Letters From The Past- Col. Fannin to Gov. J.W. Robinson

[joe817]

As tensions continue to rise in the Texans' camp, Fannin continues to update Robinson on the dire conditions he is facing:

Letter from FANNIN to ROBINSON. [February 22, 1836]:

"[Dear Sir:] You will pardon me for not giving you more of my time, when I tell you that I have too much to do, to suffer me to copy even my communications. I have been greatly troubled to get my militia to work or do any kind of garrison duty: but I am now happy to say, that I have got them quite well satisfied, and being well-disciplined, and doing good work. The fortress will be completely regulated by 3d March--and in anticipation, I have this day, christened it Fort Defiance. We had a Lottery, placing Milam, Defiance, and Independence in the wheel: when Defiance was drawn out. It was objected to Milam, that Bexar should receive the honour of being called after him, as his bones are there; and Independence it was thought, would look like army dictation. Dame Fortune settled the matter for us, and Defiance it is.

I am critically situated. General Houston is absent on furlough, and neither myself nor army have received any orders as to who should assume the command. It is my right; and, in many respects, I have done so, where I was convinced the public weal required it. I well know that many men of influence view me with an envious eye, and either desire my station, or my disgrace. The first, they are welcome to and many thanks for taking it off my hands. The second will be harder to effect. Will you allow me to say to you, and my friends of the old or new Convention, that I am not desirous of retaining the present, or receiving any other appointment in the army? I did not seek. in any manner, the one I hold, and, you well know, had resolved not to accept and but for Colonel Barnet and Clements, and Kerr, would have declined. I am a better judge of my military abilities than others, and if I am qualified to command an army, I have not found it out. I well know I am a better company officer than most men now in Texas, and might I do with Regulars &-c for a Regiment. But this does not constitute me a commander.

I also conscientiously believe that we have none fit for it now in the country; at least their talents have not been developed. With such as have been in the field since October, I do not fear comparison. But this is not the thing. I think you can get several first-rate officers from the United States. Do not cherish the hope of getting an officer now in service there with subaltern appointments. If you make offers of any such, give the field-offices at once, no matter who is left out. In organizing the army, do not say that the Major General shall be Commander-in-Chief. it may be necessary to appoint some such man as Carrol or Ripley, and no Major-General in Texas ought to complain of having such men raised over him. Leave room that it can be done, if an opportunity offer, and necessity requires it. I would recommend a War Bureau, and an experienced, energetic man at the head of it. Guard well the Constitution, and avoid such parts of that of the United States as have caused so much contention, and given rise to such various constructions.

Secure all kinds of property, and invite the cotton and sugar-grower into your country. The right of suffrage and the Judiciary will have your especial care, and I hope will be strictly attended to. Will you allow me to call your attention to some young men, the best qualified men I have ever seen in Texas, Captains Wm. G. Cook, and N. R. Brister, both of the New Orleans Greys---John S. Brooks, and Joseph M. Chadwell, who have each served since the 24th of December, as Adjutant and Sergeant-Major, decidedly the best officers I know of, having received a Military education, and each of some experience; also, Joseph Cardle and Thomas Barton, the first a regular graduate at the Point, and nine years In U.S. Army; the latter, seven years in U.S. Marines, and wishes to be in Artillery, if possible; also, Lieut. Hugh McLeod., U.S. Army, now waiting at Fort Jesup, and his horse ready and resignation written, and did once start.... If my family get in, I should like to join them.... After near eighteen months absence, nothing but dire necessity can keep me from my wife and children. Write me, and tell me how you get on. What from Archer, Austin and Co., &c.,& [James W. Fannin, Jr.] [To James W. Robinson]
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Diary of the Military Operations of the Division which under the Command of General Jos Urrea(one of Santa Ana's General's)

"Feb. 22. We marched to Chilquipin Ranch. That night I ordered a party of 120 mounted men, under the command of Colonel Rafael de la Vara, to advance as far as Santa Rosa before dawn in order to protect the scouting outpost, for I had been informed a party of the enemy threatened it. My object was, also, to have them march a day's journey in advance to reconnoiter Nueces."

[thatguyoverthere]

Thanks for that, Joe. I have a particular interest in Texas history from that period, and your post brought back some good memories. Although unfortunately, my little pea brain doesn't seem to be able to hold on to much of that history at any given time.

I suppose part of my interest in that period of Texas history comes from the accidental fact that I've lived most of my fairly long life in Fannin county, just outside of the town of Bonham, in far North Texas. That fact alone has pushed me to learn more about these men, and their deeds and other men involved with them.

Last summer, my wife and I took a road trip of a few days down to what you might call the birth place of Texas, just to see some of the places where some of the events of the Texas Revolution took place. We had never been to those particular spots before, so it was a very fun trip; very interesting and enlightening for us. We visited Gonzales, Goliad and Fannin. (We stayed in Victoria - wife had to get in a little shopping, too. )

We visited Fort Defiance in Goliad, and the cemetery behind it where Fannin and his men are buried after they were executed. The fort is completely restored, and supposedly looks much like it would have at that time. They have museum pieces inside (it's air conditioned) and have personnel there who can answer questions. While we were there (summertime), they also had volunteers giving talks out in the court yard area about history from that period. The cemetery just behind the fort where Fannin and many of his men are buried has a large monument and several related smaller historical markers as well.

Just across the road and across the river back up toward town, there's also an older, larger restored Spanish mission. That doesn't directly involve the Texas Revolution (pre-dates it), but it's a good visit, too. Very completely restored and lots of interesting displays inside and out regarding the time of the first Spanish settlements in the area.

We also visited the actual battle ground where Fannin and his army fought just east of Goliad, near the small community of Fannin. The battle site is not that big, and there are concrete sidewalks all around for easy access. There are no staff present there, but there is a lot of sign boards with lots of details about the battle and what happened where. (Be sure to stop and read the marker at the iron post, inside the battle ground area, but across the way from the pavilion). This battle ground is out in the middle of nowhere, and very quiet (no one else there while we were). It was very interesting and inspiring, imagining the battle as it took place, and the thoughts and emotions that must have been going through the minds of the fighters and their wives and children, too.

Of course, we also had to go to Goliad, the home of the "Come and Take It" flag. They have a little museum there and have the actual cannon itself (so they claim). We also travelled a few miles west of town and went down to the site where that actual skirmish took place. Again, off the beaten path (but is a paved road! ) so that just makes it seem more like it must have been at that time.

Then from there, a short drive over to San Felipe, to the location of where Stephen F. Austin created his settlement there on the Brazos River, you might say where it really all began. There is a park and some buildings and exhibits there (on both sides of the road) that were fascinating to us, too.

I say all that just to say that, if you're interested in that kind of stuff, and you haven't visited those places yet, I highly recommend making that trip. It was very fun, very informative and very inspiring for my wife and I. I'm sure you could see it all in one day if you had to, but I would recommend to give yourself at least 2 days, if not more, in order to soak it all up and give it full appreciation for what it represents. Plus there's a lot more there than just what we visited; and Victoria has a lot of interesting history and locations itself.

But I would advise reading up on that history a little bit before you go if you're not familiar with it because the more you know about what happened in those places, the more you'll appreciate what you're seeing when you're there. And I think no matter how much you do already know about it, you will learn a lot more from the information that is displayed at those sites.

Sorry for the excessively long post, but your entry stirred up some pleasant recent memories for me, and involves a time and events and people that all Texans should know more about. Yes, believe it or not, history (especially Texas history) can be both fun and educational! Enjoy!

[joe817]

Many thanks for sharing thatguyoverthere! Fascinating account of your travels down that way!

[The Annoyed Man]

Many thanks for sharing thatguyoverthere! Fascinating account of your travels down that way!

Ditto!

My wife and I have been wanting to take a trip exactly like what you’ve described. Is there plenty of nearby lodging, or is this a “bring the trailer and stay in the state park” kind of thing?

[thatguyoverthere]

Thanks for the feedback, Joe.

Tam, we stayed in Victoria. Plenty of chain and local lodging there. Victoria is about a 1/2 hour drive to Goliad. The Fannin battle ground is about half way between the two.

I also recall seeing one or two motels in both Gonzales and Goliad, but Victoria worked well for lodging for us. More rooms and restaurants there (and shopping for the wife) and pretty easy, quick driving to the things we wanted to see.

Probably are some RV parks around the area too, but I'm not an RV'er, so I really don't recall.

If you have time, I would also recommend a stop at Washington-on-the-Brazos, the place where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed. It's located a few miles south of Bryan/College Station. We were there a number of years ago. It's a state park. I think the original building is still there where the delegates met and the document was signed.

Great things to see for all those interested in Texas history! Best wishes for a safe trip for any and all who go!