Tlie Development of Friction, z820-z835
be allowed to leave to prevent a general engagement with the aroused populace. Regardless of the circumstances, the law had been violated and a soldier wounded by the lawbreakers. When the incident was reported, Teran was justly angry, but anxious as usual to avoid further trouble. He decided that the consignees of the goods delivered by the two vessels would have to pay the tonnage due, and that if the same ships returned to a Texas port with the same crews, they were to be detained until those implicated in wounding the soldier were surrendered for trial. At the same time he reprimanded Fisher, warning him that his imprudence would cause much trouble. A few months later Fisher was relieved of his duties at his own request and Francisco Duclor, acting deputy in Brazoria, was appointed to succeed him. 61 Visit of Colonel Jose Antunio Mexia. The rebellion against the government of Bustamante was launched by the Liberals, who pro- claimed the "Plan de Veracruz" and called on Santa Anna to lead them. The movement had spread rapidly in Mexico. Teran, romantic ideal- ist and man of principles, deplored the continued turmoil that con- stantly drained the lifeblood of Mexico and sapped its strength. With a heavy heart he left Texas early in 1832 and went to Padilla, Tamau- lipas, in an effort to help put down the rebellion. He longed to be able to dedicate all his energies to the solution of the Texas problem. Pro- phetically he wrote to Austin on June 25, 1832. "The affairs of Texas are understood by none but you and me, and we alone are the only ones who can regulate them; but there is time now to do no more than calm the agitation." He was not far wrong. Unfortunately for Texas, Teran a week later, despondent over the appalling disloyalty of public officials, threw himself upon his sword and ended his life. At almost the same time, a superior force of Santa Anna followers under Colonel Jose Antonio Mexia arrived before Matamoros. Colonel J. M. Guerra promptly evacuated his government troops.. But rumors of an independent insurgent movement in Texas having reached the rival leaders induced them to sign an armistice on July 6, 1832, in order to join forces to save Texas. The Bradburn and Velasco incidents had been interpreted as rebellion against Mexico. Mexia agreed to go to Texas to suppress the revolt. Fortunately, Austin, who had gone to see Teran after the Legislature in Saltillo adjourned, was in Matamoros at the time. Assuring Mexia that the 61B:irker. Texas and Mexico, 109-110.
Powered by FlippingBook