Tlie Vicariate, z84z-z847
come from Kentucky with the group that Haydon and Clarke had first tended on the Colorado and they all showed great interest in the plans. When giving $50.00 for the fund, the Vicar said, " but I told them positively that I would not contribute any more." 40 Conditions in San Antonio-even before the second invasion by Mexican forces in September-were very grave. Odin reported that the militia and the volunteers had proved more destructive than the foreign foe. By the end of August only a few American families were living in San Antonio. Not only had the best American element left, but more than twenty prominent Mexican families had been practically forced to go to Mexico. Every day saw new departures from San Antonio and the Colorado settlements. "The Texan militia has entirely ruined poor San Antonio," Odin declared. They stole horses, sheep, and cattle from natives and Texans alike. Mexican families everywhere were being forced to leave the country and go to Mexico. The ranches in the West were abandoned. The coastal towns, especially Corpus Christi, were continually harassed by the restless and unscrupulous volunteers, who while destroying the country, professed loyalty to the Texas cause. Unpaid, poorly quartered and left without regular supplies, they could hardly be blamed for preying on the ranchers and traders. Although there were only about a hundred volunteers in Galveston, Odin wrote, "Every day we hear of some new depredation committed. Beeves, fowls, store provisions are stolen, houses burnt, shooting and stabbing are daily occurrences," wrote Odin. 41 The weather added to the woes of Texans. Drought had destroyed the grain crops in the spring and then heavy rains ruined the cotton. Monsieur de Saligny had had to leave on account of his health, and the French Legation, which Odin had purchased, was occupied by a family who got the place for just being caretakers. Odin explained it was the only thing that could be done, for many residents of Austin had fled eastward with others in search of safety after the President and Con- gress had moved to Houston, and those who departed were only too glad to have someone care for their houses during their absence. It was impossible, consequently, to rent. But in spite of the threat of war and the excesses of the militia, the failure of the crops, other difficult economic conditions, and local
40 0din to Blanc, July 4 and August 20, 1842, C. A. T. 41 0din to Timon, June 20: Odin to Blanc, l\fay 16, 22
1 July 4, and August ao;
Odin to E. Rouselon, October 3 I, r 842, C. A. T,
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