The Stru-ggle for /11dcpe11deuce, I835-I836
Tlie GO'Vermnent of Texa.s during tlte Revoltetion. While the volun- teer army was besieging San Antonio, swift measures were taken to organize a directive body. In order to insure the effectiveness of their efforts, it became necessary to organize an administrative unit to present a solid front and to lead the movement during the crisis. The Committee of Safety of San Felipe, under the presidency of Austin, had issued an amended call early in September for a consultation to meet on October I 5 to determine the course to be followed by the people of Texas. News of the approach of Mexican troops, however, prompted Austin to suggest on October I that each committee throughout Texas send one of its members to San Felipe to form a permanent council, which would assume direction of affairs pending the meeting of a consultation. By October 8 representatives from Matagorda and Harrisburg joined those of San Felipe in calling upon the people to come to the assistance of their friends and neighbors. Three days later a permanent committee--destined to last less than three weeks-was organized. This was the first administrative unit to assume direction of the movement that culminated in independence. Richard R. Royall, of Matagorda, was elected president and Charles B. Stewart, secretary. This Permanent Council took over the duty of keeping the public informed of developments. Only thirty-two of the eighty-four elected delegates had arrived in San Felipe by October I 5. Because of the lack of a quorum they voted to adjourn until November I. It was further resolved that all those present who could join the army should enlist. The Permanent Council became the semi-official director of the first stage of the Revolution, acting in this capacity from October 17 to November I, 1835. The composition varied during its short existence; twenty-four in all served on it, but the largest number present at any one meeting (October 18) was twenty-two. Although only two of its members had had any previous experience in political matters-Lorenzo de Zavala and Daniel Parker, formerly of the Illinois State Legislature--the Council success- fully tackled the many serious problems confronting it. 11 The Council exerted itself to keep the army supplied. It issued letters of marque and reprisal, commissioned privateers, established a 1 'Its members deserve to be remembered. They were Richard R. Royall. Isaac Paterson, Lorenzo de Zavala, Daniel Parker, Samuel T. Allen, James W. Parker, Albert G. Perry, J. G. W. Pierson, Alexander Thompson, William Pettus, Ira R. Lewis, Joseph Bryan, Augustine R. Hardin, Hugh B. Johnson, Peter J. Menard, Henry Millard, Claiborne \Vest, Almanzon Huston, William Whitaker, Jacob G:irrett, Joseph I.. Hood, James B. \Vood, and Gail Borden, Jr.
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