however, never forgot the law be- cause of the hardships it imposed during the four years it was in operation. Other effects of tlie Law of April 6, 1830. The establishment of the new military posts aroused deep resentment and caused much concern among the colonists. The presence of the additional soldiers in Texas merely to prevent illegal entries would have been unpopular enough, but when it was learned that they were to be used, likwise, to prevent smuggling, and to form the nuclei of military colonies, their presence became a source of constant irritation. Teran warned the commanders to exercise the greatest caution. He recommended the culti- vation of friendly relations through the purchase of supplies from the colonists and the most cordial cooperation with all civil authorities. 51 But all proved futile. A clash, however, under the circumstances was inevitable. Perhaps it could have been avoided had the commander of Anahuac not been Colonel John David Bradburn, a stubborn, tactless Kentuckian, now in Mexican service, and puffed up with the idea of his own importance. J. Francisco Madero, special land commissioner, arrived in February, 1831, to issue titles to the scattered settlers on the lower Trinity. He was received with genuine relief, for they hoped that their status, 56 Austin to Teran, September 17, 1830; to Alam.in, September 20, 1830 1 cited in ibid., 318. 51 Barker, llle:rir.o and Te:ras, 1821-1835, 104.
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